Which stadium is best?

[GAD]

Fargo Dome, Washington-Grizz, Bridgefort, Roos


https://youtu.be/19JdT9rObZw

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I've been to the popular ones, Washington-Griz, The Fargo Dome, Bobcat Stadium (Montana State), Bridgeforth (JMU), Delaware Stadium, yet the best stadium that I've seen is Princeton and it's not even close imo.

[Bisonator]

Of those:
1. Wa-Griz
2. Bridgeforth
3. FargoDome


Roos Field? Seriously?? xlolx

[Professor Chaos]

Yeah, I'd agree Wa-Griz is the best. Few others I'd put right up there are the Dykhouse Stadium (SDSU), Bobcat Stadium (Montana St), and Hornet Stadium (Alabama St - I think that's the name).

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/fb2737bb841ad893d84298478866a5c160479034/c=0-101-2000-1231&r=1280x720&r=880/local/-/media/2016/09/06/SiouxFalls/SiouxFalls/636087632856609067-0815-SDSU-Media-Day-5674.jpg

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/b5/0b591529-79ee-5443-bcd2-bc2cd3fd75ed/590bb454a6997.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800

https://lagniappemobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Hornet-stadium.jpg

Cue the #NotAStadium debate. xrolleyesx

[Redbird 4th & short]

Of those:
1. Wa-Griz
2. Bridgeforth
3. FargoDome


Roos Field? Seriously?? xlolx

Me after our 2014 playoff game at EWU

https://i.gifer.com/7Go8.gif

[POD Knows]

Never been to Bridgefort. Wa-Griz is first of this crop, the Fargo Dome is not a stadium. Dykehouse is a nice stadium but they can't fill it unless NDSU is there and their normal gameday atmosphere is weak.

[DFW HOYA]

I've been to the popular ones, Washington-Griz, The Fargo Dome, Bobcat Stadium (Montana State), Bridgeforth (JMU), Delaware Stadium, yet the best stadium that I've seen is Princeton and it's not even close imo.

If Penn could fill Franklin Field (yes, a tall order these days), it would be an amazing place for college football. But Princeton is certainly in the conversation, especially to those fans of Missouri Valley and Big Sky schools which have never seen it in person or on TV.

[katss07]

Haven't seen Cowboy Stadium (McNeese) mentioned on here. There's a lot of charm in "The Hole" and it kind of has a big time college football feel that you don't get anywhere else in the SLC. It definitely deserves some consideration. And while I haven't been out to Abilene, I hear ACU's new stadium is a thing of beauty. It's brand new.

[Daytripper]

Haven't seen Cowboy Stadium (McNeese) mentioned on here. There's a lot of charm in "The Hole" and it kind of has a big time college football feel that you don't get anywhere else in the SLC. It definitely deserves some consideration. And while I haven't been out to Abilene, I hear ACU's new stadium is a thing of beauty. It's brand new.

Been to McNeese's stadium a few times. It is as you describe. It has a charming, old-school feel to it. It has very good sightlines everywhere. And the fans are great.

[Lorne_Malvo]

Griz.

[Sader87]

31855

Fitton Field is a tremendous stadium (on either side) to actually watch a game, literally on top of the field.....atmosphere can be tremendous too depending on opponent, weather etc

[DFW HOYA]

31855Fitton Field is a tremendous stadium (on either side) to actually watch a game, literally on top of the field.....atmosphere can be tremendous too depending on opponent, weather etc

No PL field/stadium really has much in the way of atmosphere.

[Mocs123]

I haven't been to any of the suggested best stadiums, though I think it would be hard to beat the atmosphere it looks like they have at Grizz games. Being the state flagship sure helps things.

As much as it pains me to say this, I think Jacksonville State has a great stadium and atmosphere. It used to feel like a big sort of bland HS stadium, but with recent renovations it's an excellent looking stadium where they turned the old home side into the visitors side and built a very impressive structure to serve as the new home side. One thing they did that I really like is kept the video booth on the visitors side so the camera faces the impressive home side - I wish more FCS schools did that as unlike p5 programs, the visitor side is usually smaller and often fairly empty. They have great fan support and a great band. They have a really nice game day atmosphere.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

No PL field/stadium really has much in the way of atmosphere.

Sadly, not anymore. Up until 10-15 years ago Lehigh had a very worthy 1-AA/FCS atmosphere. Arguably second best to Delaware in the mid-Atantic/Northeast.The days of 13-14k for a big game appear to be over.

[wapiti]

Is someone trying to get views on their youtube video? This seems to be almost click-bait.

Roos does not belong in this argument. The Fargo dome, without the atmosphere, does not belong either.

[Sader87]

No PL field/stadium really has much in the way of atmosphere.

Probably true, though I'd argue that HC/Fitton still can have a decent atmosphere given the opponent/occasion(Homecoming etc) today.

The stadium itself is very spartan, agreed....but for sightlines, it really is one of the best places to watch D1 football. With very little sideline space, both sides are literally right on top of the field of play.

[Son of Eli]

31858

[Son of Eli]

31855

Fitton Field is a tremendous stadium (on either side) to actually watch a game, literally on top of the field.....atmosphere can be tremendous too depending on opponent, weather etc

I visited Fitton Field fir the first time in 2018. I was very impressed. Best venue in the patriot league that I’ve gone to, others being Lehigh and Fordham.

[KPSUL]

Bridgeforth does not belong on the list of best FCS stadiums. Someone on AGS once described it as the "Tallest self-standing aluminum structure on the east coast". Unless you are sitting in the home side box seats it is not a comfortable place. The upper deck on the home side is particularly bad, and on the visitor side the numbered bench spots are too close together. They seat visiting fans adjacent to the end zone where you can't see the video scoreboard at all. There are a lot of stadiums in the CAA which I'd prefer to watch a game: Stony Brook, Delaware, Elon, UNH, Richmond and even URI's Meade Stadium now that they have built a a great new grandstand that you access through the top of their B-Ball arena. Maine has an excellent beer and food service area right behind an end zone which is a great place to watch the 2nd half of a game that your visiting preseason #5 team is losing by 30 points.

[DFW HOYA]

Grading the stadiums of the Northeast, apologies if I missed anyone:

A: Delaware, James Madison, Princeton, Stony Brook, William & Mary
B+: Richmond, Maine, New Hampshire
B: Harvard, Dartmouth, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, Yale
C+: Monmouth, Columbia, Cornell, Norfolk St., Towson
C: Brown, Bucknell, CCSU, Colgate, Hampton, LIU, Merrimack, URI, Villanova, VMI
D: Bryant, Del State, Fordham, Howard, Marist, Morgan St., Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, St. Francis, Wagner
F: Duquesne, Georgetown

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Grading the stadiums of the Northeast, apologies if I missed anyone:

A: Delaware, James Madison, Princeton, Stony Brook, William & Mary
B+: Richmond, Maine, New Hampshire
B: Harvard, Dartmouth, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, Yale
C+: Monmouth, Columbia, Cornell, Norfolk St., Towson
C: Brown, Bucknell, CCSU, Colgate, Hampton, LIU, Merrimack, URI, Villanova, VMI
D: Bryant, Del State, Fordham, Howard, Marist, Morgan St., Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, St. Francis, Wagner
F: Duquesne, Georgetown

Lehigh and Lafayette blow UNH's renovated digs out of the water. It's not even close. Unless things have changed the away side at Wildcat Stadium is still old and need of replacing. Plus it has a track. You can tell it was done with the same mindset as JMU's stadium. UNH's facility is extremely underwhelming and not trying to be a hater. I can't imagine how bad it was before the rebuilt home side. It's a testament to UNH's football culture they're able to sustain national success. I even said to a local politician who I sat near that Lehigh should embarrassed they didn't submit a bid or install lights.

https://scontent.fagc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15268025_1351382574894170_6787807969706375142_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=nyM6doteIHIAX_I-DT6&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-2.fna&oh=53c843c7b1d765c0ee8940a518d905aa&oe=5FF10B2D

Away seats...
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Cowell_Stadium%2C_UNH%2C_Durham_NH.jpg/1200px-Cowell_Stadium%2C_UNH%2C_Durham_NH.jpg

[POD Knows]

Lehigh and Lafayette blow UNH's renovated digs out of the water. It's not even close. Unless things have changed the away side at Wildcat Stadium is still old and need of replacing. Plus it has a track. You can tell it was done with the same mindset as JMU's stadium. UNH's facility is extremely underwhelming and not trying to be a hater. I can't imagine how bad it was before the rebuilt home side. It's a testament to UNH's football culture they're able to sustain national success. I even said to a local politician who I sat near that Lehigh should embarrassed they didn't submit a bid or install lights.

https://scontent.fagc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15268025_1351382574894170_6787807969706375142_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=nyM6doteIHIAX_I-DT6&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-2.fna&oh=53c843c7b1d765c0ee8940a518d905aa&oe=5FF10B2D

Away seats...
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Cowell_Stadium%2C_UNH%2C_Durham_NH.jpg/1200px-Cowell_Stadium%2C_UNH%2C_Durham_NH.jpg
The non-stadium in these pics sucks, nice freaking track though

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lafayette...might be another two years until I return. These two pics are from 2016, a week before the UNH game...

https://scontent.fagc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15095629_1343040229061738_4798328876053398482_n.jp g?_nc_cat=100&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=ucWuPzvIkBsAX-8EuDv&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-2.fna&oh=0c5e6999efd1c2eaaf3d79d99fc2e78b&oe=5FFCBF0E

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15055722_1343131112385983_1579697196055777820_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=aoVYXgHhyhEAX9ARyYa&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=a0c1bbc9e9538f7f50005695b2ecea06&oe=5FFD7E02

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Here's a good pic of Lehigh's stadium and most of its athletic campus. Money and land are a helluva combo...
https://www1.lehigh.edu/sites/default/files/LehighUniversity_MapsDirections_MurrayH.GoodmanCam pus.jpg

[katss07]

Yeah, but Wildcat Stadium's nickname is The Dungeon so it's kind of automatically better

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Princeton Stadium. Just a beautiful facility!

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/axiomimagesthumbs-or/proxy/original/AX82_102-00002.jpg

Palmer Stadium which proceeded Princeton Stadium. I wish I could find a decent "modern" pic of it! I vividly remember watching Keith Elias shred Lehigh here in 1993....
https://www.princetonianamuseum.org/media/artifact/b4e5746b-377b-4356-9bb8-648f0e032b01/full.jpeg

[KPSUL]

Lehigh and Lafayette blow UNH's renovated digs out of the water. It's not even close. Unless things have changed the away side at Wildcat Stadium is still old and need of replacing. Plus it has a track. You can tell it was done with the same mindset as JMU's stadium. UNH's facility is extremely underwhelming and not trying to be a hater. I can't imagine how bad it was before the rebuilt home side. It's a testament to UNH's football culture they're able to sustain national success. I even said to a local politician who I sat near that Lehigh should embarrassed they didn't submit a bid or install lights.

The only thing Lehigh should have been embarrassed about that day was the way they played. The fact that a mediocre UNH Team blew out the most promising Lehigh team in a decade in the only game you attended there might have contributed to your less than complimentary assessment. Coach Mac took it easy on your guys that day, we could have scored 80 points instead of 64. Although the old, now visitor's side of the stadium is in no way aesthetically pleasing when you look at it from a distance, it is a great place to watch a football game. All of the seats are high enough off the field to get a decent view of the game even if you sit in the bottom few rows - that totally negates the effect of the track. Where else in the CAA are you going to attend an away game and get to sit in a box seat between the 40's, behind your team's bench? The answer is no where. Everything about the home field side is comfortable and efficient, from the walk in and out of the stadium, the leg and butt room and the sight lines to the field. We also have the best video board in the conference and I've seen almost all of them. The old Cowell Stadium was, well, the old grandstands you don't like to look at with Bleachers on the other side and bleachers also in the south end zone. But the place was magical for a big game with fans pressed up against fencing all around the stadium. We also had the best food available in college football: Hand cut French fries cooked fresh in peanut oil, waffles with real maple syrup, and several other unique items. By the way you were probably talking with a plumber or a lobsterman, we all drink too much on Boulder Field before the game and say we are politicians to visitors. It's quite believable - little NH has the largest state legislature in the country and all of them went to UNH.

[UAalum72]

Grading the stadiums of the Northeast, apologies if I missed anyone:

A: Delaware, James Madison, Princeton, Stony Brook, William & Mary
B+: Richmond, Maine, New Hampshire
B: Harvard, Dartmouth, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, Yale
C+: Monmouth, Columbia, Cornell, Norfolk St., Towson
C: Brown, Bucknell, CCSU, Colgate, Hampton, LIU, Merrimack, URI, Villanova, VMI
D: Bryant, Del State, Fordham, Howard, Marist, Morgan St., Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, St. Francis, Wagner
F: Duquesne, GeorgetownAlbany, which except for end zone seating is pretty similar to Stony Brook

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The only thing Lehigh should have been embarrassed about that day was the way they played. The fact that a mediocre UNH Team blew out the most promising Lehigh team in a decade in the only game you attended there might have contributed to your less than complimentary assessment. Coach Mac took it easy on your guys that day, we could have scored 80 points instead of 64. Although the old, now visitor's side of the stadium is in no way aesthetically pleasing when you look at it from a distance, it is a great place to watch a football game. All of the seats are high enough off the field to get a decent view of the game even if you sit in the bottom few rows - that totally negates the effect of the track. Where else in the CAA are you going to attend an away game and get to sit in a box seat between the 40's, behind your team's bench? The answer is no where. Everything about the home field side is comfortable and efficient, from the walk in and out of the stadium, the leg and butt room and the sight lines to the field. We also have the best video board in the conference and I've seen almost all of them. The old Cowell Stadium was, well, the old grandstands you don't like to look at with Bleachers on the other side and bleachers also in the south end zone. But the place was magical for a big game with fans pressed up against fencing all around the stadium. We also had the best food available in college football: Hand cut French fries cooked fresh in peanut oil, waffles with real maple sugar, and several other unique items. By the way you were probably talking with a plumber or a lobsterman, we all drink too much on Boulder Field before the game and say we are politicians to visitors. It's quite believable - little NH has the largest state legislature in the country and all of them went to UNH.

Lehigh was horrific that day! Absolute awful performance considering they were the favorite!..lol. Colgate's upset in 2015 did them no favors either. UNH was out for blood. Coaching defections and losing the PL POY due to mono made things worse.

The the local politician was very instrumental in the entire process of the stadium. He was there was another gentleman who was the one who reinforced this guys pull in getting funding for the facility. They sat directly in front me on the away side which I thought was weird. To this day I've always wondered the guys name. Any idea?

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

It's fascinating to see what money gets you. Due to its history and breadth W&M has the extra jingle in their pockets to add a nice brick facade on their renovated home "side". Most FCS state schools (SIU, UNH, JMU, Montana State, SDSU) don't have the resources to cover that extra level of refinement; etc. I need to get to William & Mary sooner rather than later!

https://wydaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/zable-set1.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXJy236WAAE0O9_.jpg

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Yeah, I'd agree Wa-Griz is the best. Few others I'd put right up there are the Dykhouse Stadium (SDSU), Bobcat Stadium (Montana St), and Hornet Stadium (Alabama St - I think that's the name).

http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/fb2737bb841ad893d84298478866a5c160479034/c=0-101-2000-1231&r=1280x720&r=880/local/-/media/2016/09/06/SiouxFalls/SiouxFalls/636087632856609067-0815-SDSU-Media-Day-5674.jpg

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/b5/0b591529-79ee-5443-bcd2-bc2cd3fd75ed/590bb454a6997.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800

https://lagniappemobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Hornet-stadium.jpg

Cue the #NotAStadium debate. xrolleyesx

Dykhouse is basically a little nicer, more modern version of Bobcat Stadium. MSU is building a new athletic facility in the north EZ so the stadium will take on a new look. Both are easily among the best of the best in FCS....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

North Dakota's Alerus Center is definitely one of the most unique facilities in FCS. It's basically a large entertainment/conference center. Here's a couple of pics I took when I was in Grand Forks last month. My hotel would have been awesome for a football weekend!

https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/131444034_3927120800653655_2553667321120218485_o.j pg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=cLeHfNhe4XEAX_NViry&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=2930a4b3df8ce5baa00742341b4f0f7a&oe=5FFD8F70

https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/131484988_3927120887320313_4845947184931937764_o.j pg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=mR3cNwi5ctUAX-sg1NS&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=062c5e0b4a2a64dda9027126b4138537&oe=5FFD7DB3

[KPSUL]

Lehigh was horrific that day! Absolute awful performance considering they were the favorite!..lol. Colgate's upset in 2015 did them no favors either. UNH was out for blood. Coaching defections and losing the PL POY due to mono made things worse.

The the local politician was very instrumental in the entire process of the stadium. He was there was another gentleman who was the one who reinforced this guys pull in getting funding for the facility. They sat directly in front me on the away side which I thought was weird. To this day I've always wondered the guys name. Any idea?


Some season ticketholders, and other long time fans, prefer the "old" side for both nostalgia reasons and the fact that you get much more sun over there in the afternoon. I have no idea who those politicians were, but the stadium was funded totally with UNH funds and anticipated revenue. The funds for the 2 million $ Video Board were donated solely by a long serving library employee who left his entire estate to the University, no strings attached. I don't believe the state, county or town paid one nickel for the stadium renovation. NH state government is notoriously very tight with a buck, which by and large is a good thing.

[POD Knows]

Dykhouse is basically a little nicer, more modern version of Bobcat Stadium. MSU is building a new athletic facility in the north EZ so the stadium will take on a new look. Both are easily among the best of the best in FCS....Dykhouse is a lot nicer than MSU's, not even close

[POD Knows]

North Dakota's Alerus Center is definitely one of the most unique facilities in FCS. It's basically a large entertainment/conference center. Here's a couple of pics I took when I was in Grand Forks last month. My hotel would have been awesome for a football weekend!

https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/131444034_3927120800653655_2553667321120218485_o.j pg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=cLeHfNhe4XEAX_NViry&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=2930a4b3df8ce5baa00742341b4f0f7a&oe=5FFD8F70

https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/131484988_3927120887320313_4845947184931937764_o.j pg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=mR3cNwi5ctUAX-sg1NS&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=062c5e0b4a2a64dda9027126b4138537&oe=5FFD7DB3
Yea, it is connected to a Canadian owned Hotel chain. The Alerus Center sucks balls, it isn't as bad at that place in Vermillion, SD but that isn't saying much. Everything north of county road 4 in ND should be annexed to Manitoba.

[DFW HOYA]

Division II West Texas A&M has a better stadium than half of this subdivision.

https://www.d2football.com/images/stadium/west-texas-am-15679664166811_lg.jpg

[KPSUL]

It's fascinating to see what money gets you. Due to its history and breadth W&M has the extra jingle in their pockets to add a nice brick facade on their renovated home "side". Most FCS state schools (SIU, UNH, JMU, Montana State, SDSU) don't have the resources to cover that extra level of refinement; etc. I need to get to William & Mary sooner rather than later!



So what do you think those small reddish rectangular objects are all over the sides of UNH Wildcat stadium? Cinder Blocks? You can't wait get to Zable even though Wildcat Stadium is very similar in many respects. The worst feature of Zable Stadium is the gapping hole between the 40 yard lines on the visitor's side where a grandstand and seats should be. This is the photo you should have posted to get a better feel for Wildcat Stadium:



31859
31860

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

So what do you think those small reddish rectangular objects are all over the sides of UNH Wildcat stadium? Cinder Blocks? You can't wait get to this one even though Wildcat Stadium is very similar in many respects. This is the photo you should have posted to get a better feel for Wildcat Stadium:

31859

W&M has the brick work extend all around to what appears to be the main entrance as well in addition to the renovated home side. Just another level of refinement in order to blend the stadium in with other campus buildings. That track though! Still a beautiful setting! Reminds of Bucknell with the campus directly in the background.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50192179273_d85071e4be_b.jpg

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

My interest has now been sparked to find stadiums that incorporate campus architecture into their designs. This is much more common at the FBS level thanks to having the extra money to pull it off. W&M's Zable Stadium is the best "updated" FCS stadium I've found of making the stadium really feel a part of campus. Franklin Field does but that was built as a major cfb stadium. Richmond and Samford both try to pull it off to varying degrees success.

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/richmond.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/ef/bef71780-8ef5-56df-8377-160db5c6ab1c/5914c031f1e62.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C667
https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.8bllxulIbK4j-gMyPComngHaE7?pid=Api&rs=1

https://www.bhate-geo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Samford-Seibert-Stadium-1400x643.jpg

[KPSUL]

W&M has the brick work extend all around to what appears to be the main entrance as well in addition to the renovated home side. Just another level of refinement in order to blend the stadium in with other campus buildings. That track though! Still a beautiful setting! Reminds of Bucknell with the campus directly in the background.



OK, granted, a pointless brick structure surrounding the end zone - very Ivy League-ish, but adds zero to the gameday experience. The "new" side is very comparable to UNH's. I've attended a bunch of games here, and aside for the hot dogs grilled on charcoal there is nothing better about attending a game here than at UNH. Unless you have connections, you can't park anywhere near the place, or tailgate anywhere. And that entry way in your last picture? It eliminates the best potential seating behind the visiting team's benches. And the W&M crowd? While FCS east coast fans in general are becoming more aged each year, the vast majority of the Bill and Mary home crowd are Octogenarians who don't act like they are at an athletic contest. You wouldn't know there were any undergraduates unrolled at W&M by going to a football game.

[KPSUL]

My interest has now been sparked to find stadiums that incorporate campus architecture into their designs. This is much more common at the FBS level thanks to having the extra money to pull it off. W&M's Zable Stadium is the best "updated" FCS stadium I've found of making the stadium really feel a part of campus. Franklin Field does but that was built as a major cfb stadium. Richmond and Samford both try to pull it off to varying degrees success.

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/richmond.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/ef/bef71780-8ef5-56df-8377-160db5c6ab1c/5914c031f1e62.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C667
https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.8bllxulIbK4j-gMyPComngHaE7?pid=Api&rs=1

https://www.bhate-geo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Samford-Seibert-Stadium-1400x643.jpg

Owl, Richmond is an excellent place to watch a game, and it has all the elitist charm you find compelling. I went to a JMU @ UR game a few years ago - what a clash of cultural classes. I sat on the visitor's side between two large groups from each team, The JMU fans were particularly loud and obnoxious, even for JMU fans. Check out two other smallish but nice stadiums I enjoyed attending UNH games at: Wofford and Elon.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

OK, granted, a pointless brick structure surrounding the end zone - very Ivy League-ish, but adds zero to the gameday experience. The "new" side is very comparable to UNH's. I've attended a bunch of games here, and aside for the hot dogs grilled on charcoal there is nothing better about attending a game here than at UNH. Unless you have connections, you can't park anywhere near the place, or tailgate anywhere. And that entry way in your last picture? It eliminates the best potential seating behind the visiting team's benches. And the W&M crowd? While FCS east coast fans in general are becoming more aged each year, the vast majority of the Bill and Mary home crowd are Octogenarians who don't act like they are at an athletic contest. You wouldn't know there were any undergraduates unrolled at W&M by going to a football game.

I just love how W&M blended Zable's architecture into the rest of campus. Most schools at this level simply don't have the resources to maintain that continuity. Even the design of the roofs on either side of the press box are in line with the campus buildings. That's excellent attention to detail!

JMU is a perfect example of ignoring aesthetics. JMU has a beautiful campus but sadly as you walk east through the main quad the rather unsightly erector set of half a stadium starts to loom in the background. The closer you get the more out of place Bridgeforth looks. The press box looks like it was portable office trailer in its previous life.

https://4ys2921cnof1wzm1s2xnw1818yx-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/JMU-Bridgeforth-Stadium-9-1082x540.jpg

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Owl, Richmond is an excellent place to watch a game, and it has all the elitist charm you find compelling. I went to a JMU @ UR game a few years ago - what a clash of cultural classes. I sat on the visitor's side between two large groups from each team, The JMU fans were particularly loud and obnoxious, even for JMU fans. Check out two other smallish but nice stadiums I enjoyed attending UNH games at: Wofford and Elon.

You got to explain what "elitist charm" is. That's one phrase I never heard when it comes to describing a college football stadium.

I was at the JMU-Colgate game two years ago and didn't see observe any issues. I enjoyed talking with JMU and Gate fans. Most of the Duke fans knew Houston was out the door. Here's Andy Kerr from that day in all its snowy goodness...

https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47218730_2248091141889971_2603226428824616960_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=GWXQ4J9tpfUAX-UOsPU&_nc_oc=AQmNXzGXOPLS3Gk1ANgj-itS-268H-Eiy0pIhLlIuB-DUuRQV2TTe5Z4KNZ9HeJbnUXIscPXE80lNRoqgijnlqUk&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=bc90d110396895071d0dbfb0f7b6e0f2&oe=5FFDB2C3

https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47318152_2248091181889967_3178827878431195136_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=GjpLSjYiBLYAX_9xQF3&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=ae1bdd3914903c1dbc5d40dd991eaf29&oe=5FFE6EAC

[KPSUL]

Two of my favorites for away games:

Gibbs Stadium Wofford
31864


Rhodes Stadium, Elon
31863

[UNHWildcat18]

Can't speak for UNH's stadium but I can say UNH has the rowdiest/best tailgate in New England for college football.

[nodak651]

It's fascinating to see what money gets you. Due to its history and breadth W&M has the extra jingle in their pockets to add a nice brick facade on their renovated home "side". Most FCS state schools (SIU, UNH, JMU, Montana State, SDSU) don't have the resources to cover that extra level of refinement; etc. I need to get to William & Mary sooner rather than later!





Speaking of money and resourses, the renovations or new stadiums at the schools you mentioned all cost the same or more (double) as W&M's renovation. The only exception really is Montana, although they have a better stadium anyways, and they just completed the new Champions Center. You would think with all of that extra jingle in their pockets, W&M would have installed chair back seating in more than 10% of the stadium... but the brick does look nice.

[nodak651]

Yea, it is connected to a Canadian owned Hotel chain. The Alerus Center sucks balls, it isn't as bad at that place in Vermillion, SD but that isn't saying much. Everything north of county road 4 in ND should be annexed to Manitoba.

Yeah... it's great when its full - can get surprisingly loud, but if it isn't, much like the old Metrodome in Minneapolis, it can get downright depressing. They have made some nice updates though with the two huge video boards and ribbons. This year we will finally have our logo at mid field again, which will help a little bit with the atmosphere. Seriously... NDSU for a while, and UND for so long.... how could anyone think not putting the school logo at mid field was acceptable?

Anyway, for away fans, its great to have the attached hotel, two bars (one with blackjack), and the indoor water park. People don't have to drive anywhere the whole weekend if they don't want to.

The place would have been way better with even a few rows of endzone seating, but the balconies at each end of the field are a great vantage point to watch the game from. We also get liquor, so that helps!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpYQJxgXMAEfFpn?format=jpg&name=large

[ngineer]

I've been to the popular ones, Washington-Griz, The Fargo Dome, Bobcat Stadium (Montana State), Bridgeforth (JMU), Delaware Stadium, yet the best stadium that I've seen is Princeton and it's not even close imo.

Yep. Princeton's stadium is perfect for FCS football. Clean and modern, great sight lines, convenient concession and rest room location, excellent lighting, good capacity, plenty of room for tailgating, and nice downtown with bars/restaurants within easy walking distance.

[ngineer]

31855

Fitton Field is a tremendous stadium (on either side) to actually watch a game, literally on top of the field.....atmosphere can be tremendous too depending on opponent, weather etc

Yes, Fitton's sight lines and closeness to the field are great. reminds me of Lehigh's old Taylor Stadium. The only knock on Goodman's is the distance from the sidelines of the grandstands. Designed to accomodate the wider soccer field, which gets rarely used for that purpose now that the Philadelphia's minor league team moved.

[POD Knows]

Yeah... it's great when its full - can get surprisingly loud, but if it isn't, much like the old Metrodome in Minneapolis, it can get downright depressing. They have made some nice updates though with the two huge video boards and ribbons. This year we will finally have our logo at mid field again, which will help a little bit with the atmosphere. Seriously... NDSU for a while, and UND for so long.... how could anyone think not putting the school logo at mid field was acceptable?

Anyway, for away fans, its great to have the attached hotel, two bars (one with blackjack), and the indoor water park. People don't have to drive anywhere the whole weekend if they don't want to.

The place would have been way better with even a few rows of endzone seating, but the balconies at each end of the field are a great vantage point to watch the game from. We also get liquor, so that helps!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpYQJxgXMAEfFpn?format=jpg&name=large
I really don't have anything against the Alerus Center, it can get really loud in there, noise bounces around that place something fierce. I have stayed at the Canadinn numerous times and it is pretty handy. I used to work Ag shows in the winter time and it was always freaking 20 below zero in February when the Ag show was there. Ran up some pretty big bar tabs at the bars in that place. The combination of maple leaf flags, ****ty weather and working Ag shows makes me grind my teeth over the place.

My position on annexing everything north of county road 4 to Manitoba still stands. :D

[SDFS]

North Dakota's Alerus Center is definitely one of the most unique facilities in FCS. It's basically a large entertainment/conference center. Here's a couple of pics I took when I was in Grand Forks last month. My hotel would have been awesome for a football weekend!


Actually, I like the setup a lot and it works great for my family. I get up early go tailgate. The kids and wife go to the water park and join me later in the day. Inside at the game they have good food with mixed drinks and craft beers on tap. I think they do a great job. After the game, the bars on the other end of the facility are fun and you can play a little 21 to close out the evening.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Speaking of money and resourses, the renovations or new stadiums at the schools you mentioned all cost the same or more (double) as W&M's renovation. The only exception really is Montana, although they have a better stadium anyways, and they just completed the new Champions Center. You would think with all of that extra jingle in their pockets, W&M would have installed chair back seating in more than 10% of the stadium... but the brick does look nice.

W&M and UNH's renovation were about the same, $27/$25 million respectively. That's relatively steep on both accounts imo but that's the result of doing business in or near Northeast/Mid-Atlanta metro areas. W&M added a relatively modest upper-deck and a really nice press press/suite area. They also ensured the renovations were in line with the current stadium/campus which did account for some extra $$. $10 million dollars of the project was financed through a Walter Zable estate gift.

UNH built an entirely new home side so it was a full circle demo to ground up project. Overall, the UNH structure is a little smaller/simpler than W&M's. SDSU got a brand new horse-shoe 20k seat stadium and with a beautiful press box and suites for $60 million. They basically got 3x as much stadium for 2x the money. Money goes a little further in Brookings....

I also found who spoke with! It was Michael Behrendt who is/was the Durham Town Planner. Here's some really cool info regarding UNH's project. As someone who is working their way into sports facility mgt I'm loving this stuff!

https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/sites/default/files/styles/full_node_additional_two_column/public/imageattachments/planningandzoning/page/18611/new_michael_behrendt_3.jpg?itok=hyW8H3ZY


University of New Hampshire Stadium. Proposed renovations and addition of seats to Cowell stadium and possible changes to the stadium’s sound system. Review per RSA 674:54 Governmental Land Uses. Doug Bencks, University Architect, for UNH, property owner. (https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_planning/unh-stadium-expansion)

(https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_planning/unh-stadium-expansion)UNH Stadium Expansion | The Town of Durham New Hampshire

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I really don't have anything against the Alerus Center, it can get really loud in there, noise bounces around that place something fierce. I have stayed at the Canadinn numerous times and it is pretty handy. I used to work Ag shows in the winter time and it was always freaking 20 below zero in February when the Ag show was there. Ran up some pretty big bar tabs at the bars in that place. The combination of maple leaf flags, ****ty weather and working Ag shows makes me grind my teeth over the place.

My position on annexing everything north of county road 4 to Manitoba still stands. :D

NDSU and UND both have really good facilties! The Fargo and Alerus Dome, while not being perfect, are still really nice indoor stadiums relative to others in FCS. Plus, UND has the Ralph and mini-Ralph while NDSU has the new Scheel's Center (where I should be working!). Those all really nice facilities relative to their peers.

I'm a huge fan of both Fargo and Grand Forks. Fargo is definitely a city with a school while Grand Forks is right on the fringe of college town or small city with a college; kind of like Bozeman. Both cities have great downtowns and park systems. The two cities are also expanding at a rapid rate; new subdivision after new subdivision. It's a shame because Fargo's and FG's older neighborhoods are beautiful! Grand Forks has the slight golf edge with GFCC as a really nice private option and King's Walk is a beautiful public track. Fargo CC is really nice but the public options in the Fargo-Moorehead are pretty "meh".

[POD Knows]

NDSU and UND both have really good facilties! The Fargo and Alerus Dome, while not being perfect, are still really nice indoor stadiums relative to others in FCS. Plus, UND has the Ralph and mini-Ralph while NDSU has the new Scheel's Center (where I should be working!). Those all really nice facilities relative to their peers.

I'm a huge fan of both Fargo and Grand Forks. Fargo is definitely a city with a school while Grand Forks is right on the fringe of college town or small city with a college; kind of like Bozeman. Both cities have great downtowns and park systems. The two cities are also expanding at a rapid rate; new subdivision after new subdivision. It's a shame because Fargo's and FG's older neighborhoods are beautiful! Grand Forks has the slight golf edge with GFCC as a really nice private option and King's Walk is a beautiful public track. Fargo CC is really nice but the public options in the Fargo-Moorehead are pretty "meh".
The Ralph is the nicest facility of the ones you mentioned and it isn't even really close. I forgot they served beer at football games at the Alerus, that bumps the place a little bit. I am not a fan of the SHAC in Fargo, been to a few games there, kind of blah.

Which golf courses have you played in Fargo/Moorhead? GF really only has the two public courses, Valley on the east side and Kings Walk. Lincoln is a little 9 hole job. Fargo has had a lot of problems with the muni's there, Rose Creek and Edgewood, flooding and some other stuff. Edgewood used to be really nice back in the day, I haven't played there for quite a while.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The Ralph is the nicest facility of the ones you mentioned and it isn't even really close. I forgot they served beer at football games at the Alerus, that bumps the place a little bit. I am not a fan of the SHAC in Fargo, been to a few games there, kind of blah.

Which golf courses have you played in Fargo/Moorhead? GF really only has the two public courses, Valley on the east side and Kings Walk. Lincoln is a little 9 hole job. Fargo has had a lot of problems with the muni's there, Rose Creek and Edgewood, flooding and some other stuff. Edgewood used to be really nice back in the day, I haven't played there for quite a while.

I played the Meadows which was ok, basically a poor man's King's Walk, and Prairiewood because that's where the "You Betcha" youtube/facebook guy filmed an episode! I wanted to play Fargo CC but there was an event/tournament when I was out there in July. Grand Forks CC is a really nice course; clubhouse is rather ho-hum though. The combination of good layout and fairly drastic elevation changes make it one of best private courses in ND. If I do ultimately move out there I'll join either Fargo or GFCC. Moorehead CC looks decent but overall a step down?

The UND college 9 hole course is also headed in the right direction since it re-opened last year. That's a great little piece of land in the middle of town!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Speaking of golf and football stadiums. I would love for GVSU and or Saginaw Valley move to FCS (not likely to happen). Lubbers Stadium has always caught my eye as cool and quirky. Plus, the Meadows GC at GVSU is one of the most underrated college tracks in the country! Lubbers, The Big House and the Rose Bowl are both right next to golf courses. Not sure of any other stadiums?

https://www.gvsu.edu/gvnow/files/photos/993F82D5-B430-0592-BB0B279D507B0D80.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1mFOoRbIqQ0/maxresdefault.jpg

[POD Knows]

I played the Meadows which was ok, basically a poor man's King's Walk, and Prairiewood because that's where the "You Betcha" youtube/facebook guy filmed an episode! I wanted to play Fargo CC but there was an event/tournament when I was out there in July. Grand Forks CC is a really nice course; clubhouse is rather ho-hum though. The combination of good layout and fairly drastic elevation changes make it one of best private courses in ND. If I do ultimately move out there I'll join either Fargo or GFCC. Moorehead CC looks decent but overall a step down?

The UND college 9 hole course is also headed in the right direction since it re-opened last year. That's a great little piece of land in the middle of town!
I don't think the Fargo CC just lets anybody play there, it is the only 18 hole course in ND I haven't played. It is pretty spendy to belong if I remember correctly. I don't like the Meadows, I love links golf but it is a pretty average course. I played Kings Walk a couple times, one of the times I was there they must have decide to grow the rough out because you could barely find you ball in the first cut of rough, frustrating. The Moorhead CC is the best course on that side of the river. Have you played Edgewood in north Fargo.

I have played the CC in Grand Forks a half a dozen times, that course had some financial trouble back in the day and course sort of went downhill, I haven't played that course in probably 15 years.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I don't think the Fargo CC just lets anybody play there, it is the only 18 hole course in ND I haven't played. It is pretty spendy to belong if I remember correctly. I don't like the Meadows, I love links golf but it is a pretty average course. I played Kings Walk a couple times, one of the times I was there they must have decide to grow the rough out because you could barely find you ball in the first cut of rough, frustrating. The Moorhead CC is the best course on that side of the river. Have you played Edgewood in north Fargo.

I have played the CC in Grand Forks a half a dozen times, that course had some financial trouble back in the day and course sort of went downhill, I haven't played that course in probably 15 years.

I've worked in the high-end private golf club industry for over a decade in PA (9 years) and Montana (3 years) so I'm basically a phone call away from playing 97% of the private clubs in the USA and Canada. Merion and The Yellowstone Club (billionaire members, Brady/Gisele etc) are easily the two most exclusive courses I've gotten on. With that said, some of the best courses/clubs are the ones that lay low and don't advertise. Northland (Donald Ross masterpiece) in Duluth is really high on my list. If I had more time in July I was going to figure out how to get over there.

There's a stretch from basically Kohler through Sand Valley/Wisconsin Dells up through Minnesota and Western ND that is home to some awesome golf courses. Northern Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota have become world class destinations. Jay Bilas gave a shoutout to Bully Pulpit and the Links of ND a couple of weeks ago when he was doing a game. The only time he's ever been to ND was to golf and he was blown away.

[POD Knows]

I've worked in the high-end private golf club industry for over a decade in PA (9 years) and Montana (3 years) so I'm basically a phone call away from playing 97% of the private clubs in the USA and Canada. Merion and The Yellowstone Club (billionaire members, Brady/Gisele etc) are easily the two most exclusive courses I've gotten on. With that said, some of the best courses/clubs are the ones that lay low and don't advertise. Northland (Donald Ross masterpiece) in Duluth is really high on my list. If I had more time in July I was going to figure out how to get over there.

There's a stretch from basically Kohler through Sand Valley/Wisconsin Dells up through Minnesota and Western ND that is home to some awesome golf courses. Northern Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota have become world class destinations. Jay Bilas gave a shoutout to Bully Pulpit and the Links of ND a couple of weeks ago when he was doing a game. The only time he's ever been to ND was to golf and he was blown away.****, I forgot about Bully Pulpit, I haven't played that yet, played the Links (Red Mike) a few times, cool course, Hawktree in Bismarck is nice, lots and lots of nice courses in Minnesota, The Classic at Maddens in Brainerd is really nice.

[DFW HOYA]

I've worked in the high-end private golf club industry for over a decade in PA (9 years) and Montana (3 years) so I'm basically a phone call away from playing 97% of the private clubs in the USA and Canada. Merion and The Yellowstone Club (billionaire members, Brady/Gisele etc) are easily the two most exclusive courses I've gotten on. With that said, some of the best courses/clubs are the ones that lay low and don't advertise. Northland (Donald Ross masterpiece) in Duluth is really high on my list. If I had more time in July I was going to figure out how to get over there.


I have a colleague who has played Merion and said Pine Valley may be even more exclusive. Where does that one rank?

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I have a colleague who has played Merion and said Pine Valley may be even more exclusive. Where does that one rank?

Pine Valley is definitely more exclusive/tougher to get on than Merion! Pine Valley, National Golf Links of America, Liberty National, Fisher's Island, Maidstone, Congressional (new members can't even play for a year or two), Chicago, Cypress Point, Seminole, Augusta, Camargo (tried, got on CC of Cincinnati instead), The Country Club (Brookline) and some others you must be accompanied by a member. At places like Oakmont, Merion, Hazeltine, Inverness, Oak Hill, Columbia, Succession, Colonial etc. you have a fighting chance so long as you present yourself well and there's availability (usually early morning or mid to late afternoon).

Tom Weiskopf is the one who got myself and a colleague on the Yellowstone Club. He lived near Bozeman and designed Black Bull (my course) and the Yellowstone Club. I saw and spoke with he and his wife Laurie (Christie's real-estate agent in the Gallatin Valley) all the time. Condoleeza Rice (w/full secret service security) played Black Bull in 2013 while I worked there. Richard Childress (Earnhardt Sr's car owner) and his hunting/fishing entourage were regulars despite not being a member.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Pods, this is Black Bull in Bozeman. I worked full-time there from winter 2012 to fall of 2014 (3 full golf seasons). I'm going to get back there next summer so long as travel is good.

https://scontent.fagc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/1052610_599891680043267_860320155_o.jpg?_nc_cat=11 1&ccb=2&_nc_sid=ba80b0&_nc_ohc=6xxO7SGti-cAX9bc4YI&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-2.fna&oh=1f4a7a4c2328e42993b67838abe73179&oe=5FFF89BA

https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/10329834_765130476852719_4403613096353509787_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=101&ccb=2&_nc_sid=ba80b0&_nc_ohc=f7RJhx_so_QAX9_CC8M&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=f45266340f5a07ccf563e13b1f0c0a59&oe=5FFFF28E

My current club in PA
https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/131900897_3932468210118914_2939107893072256605_n.j pg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=UVmo3iY6U7cAX9ia6Yq&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=f5b9fdae40627a796c0ccc5b8bae602f&oe=600004C5
https://scontent.fagc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/35628604_1989990741033347_8980961535752929280_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=bYxmVWmtGqAAX8LauZ0&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-2.fna&oh=d29bed4022cf1894a8ac6f413a02493a&oe=6000CA68

If/when i get back out to ND when the weather is good I'll have to hit up some local Bison/UND fans. There's so much daylight from late May through early August that it makes up for the season starting in late April, early May and ending in mid to late October.

[POD Knows]

Pods, this is Black Bull in Bozeman. I worked full-time there from winter 2012 to fall of 2014 (3 full golf seasons). I'm going to get back there next summer so long as travel is good.

https://scontent.fagc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/1052610_599891680043267_860320155_o.jpg?_nc_cat=11 1&ccb=2&_nc_sid=ba80b0&_nc_ohc=6xxO7SGti-cAX9bc4YI&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-2.fna&oh=1f4a7a4c2328e42993b67838abe73179&oe=5FFF89BA

https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/10329834_765130476852719_4403613096353509787_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=101&ccb=2&_nc_sid=ba80b0&_nc_ohc=f7RJhx_so_QAX9_CC8M&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=f45266340f5a07ccf563e13b1f0c0a59&oe=5FFFF28E

My current club in PA
https://scontent.fagc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/131900897_3932468210118914_2939107893072256605_n.j pg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=UVmo3iY6U7cAX9ia6Yq&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-1.fna&oh=f5b9fdae40627a796c0ccc5b8bae602f&oe=600004C5
https://scontent.fagc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/35628604_1989990741033347_8980961535752929280_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=bYxmVWmtGqAAX8LauZ0&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc1-2.fna&oh=d29bed4022cf1894a8ac6f413a02493a&oe=6000CA68

If/when i get back out to ND when the weather is good I'll have to hit up some local Bison/UND fans. There's so much daylight from late May through early August that it makes up for the season starting in late April, early May and ending in mid to late October.
Wow, that place is gorgeous.

This is where I played one of my last rounds of 2020, I aggravated a back issue I have been having and had to hang it up for the summer. This is a really nice course, it would be a real bear from the back tees.

https://wsfarm.com/

[PaladinNation]

Really enjoying these images of stadiums and the landscape of FCS schools.

Furman has vastly improved Paladin Stadium recently, that said it was built when Furman could hit 18,000 for big rivalry games with The Citadel, GaSo, and APP.
A couple of images of Paladin Stadium
https://twitter.com/CoachLamendola/status/1338454521765371907

Photo Gallery of Pearce Horton Football Complex
https://furmanpaladins.com/galleries/football/football-2014-15-2-/311

Furman just renovated the Strength Training & Conditioning Center
https://furmanpaladins.com/facilities/strength-training-conditioning-center/15

[FUBeAR]

Really enjoying these images of stadiums and the landscape of FCS schools.

Furman has vastly improved Paladin Stadium recently, that said it was built when Furman could hit 18,000 for big rivalry games with The Citadel, GaSo, and APP.
A couple of images of Paladin Stadium
https://twitter.com/CoachLamendola/status/1338454521765371907

Photo Gallery of Pearce Horton Football Complex
https://furmanpaladins.com/galleries/football/football-2014-15-2-/311

Furman just renovated the Strength Training & Conditioning Center
https://furmanpaladins.com/facilities/strength-training-conditioning-center/15...and almost 20,000 on RA Day.

12,000 of them being Baptist PK’s.

Good times

[OhioHen]

...and almost 20,000 on RA Day.

12,000 of them being Baptist PK’s.

Good times

RA Day? Guessing that's "Returning Alumni Day" - sort of a fancy way to say "Homecoming" no doubt.

[PaladinNation]

RA Day? Guessing that's "Returning Alumni Day" - sort of a fancy way to say "Homecoming" no doubt.

ha! guess you've never been a royal ambassador? Bear - I have fond memories of RA Day in old Sirrine sliding down the hill…

[FUBeAR]

RA Day? Guessing that's "Returning Alumni Day" - sort of a fancy way to say "Homecoming" no doubt.
It’s a Baptist thing...

https://baptistsonmission.org/programs/royal-ambassadors

...and when FU was a Baptist School, the South Carolina Baptist Convention would organize an annual RA Day at a Furman Football game. The buses, every seat full of elementary school kids, coming from Abbeville and York, from Rocky Bottom in the mountains and Tybee Island on the coast started rolling in 6 hours before kickoff; hundreds of them...with thousands and thousands of crazy, screaming kids unpiling into Paladin (earlier into Sirrine) Stadium. Those crowds were LOUD...high-pitched, but LOUD, nonetheless.

As Players, on those days, we got to do something that few FCS Players get to do very often.We would stay on the field & sign autographs for at least an hour...sometimes 2. If any RA wanted an autograph from any Furman Player on those days, they were not going home without it.

Really fun times for all involved.

[POD Knows]

It’s a Baptist thing...

https://baptistsonmission.org/programs/royal-ambassadors

...and when FU was a Baptist School, the South Carolina Baptist Convention would organize an annual RA Day at a Furman Football game. The buses, every seat full of elementary school kids, coming from Abbeville and York, from Rocky Bottom in the mountains and Tybee Island on the coast started rolling in 6 hours before kickoff; hundreds of them...with thousands and thousands of crazy, screaming kids unpiling into Paladin (earlier into Sirrine) Stadium. Those crowds were LOUD...high-pitched, but LOUD, nonetheless.

As Players, on those days, we got to do something that few FCS Players get to do very often.We would stay on the field & sign autographs for at least an hour...sometimes 2. If any RA wanted an autograph from any Furman Player on those days, they were not going home without it.

Really fun times for all involved.Ok, that is a cool story and I am glad you posted it because I was about to call you a pretentious douch bag for calling homecoming "RA day". xlolx

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Really enjoying these images of stadiums and the landscape of FCS schools.

Furman has vastly improved Paladin Stadium recently, that said it was built when Furman could hit 18,000 for big rivalry games with The Citadel, GaSo, and APP.
A couple of images of Paladin Stadium
https://twitter.com/CoachLamendola/status/1338454521765371907

Photo Gallery of Pearce Horton Football Complex
https://furmanpaladins.com/galleries/football/football-2014-15-2-/311

Furman just renovated the Strength Training & Conditioning Center
https://furmanpaladins.com/facilities/strength-training-conditioning-center/15

The upgrades really make the stadium "pop"! Paladin Stadium is very similar to Lafayette's digs imo. Both are ideal FCS facilities in terms of "niceness" and capacity/practicality.

[ysubigred]

Me after our 2014 playoff game at EWU

https://i.gifer.com/7Go8.gifI agree. Seen way nicer high school stadiums than EWU and the ****ing red turf. Partially covered in snow the one and only time I seen it in person [emoji3]

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[lionsrking2]

I don't claim it to be the best (though for me it is), but Strawberry Stadium is a great place to watch a football game. Built in 1937, it's intimate with classic charm, no bad seats, and right on top of the action. Friendship Circle — just outside the gates to the northeast — is a great place to tailgate.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpYEeDGXMAcqfih?format=jpg&name=small
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_banners/3138193978/1606269187/600x200
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSbgjgbkdb280udXnxt-LGxSU51yPpKytMDhA&usqp=CAU
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTOc4Te0KLE0Cc6LWoax9GtaBH_dCblZ XzQEQ&usqp=CAUhttps://lionsports.net/images/2011/11/10//110511_0501.JPG?preset=large.socialmediaimage

https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/1*XOb-5QCOOirEdBm_4veyRw.jpeg

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eo7eLpYXcAEwEyE?format=jpg&name=largeHOMER BRYCE STADIUM

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/y2QWkfuLcjB2ZfL6tkHog73oLNTJSSvonsSlttpUW6ZJ3wT9w1 0Yah3oTCuad-GEwmcnkE1fAM0TVkGfMhTe87CaZ7x-_9mtWBMpRifEFkc0E4-Rc6qLMpma5V6xO1p3qBq6QJ15jTEBBqBDkqQcoCpu6sIr
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFQrxT5X4AEswX8.jpg

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/itYnezsbWzA/sddefault.jpghttps://fbschedules.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/stephen-f-austin-football.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/07/26/bc/0726bc8ee519c0744156ae3e041ae82d--marching-band-humor-football-stadiums.jpg
https://stadiumjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Homer-Bryce-Stadium-South-End-Zone.jpg
https://www.boxlifeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Copy-of-SFA-boxSUITES-1024x822.jpg

[nodak651]

This is really cool and creative... Love the rooftop seating for a better viewing angle as well.

https://www.boxlifeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Copy-of-SFA-boxSUITES-1024x822.jpg

[Bisonoline]

This is really cool and creative... Love the rooftop seating for a better viewing angle as well.

https://www.boxlifeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Copy-of-SFA-boxSUITES-1024x822.jpg


I love it!!!!!

[SFA 93]

It was the idea of our new AD Ryan Ivey who did the same thing at Austin Peay.

The company is called boxLife

https://www.boxlifeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/box-suit-medium.jpg

He ordered 5 of them and they all booked for the entire season.

“It was something I looked at doing with Texas A&M Commerce when I was up there but we could never get it going,” SFA Athletic Director Ryan Ivey said. “When I got to Austin Peay there was a real need for it so we did it there. It will be great here in Nacogdoches.”

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ED34aUyWwAAHG3c?format=jpg&name=large

https://www.ktre.com/2019/07/01/webxtra-sfa-box-seating/

[TheKingpin28]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eo7eLpYXcAEwEyE?format=jpg&name=largeHOMER BRYCE STADIUM

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/y2QWkfuLcjB2ZfL6tkHog73oLNTJSSvonsSlttpUW6ZJ3wT9w1 0Yah3oTCuad-GEwmcnkE1fAM0TVkGfMhTe87CaZ7x-_9mtWBMpRifEFkc0E4-Rc6qLMpma5V6xO1p3qBq6QJ15jTEBBqBDkqQcoCpu6sIr
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFQrxT5X4AEswX8.jpg

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/itYnezsbWzA/sddefault.jpghttps://fbschedules.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/stephen-f-austin-football.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/07/26/bc/0726bc8ee519c0744156ae3e041ae82d--marching-band-humor-football-stadiums.jpg
https://stadiumjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Homer-Bryce-Stadium-South-End-Zone.jpg
https://www.boxlifeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Copy-of-SFA-boxSUITES-1024x822.jpgThose boxes are awesome! That's one way to get dollars in the door and an extremely creative marketing concept.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

[KPSUL]

I don't claim it to be the best (though for me it is), but Strawberry Stadium is a great place to watch a football game. Built in 1937, it's intimate with classic charm, no bad seats, and right on top of the action. Friendship Circle — just outside the gates to the northeast — is a great place to tailgate.


https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/1*XOb-5QCOOirEdBm_4veyRw.jpeg

Yes, it is an excellent stadium and a great game-day atmosphere!

[GAD]

Is someone trying to get views on their youtube video? This seems to be almost click-bait.

Roos does not belong in this argument. The Fargo dome, without the atmosphere, does not belong either.
The video came up as suggested for me I thought it was pretty good so I shared it

[CockyGeek]

1. ASU
2. JSU

I haven't been to any other FCS stadiums that weren't dumps.

[Mocs123]

1. ASU
2. JSU

I haven't been to any other FCS stadiums that weren't dumps.

I imagine being an App State fan and a JSU fan you've been to Finley Stadium a time or two? I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the stadium itself. I know our game day atmosphere isn't the best, but I think the stadium itself is one of the better ones in FCS.

[Gil Dobie]

New kid in town, St Thomas. Not advocating as one of the best, just a view. They have played and I can see them playing future games at Target Field and Allianz Field.
https://fearthefcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/St.-Thomas-football-field.jpg

[nodak651]

New kid in town, St Thomas. Not advocating as one of the best, just a view. They have played and I can see them playing future games at Target Field and Allianz Field.
https://fearthefcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/St.-Thomas-football-field.jpg

I like the idea of them using their home field for conference games, and then playing an annual or semi annual game at Allianz vs St. Johns, UNI, or one of the Dakota schools. https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/11/29/sports/27diii-leap2-print/27diii-leap4-videoSixteenByNineJumbo1600.jpg

[nodak651]

New kid in town, St Thomas. Not advocating as one of the best, just a view. They have played and I can see them playing future games at Target Field and Allianz Field.
https://fearthefcs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/St.-Thomas-football-field.jpg

The good thing about their on campus stadium is they can bring in temporary seating if needed for large games. I believe the game in the below picture had attendance of 12K VS 5k for their official capacity.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DyHWkM9UcAU_AAU.jpg

[Anthony215]

I like the idea of them using their home field for conference games, and then playing an annual or semi annual game at Allianz vs St. Johns, UNI, or one of the Dakota schools. https://static01.nyt.com/images/2019/11/29/sports/27diii-leap2-print/27diii-leap4-videoSixteenByNineJumbo1600.jpg

Now that they are a FCS team I'm not quite sure they'll be able to play St. John again since they're a Division 3 school.

[DFW HOYA]

Now that they are a FCS team I'm not quite sure they'll be able to play St. John again since they're a Division 3 school.

Nothing prevents it, although there will be a competitive disadvantage at some point.

[nodak651]

Nothing prevents it, although there will be a competitive disadvantage at some point.

This. Pioneer schools still play some DIII schools. I'm assuming SJU wouldn't be interested unless they were going to get a significant chunk of money. I could potentially see one last game next fall at US Bank Stadium, to make up for missing that game this fall.

[Gil Dobie]

This. Pioneer schools still play some DIII schools. I'm assuming SJU wouldn't be interested unless they were going to get a significant chunk of money. I could potentially see one last game next fall at US Bank Stadium, to make up for missing that game this fall.

SDSU played one of the Wisconsin DIII schools a few years back.

[Bisonoline]

SDSU played one of the Wisconsin DIII schools a few years back.

UW-LaCrosse. SDSU lost.

[POD Knows]

UW-LaCrosse. SDSU lost.Yea, it was quite a while ago, they didn't just lose to them, they got their asses handed to them if I recall correctly.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

NDSU vs St Thomas would be a good "butts in the seat game". NDSU almost filled Target Field against Butler.