Game Day Experience

[The Cats]

Who has the best football game day experience in your conference?

[DFW HOYA]

Lehigh

[KPSUL]

I've been to CAA games at every stadium except for Villanova and Albany.(not counting the the 4 newest CAA football members), that's 9 out of 15 teams and all 9 multiple times. I really don't think that one stands out clearly as the best. Most of them have a very good game day atmosphere.
Some random thoughts on CAA game days:

W&M - Very traditional. Numerous tailgating sites all around the stadium. W&M fans seemed to always be having fun vs UNH since we rarely beat them in Williamsburg.

Richmond: Stodgy and subdued, if you don't have season parking you have to bribe someone to park anywhere near the stadium. I went to a JMU @ UofR game when JMU was ranked 1 or 2, Richmond top 10. The loud obnoxious JMU fans showed up in their Nascar and MN Vikings purple garb and blew away the Richmond fans even when outnumber 4-1.

Elon: Personally a favorite of mine - friendly people, very comfortable visitor side.

Towson: Surprisingly good, considering they haven't been real competitive since making it to Frisco in 2013.

URI: Trending up, along with the quality of their teams. The visitor side where the stands are entered through the very nice
Ryan Center may be the best place to watch football in the CAA.

Maine: To me, going to a game at Alfond Stadium is a lot like going to UNH at home vs Maine. It's going to be cold, and UNH is going to win. You get to park very close, but the drive to UofMaine is a lot farther.

Delaware: The stadium is utilitarian, but the easiest place to find beer if that's your thing. The fans are fair weather fowl. Enthusiastic and gloating when winning, screaming for the coaching staff to be fired when losing. A good percentage drunk either way. Great pissing wall however.

Stony Brook: Very nice stadium, and decent attendance; although I don't know if their fans were showing up last season. In fact, I don't know if there are SB fans anymore.

UNH: Great for home team fans. The new side is very comfortable and a lazy stroll to your seats. Pretty incredible tailgating scene except for maybe homecoming which is a horror show. They sell up to 19,000 tickets for a stadium with 11,015 seats. I'm thinking that it isn't the most welcoming place for visitors, although you'll probably get to sit in chairback seats in the center of the field behind the visitor's bench for General Admission prices. The best tailgating lot (boulder field) is all but closed to anyone without a season's pass, and you better bring a lot of cash for homecoming to pay for parking, or bring some sturdy hiking shoes.

[POD Knows]

NDSU by default because virtually everybody else is lame. SDSU is getting better but their stadium is never full unless NDSU is in town. It used to be NDSU by 100 miles but the tailgate has declined and attentence has waned recently.

[caribbeanhen]

I've been to CAA games at every stadium except for Villanova and Albany.(not counting the the 4 newest CAA football members), that's 9 out of 15 teams and all 9 multiple times. I really don't think that one stands out clearly as the best. Most of them have a very good game day atmosphere.
Some random thoughts on CAA game days:

W&M - Very traditional. Numerous tailgating sites all around the stadium. W&M fans seemed to always be having fun vs UNH since we rarely beat them in Williamsburg.

Richmond: Stodgy and subdued, if you don't have season parking you have to bribe someone to park anywhere near the stadium. I went to a JMU @ UofR game when JMU was ranked 1 or 2, Richmond top 10. The loud obnoxious JMU fans showed up in their Nascar and MN Vikings purple garb and blew away the Richmond fans even when outnumber 4-1.

Elon: Personally a favorite of mine - friendly people, very comfortable visitor side.

Towson: Surprisingly good, considering they haven't been real competitive since making it to Frisco in 2013.

URI: Trending up, along with the quality of their teams. The visitor side where the stands are entered through the very nice
Ryan Center may be the best place to watch football in the CAA.

Maine: To me, going to a game at Alfond Stadium is a lot like going to UNH at home vs Maine. It's going to be cold, and UNH is going to win. You get to park very close, but the drive to UofMaine is a lot farther.

Delaware: The stadium is utilitarian, but the easiest place to find beer if that's your thing. The fans are fair weather fowl. Enthusiastic and gloating when winning, screaming for the coaching staff to be fired when losing. A good percentage drunk either way. Great pissing wall however.

Stony Brook: Very nice stadium, and decent attendance; although I don't know if their fans were showing up last season. In fact, I don't know if there are SB fans anymore.

UNH: Great for home team fans. The new side is very comfortable and a lazy stroll to your seats. Pretty incredible tailgating scene except for maybe homecoming which is a horror show. They sell up to 19,000 tickets for a stadium with 11,015 seats. I'm thinking that it isn't the most welcoming place for visitors, although you'll probably get to sit in chairback seats in the center of the field behind the visitor's bench for General Admission prices. The best tailgating lot (boulder field) is all but closed to anyone without a season's pass, and you better bring a lot of cash for homecoming to pay for parking, or bring some sturdy hiking shoes.

Delaware Stadium is the only real stadium left in the CAA

[ysubigred]

NDSU by default because virtually everybody else is lame. SDSU is getting better but their stadium is never full unless NDSU is in town. It used to be NDSU by 100 miles but the tailgate has declined and attentence has waned recently.Winning a lot helps with a great game day experience.. also, not **** else to do football wise in the state of ND..

But yeah, congrats to the golden Buffalo's for MVFC tailgate fun day award..

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

[MR. CHICKEN]

I've been to CAA games at every stadium except for Villanova and Albany.(not counting the the 4 newest CAA football members), that's 9 out of 15 teams and all 9 multiple times. I really don't think that one stands out clearly as the best. Most of them have a very good game day atmosphere.
Some random thoughts on CAA game days:

W&M - Very traditional. Numerous tailgating sites all around the stadium. W&M fans seemed to always be having fun vs UNH since we rarely beat them in Williamsburg.

Richmond: Stodgy and subdued, if you don't have season parking you have to bribe someone to park anywhere near the stadium. I went to a JMU @ UofR game when JMU was ranked 1 or 2, Richmond top 10. The loud obnoxious JMU fans showed up in their Nascar and MN Vikings purple garb and blew away the Richmond fans even when outnumber 4-1.

Elon: Personally a favorite of mine - friendly people, very comfortable visitor side.

Towson: Surprisingly good, considering they haven't been real competitive since making it to Frisco in 2013.

URI: Trending up, along with the quality of their teams. The visitor side where the stands are entered through the very nice
Ryan Center may be the best place to watch football in the CAA.

Maine: To me, going to a game at Alfond Stadium is a lot like going to UNH at home vs Maine. It's going to be cold, and UNH is going to win. You get to park very close, but the drive to UofMaine is a lot farther.

Delaware: The stadium is utilitarian, but the easiest place to find beer if that's your thing. The fans are fair weather fowl. Enthusiastic and gloating when winning, screaming for the coaching staff to be fired when losing. A good percentage drunk either way. Great pissing wall however.

Stony Brook: Very nice stadium, and decent attendance; although I don't know if their fans were showing up last season. In fact, I don't know if there are SB fans anymore.

UNH: Great for home team fans. The new side is very comfortable and a lazy stroll to your seats. Pretty incredible tailgating scene except for maybe homecoming which is a horror show. They sell up to 19,000 tickets for a stadium with 11,015 seats. I'm thinking that it isn't the most welcoming place for visitors, although you'll probably get to sit in chairback seats in the center of the field behind the visitor's bench for General Admission prices. The best tailgating lot (boulder field) is all but closed to anyone without a season's pass, and you better bring a lot of cash for homecoming to pay for parking, or bring some sturdy hiking shoes.

32878


UH LAZY STROLL TA SEATS.....YOUSE STEAL DAT LINE FROM UH RIVER WALK PAMPHLET ?......AWK!

INCREDIBLE TAILGATIN'.....DOESN'T TAILGAITIN'.....ACTUALLAH MEAN DRINKIN' ?........BRAWK!

EVERAH WILDCAT FAN......STOPS TIPPIN' @ .08 ?........BAWK!

UTILITARIAN ?..........TOP 10 IN FCS.........DOODLE-DOO!

[KPSUL]

32878


UH LAZY STROLL TA SEATS.....YOUSE STEAL DAT LINE FROM UH RIVER WALK PAMPHLET ?......AWK!

INCREDIBLE TAILGATIN'.....DOESN'T TAILGAITIN'.....ACTUALLAH MEAN DRINKIN' ?........BRAWK!

EVERAH WILDCAT FAN......STOPS TIPPIN' @ .08 ?........BAWK!

UTILITARIAN ?..........TOP 10 IN FCS.........DOODLE-DOO!

You and C-Hen need turn off the tube and to get out of the Lazy Boy and actually go to a few football games in "real"* stadiums!
*Real, as in NOT on TV or the internet

[Henny]

I've been to every stadium in the CAA besides Elon and the new ones.

First, whoever decided it was a good idea to put a track in a football stadium needs psychological counseling and the CAA if full of them. Second, Delaware Stadium West stands are completely renovated and is no longer "utilitarian" . Somebody needs to make a return visit this season.

It's been nice to see UNH and W&M finally do something to make their stadiums nicer. Again, the track makes you feel like you are a mile from the game.

Finally Delaware Stadium sight lines are fantastic and we are spoiled. Not only is there not a track, but the stands start at an elevated point with a steep angle and the view of the game is probably one of the best in all of college football. Not hyperbole.

Also, no other school comes close to tailgating at Delaware Stadium. It's 10 times bigger than any other school in the CAA. There's no comparison.

[mmiller_34]

NDSU by default because virtually everybody else is lame. SDSU is getting better but their stadium is never full unless NDSU is in town. It used to be NDSU by 100 miles but the tailgate has declined and attentence has waned recently.

SDSU had 2 games with over 19k last year without NDSU on the home schedule.

But, as you insinuated, it is not always full — which is true. Home games through the month of October usually between 14-17k. The last home game of the regular season is always poorly attended. Usually around 8k.

The game day in Brookings has got a lot better in recent years. Hope we continue the momentum.

[caribbeanhen]

You and C-Hen need turn off the tube and to get out of the Lazy Boy and actually go to a few football games in "real"* stadiums!
*Real, as in NOT on TV or the internet

For games at New Hampshire, do they have a few of those telescopes where you put a quarter in?

[POD Knows]

SDSU had 2 games with over 19k last year without NDSU on the home schedule.

But, as you insinuated, it is not always full — which is true. Home games through the month of October usually between 14-17k. The last home game of the regular season is always poorly attended. Usually around 8k.

The game day in Brookings has got a lot better in recent years. Hope we continue the momentum.I agree, I shouldn't have lumped SDSU in with the lame comment, that is not accurate. I stand corrected. UND has a pretty decent game day experience in their dome but I think the tailgate sucks.

[McCowboys]

Even with a 4-7 losing season in football and men's basketball, McNeese led the SLC in football (and overall sports) attendance, and I believe most SLC fans would agree hands down McNeese has the best tailgating. Lake Charles, with its casinos, superb dining options, free Friday night block parties during football season, and Southern hospitality, is a good destination for all football fans.

https://www.cbslakecharles.tv/mcneese-tailgating/

https://www.americanpress.com/2022/08/31/how-mcneese-inspired-montana-state-to-elevate-its-program-to-national-prominence/

If you turned back the clock two decades you would be hearing the same thing, but from the other side. Montana State officials used a postseason trip to Lake Charles as their blueprint for building their program. “When we went down there to play in the playoffs in 2002, we really enjoyed the entire game experience,” said longtime Bobcats Sports Information Director Bill Lamberty, who was on the trip. “They had a winning tradition for a long time, had great fan support and we really looked at them as what we would like to become.”



From last season: https://mcneesesports.com/news/2022/8/29/football-free-cowboy-block-parties-return-on-sept-16.aspx



https://herosports.com/fcs-football-best-traditions-bzbz/

McNeese“Jolie Blond”


After each touchdown, the band plays the Cajun National Anthem, Jolie Blonde.
The entire stadium dances to it, swaying to the left and clapping twice, swaying right and clapping twice, and so on and so on.
Firing the Cannon
After the Cowboys score a touchdown, a cannon is fired by Cannon Krewe members, who dress in full costume attire [as buccaneers in connection to Jean LaFitte] . It’s a strong tradition not only for the football team but for Southwest Louisiana as a whole. The history of pirates, contraband, buccaneers, and cannon fire can be found on street names, at festivals, and within the deep treasuries of local family tales and stories.

The Cannon Krewe consists of at least 10-12 members for every game. When the Cowboys win, the cannons are fired strategically right when the scoreboard hits zero. If the team loses, the cannons are discharged only after the band plays the McNeese Alma Mater.

[Also, on game nights, the Para-Pokes parachute into the stadium with the game ball. Also, returning is the "mystery rider" who enters the stadium on horseback before the game.]

[Professor Chaos]

Montana had a fantastic gameday atmosphere when I went there in 2015... even with the sky being gray with smoke from nearby wildfires. Only thing that would've made it better is if the tailgating was more concentrated and not spread out in all directions around the stadium but not much they can do about that given the stadium's position on campus and nearby terrain.

[Bisonoline]

SDSU had 2 games with over 19k last year without NDSU on the home schedule.

But, as you insinuated, it is not always full — which is true. Home games through the month of October usually between 14-17k. The last home game of the regular season is always poorly attended. Usually around 8k.

The game day in Brookings has got a lot better in recent years. Hope we continue the momentum.



This is about game day experience. Not attendance. But I digress.

Ive been to every stadium in the MVFC and to be truthful SDSU fans are some of the worst. Even when we go to UND where the hate is real we have never been threatened, Harassed or have our tailgate equipment vandalized like in Brookings.

[Bisonoline]

Montana had a fantastic gameday atmosphere when I went there in 2015... even with the sky being gray with smoke from nearby wildfires. Only thing that would've made it better is if the tailgating was more concentrated and not spread out in all directions around the stadium but not much they can do about that given the stadium's position on campus and nearby terrain.

Montana and Montana State have great tailgate and the fans are some of the best Ive ever encountered. Kansas State fans are also right up there but KU sucks.

[SteelSD]

This is about game day experience. Not attendance. But I digress.

Ive been to every stadium in the MVFC and to be truthful SDSU fans are some of the worst. Even when we go to UND where the hate is real we have never been threatened, Harassed or have our tailgate equipment vandalized like in Brookings.

And let me guess, students threw rocks at you and someone dumped a drink on you for no reason…

[unknown-swac]

I don't think I've been to any FCS game where the atmosphere was better than Jackson States home games, especially if they're playing Southern, Alcorn, Grambling or FAMU. 50k+ inside and a ton of other folks outside.

[JacksFan40]

NDSU by default because virtually everybody else is lame. SDSU is getting better but their stadium is never full unless NDSU is in town. It used to be NDSU by 100 miles but the tailgate has declined and attentence has waned recently.
Sold out for USD and Indiana State last year. Attendance has improved mightily and should be phenomenal this season. Still not the most intimidating atmosphere though.

[POD Knows]

Sold out for USD and Indiana State last year. Attendance has improved mightily and should be phenomenal this season. Still not the most intimidating atmosphere though.AH, I watched almost every SDSU game last year but didn't see those two and the ones I saw that were home games were not sell outs.

[100%GRIZ]

Montana had a fantastic gameday atmosphere when I went there in 2015... even with the sky being gray with smoke from nearby wildfires. Only thing that would've made it better is if the tailgating was more concentrated and not spread out in all directions around the stadium but not much they can do about that given the stadium's position on campus and nearby terrain.
The surrounding landscape and Mountains are second to none - Playoffs in the snow are a blast. APP State was classic!

[Sitting Bull]

Montana State was best I’ve seen - even better than most FBS games I’ve attended.

Within CAA, I thought KPSUL summed pretty well. I’ve not been to all though my list would include UNH, UMass, URI, Villanova, Delaware, Stony Brook and Towson. All had their pros and cons though I would rank Delaware first and Villanova last among the list.

[Sader87]

I think Fitton tops Lehigh....bettah sight lines for the game itself, on the main campus, more tail-gate options etc and let's face it, just a much bettah, more exciting brand of football in 2023.

I will grant you the mountain views top the view of I-290 though xdrunkyx

[KPSUL]

I think Fitton tops Lehigh....bettah sight lines for the game itself, on the main campus, more tail-gate options etc and let's face it, just a much bettah, more exciting brand of football in 2023.

I will grant you the mountain views top the view of I-290 though xdrunkyx

I've never been to Lehigh's Stadium (Goodman?) but I have to say that there are a lot of positives about going to a game at Fitton. The stands on the visitor side are very close to the field and provide good sight lines, and the large grassy field close to the stadium is an excellent tailgating venue. You guys really need permanent field lights, particularly if you continue to make the playoffs.

I've been to Lafayette as well, and it was a great experience. Very nice stadium and great people - the folks I met tailgating were friendly and welcoming - a lot of mingling between UNH and Lafayette fans.

[FUBeAR]

Guess, since FUBeAR has been going to some of these venues (and their predecessors in many cases) since 1977 and has been to all of the them more than once (except ETSU's new stadium - only been there 1x, but did play in the former airplane hanger they used to use as a Football Stadium), he should take a stab at this....

First of all - there are things FUBeAR loves about (almost) all of them...and a few things that he doesn't like about some of them...and they've changed over the years...and FUBeAR's feelings are subject to change when the wind blows...so there may be previous FUBeAR rankings on here that differ from the ones below....

1) Mercer - Hands-down the best overall gameday experience with the pre-game concerts, games and 'stuff' for kids, vendor tents with free 'stuff', free-flowing adult beverages inside and outside of the stadium, great 'natural spaces' on a really nice campus (and surrounding area) for tailgating, usually excellent weather (it can be too hot for some of you wimpier types), a student body that seems highly engaged (most of the time) in their tailgating and the game, a stadium with great sightlines, close to the action, ability to roam all the way around, nice people, some excellent food options. There's really nothing not to like.

2) Furman - Take everything above - add an even nicer campus, a bigger (sort of more impressive structure) stadium, and then dial most of the other variables mentioned back a notch or two....maybe 3 notches for student engagement...and you have FU's gameday - great strides in the past 2 years and expect this season to be even better.

3) ETSU - only 1x there and it was the de facto SoCon Championship game, but the stadium is awesome, their BIG band rocks the stadium the whole game, the fans were crazy rabid (as were Mercer's visiting fans). Didn't love tailgating on asphalt, but the surrounding views were pretty nice. Also, was on the Mercer sidelines for the game, so really didn't get the full stadium experience, but still gonna give the Bucs a (provisional) 3rd place.

4) WCU - The scenery doesn't get any better. Tailgating location options were abundant and nice. Another BIG band and fans that were fairly engaged early...the blowout kinda took the fans out of it though. The people who run the place are just exceptionally nice - very welcoming and friendly. IF CIT and VMI would do the work they should do on their stadiums, they would move ahead of WCU, but the Cats stay up here for now. FUBeAR lost an ACL (on a cheap blindside/late hit) here in '80. Should probably drop it down a notch or two for that unpleasant memory!

5) The Citadel - Would be ahead of WCU if they didn't have half-a-stadium. Charleston is amazing, as always. FUBeAR loves the military pageantry of the game and enjoys the spirited tailgating that goes on. Some good places to tailgate and they had the beer garden beside the temporary bleachers last time FUBeAR visited so that was nice. History of The Citadel gets it bonus points and FUBeAR's fond memories of playing there add to that 'kicker.'

6) VMI - Tailgating on the parade ground is fabulous and friendly - more friendly than their Charleston cousins. Again, enjoy the history and the pageantry. The stadium is very old and the visitors side was crumbling on FUBeAR's last visit (2014), but it's a unique venue and has a lot of character (other than the stupid red track around it). FUBeAR also has fond memories of clinching the '81 SoCon Championship in this stadium, so he's biased....also...almost forgot...the surrounding Shenandoah Valley is just beautiful. Different than the mountains you'll see at WCU and ETSU, but still very cool and appealing.

7) Chattanooga - It's been hideous for years - a large, ugly stadium, on a large swath of asphalt...BUT the trees they planted in the parking lots have really grown up now and the surrounding (formerly depressed industrial) area has added some really cool brewpubs and 'event' bars all around. The pavilion is nice and they do sell some good beer there. Fans are hit or miss - never many there - but sometimes they are motivated and get into the game. Tailgating, particularly now that there is a little shade can be fairly fun. Now that Little Miss FUBeAR is a Chattanooga resident, we'll probably not miss a Furman or Mercer game there for a few years. Maybe the stadium (and the trees) will continue to grow on FUBeAR.

8) Samford - The campus is nice, tailgating is fine. They do a nice job of creating a mini-Grove (Ole Miss style) up in their Quad, but the vibe is very HOME TEAM FANS ONLY ...really FRATS ONLY - unlike The (real) Grove....which has a "Y'all come!" vibe. The stadium is blah. The fans are late arriving, early leaving and just annoying...mostly. Nice thing and why it beats out Woffy is that the Visitors side is closer to the Tailgate areas than the Home side. While the Visiting Players have to walk 2 miles to their locker room at halftime, visiting fans get the short walk.

9) Wofford - Probably fun for Home Fans...maybe....but it is no bueno for visitors. The campus is nice and the tailgate area for the visitors is nice, but that's all the good there is. The stands are like an old HS stadium built by the WPA in the 30's. Just yuck with horrible concessions, etc. They field looks nice and they have a really big scoreboard, but no band, mostly sedate fans, if any show up...Just seems like a bad D3 environment...to FUBeAR. Davidson's OLD stadium was more fun...and it was pretty bad...and a one-sider only.

[NY Crusader 2010]

I've been to every stadium in the CAA besides Elon and the new ones.

First, whoever decided it was a good idea to put a track in a football stadium needs psychological counseling and the CAA if full of them. Second, Delaware Stadium West stands are completely renovated and is no longer "utilitarian" . Somebody needs to make a return visit this season.

It's been nice to see UNH and W&M finally do something to make their stadiums nicer. Again, the track makes you feel like you are a mile from the game.

Finally Delaware Stadium sight lines are fantastic and we are spoiled. Not only is there not a track, but the stands start at an elevated point with a steep angle and the view of the game is probably one of the best in all of college football. Not hyperbole.

Also, no other school comes close to tailgating at Delaware Stadium. It's 10 times bigger than any other school in the CAA. There's no comparison.

I agree that having a track inside a football stadium is a setup that should be reserved for high schools. However, several FCS stadia host nationally renown relay carnivals and IMO should be exempt for being shamed for having a track around the football field.

[Ivytalk]

Ten years ago, I would have said Princeton for its nifty stadium, tailgating experience, and decent food. Now, Ivy crowds are so small (except for H-Y) that I can’t answer.

[MUHAWKS]

Obviously different criteria can be used here.. For example, I played against Lehigh about 20 years ago and saw another 5 games there since. When there were actual fans at the games it was a fabulous gameday atmosphere. The last Monmouth/Lehigh game I went to at Goodman there MAY have been 1,000 people there and 50% concessions were closed. So what easily could be viewed as a top 10-20 FCS simply cannot anymore.

I know JMU time in FCS is over but the actual stadium and pageantry were excellent. The shuttle bus over from where we were allowed to tailgate not so much. But was a great scene.

Delaware IMO is awesome. Even as a visiting fan with no parking pass, the lots were many and all packed and a relatively short walk to the stadium which once inside gives you a semi big time feel. Pretty cool to be able to buy beer as well.

In terms of smaller places, I actually find U ALBANY to be decent, especially at night. The students go to games and there is some electricity. There is real potential there although the visiting side sucks.

I agree on Lafayette being a good atmosphere, again, especially if evening/night. They can get loud, but that steep walk up the hill from the lot sucks if you just downed 11 beers.

Before they went FBS, I saw us play at Old Dominion and the actual stadium and in game things were great- the surrounding area and tailgating etc was piss poor IMO. Maybe things have changed, but I was forced to tailgate in an enclosed dark parking lot.

With all the $$$ schools waste on paying certain admin and giving away $$ I think it is absurd that ANY full scholly FCS team cannot have an at least attractive stadium. At Monmouth, even though attendance sucks, there is simply no reason as to why we could not have had both side and/or a wrap around on the west side. If that was done, or if it does get done (along with lights which I am told will happen) we could easily turn into a great place to watch a game. If you go from 4-5k capacity to about 10k with the aesthetics of 2 sides, lights, add the fact that you have almost every single parking space within a 200-300 yard walk to the stadium, add a food truck or two and change the quality of the food at the already decent concessions, the location and quality of football (possibly) could make this exciting over the next few years. I know this is not a CAA thread I am just voicing my displeasure with the "stadium" b/c there are I am sure many schools in same boat which could turn something poor to average into something decent.

[KPSUL]

I know JMU time in FCS is over but the actual stadium and pageantry were excellent. The shuttle bus over from where we were allowed to tailgate not so much. But was a great scene.



I think the JMU experience is the most overrated. I saw some great football games over the years, but unless you are a serious JMU fan with chairback seats and premium parking it's not a great gameday experience. The visitor section is adjacent to the endzone on the fieldhouse end of the field. From those seats you can't see the video board. There is one parking lot within 1/2 mile of the stadium where you can actually tailgate. I didn't just go to a couple games. I lived 30 miles from Bridgeforth Stadium for 12 years, in fact the world's ugliest aluminum monstrosity was not built when I first went. I've been to at least 15 games there. Other things I don't like: they play the PA system too loud to the point of distortion. The vast majority of seating is on aluminum bleachers. and of course, those _ucking party streamers. Oh, and most of the fans don't really understand football and are disappointed if the Dukes win by less than 35 points. The band is excellent however.

[caribbeanhen]

KPSUL, study up on what MUHAWKS said …. You wont need your telescope at Delaware Stadium

“Delaware IMO is awesome. Even as a visiting fan with no parking pass, the lots were many and all packed and a relatively short walk to the stadium which once inside gives you a semi big time feel. Pretty cool to be able to buy beer as well.”

[rhowdyram]

URI: Trending up, along with the quality of their teams. The visitor side where the stands are entered through the very nice
Ryan Center may be the best place to watch football in the CAA.


Between the university president trying to nuke the football program after a fight with a fraternity in 92, that same president cracking down on tailgating and trying to be strict about being a dry campus in the early 2000's, the lack of investment in football facilities, and the quality of the program for a while, things became really bleak. Luckily with new leadership we're allowed to really tailgate again and fortunes on the field are helping to create a better atmosphere, though not close to the old days before the early 2000's crackdown.

Even though it's technically the visitor's side I have my season tickets on the Ryan Center side because it's just so much better than the home side. Hopefully after the renovation of Meade the home side can match the visitor's side for quality and I'll make the switch over.

[KPSUL]

Even though it's technically the visitor's side I have my season tickets on the Ryan Center side because it's just so much better than the home side. Hopefully after the renovation of Meade the home side can match the visitor's side for quality and I'll make the switch over.

I definitely noticed how many more URI fans were sitting on the Ryan Center side in 2021 compared to my last visit in 2018. The UNH players and staff family members and friends were not to thrilled to get their comp tickets on the URI side - which I think was also a change from 2018.

We started a trend of UNH winning all the games at Wildcat Stadium, URI winning at Meade. Let's change that this season with UNH winning @ URI. Don't worry, we'll reciprocate in 2024xsmiley_wixxliarx

[rhowdyram]

xlolx After getting hosed on UNH's last minute TD that looked like an incompletion on replay keeping us out of last year's playoffs maybe we'll just keep things as is for this year at least.

As maddening as it's been to be bad and not be in the playoffs since 1985, coming so close these last two years but still not getting over the hump has made it 10 times worse.

[McCowboys]

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQB3qICsHPwb0oUeDlvP9uriSYIhRgoNKX8PzflU7a5 wTgD_q-Ssj9nhGrwK0EJswmHosgIr_WGfUQiJMXsXktj8pYG4gwjoYULJ nqLQ9tt_qwRgrqvTnzRfu5QLdtec9ohpuyAO7hppDUAxj57fjg Mjy3hJZ1KiokTReXp9BWt_PcxYZpMvkqyw9_HP0/w572-h295/F0TCFujaIAALagb.jpg (https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6383734359116918752/1630388264890823738#)

[Bisonoline]

And let me guess, students threw rocks at you and someone dumped a drink on you for no reason…

Typical jackass bunny retort.

[Ncagalum]

NDSU by default because virtually everybody else is lame. SDSU is getting better but their stadium is never full unless NDSU is in town. It used to be NDSU by 100 miles but the tailgate has declined and attentence has waned recently.

Been to both Fargo and Bozeman. NDSU has a better tailgate, Montana State a much better stadium experience (outside is just better even with marginal weather) and crowd louder (the silence during NDSU offensive series is just weird). NDSU band is not very good, MSU a bit better. People were friendly at both places. Bozeman a better destination. Overall though 2 very good places to see a game.


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[POD Knows]

Been to both Fargo and Bozeman. NDSU has a better tailgate, Montana State a much better stadium experience (outside is just better even with marginal weather) and crowd louder (the silence during NDSU offensive series is just weird). NDSU band is not very good, MSU a bit better. People were friendly at both places. Bozeman a better destination. Overall though 2 very good places to see a game.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkBozeman is a better destination by a 1000, and I think their stadium experience is probably better but the silence during Bison offensive series is awesome. Only idiot, no kinowledge, home town football fans cheer when their team is on offense. I don't know when you were in Fargo but the tailgate experience has fallen off badly in the last three or four years, which coincided with the tailgate lot becoming all reserved .

[Ncagalum]

Bozeman is a better destination by a 1000, and I think their stadium experience is probably better but the silence during Bison offensive series is awesome. Only idiot, no kinowledge, home town football fans cheer when their team is on offense. I don't know when you were in Fargo but the tailgate experience has fallen off badly in the last three or four years, which coincided with the tailgate lot becoming all reserved .

Was in Fargo in 2019. As visitors, tailgaters were dragging us in to share food and drink - very friendly. I understand the home crowd silence during bison offensive series - but seems very foreign - maybe I need some ambient noise to cover my tinnitus :-). Both games required silent counts for UCD (2022 in Bozeman) so challenging places to play for opponents besides being good home teams to start with. Anyway, fun to identify places to visit for away games and Bozeman area was great so spent a few days there. Land of Magic steakhouse is great. Fargo involved connecting with second cousin in MN and a bit of a genealogy tour that involved lakes and woods region and New Ulm which “enhanced” the trip. Ironically haven’t seen the Aggies at home since probably early 80s a couple years after graduation - live on east coast and have gone to one Cal and Stanford game. Need to start picking an away game where they have a better chance of winning.


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[POD Knows]

Was in Fargo in 2019. As visitors, tailgaters were dragging us in to share food and drink - very friendly. I understand the home crowd silence during bison offensive series - but seems very foreign - maybe I need some ambient noise to cover my tinnitus :-). Both games required silent counts for UCD (2022 in Bozeman) so challenging places to play for opponents besides being good home teams to start with. Anyway, fun to identify places to visit for away games and Bozeman area was great so spent a few days there. Land of Magic steakhouse is great. Fargo involved connecting with second cousin in MN and a bit of a genealogy tour that involved lakes and woods region and New Ulm which “enhanced” the trip. Ironically haven’t seen the Aggies at home since probably early 80s a couple years after graduation - live on east coast and have gone to one Cal and Stanford game. Need to start picking an away game where they have a better chance of winning.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkUCD gave the Bison a scare in that game. Glad you had a good time at the tailgate, visiting fans get treated pretty well there normally. The peak of the tailgating experience at NDSU was probably 2013, it has really fell off lately. Back in the day, if you didn't have a reserved spot (our group didn't) you would have to get in line at like 3:00 a.m. and wait for the gates to open, that got to be a long day as I was usually the guy that had all the tailgating stuff and bought our spots on the lot. Great fun though.

[SteelSD]

Typical jackass bunny retort.
And yours was a typical jackass Bison post. Funny how one tends to follow the other.

[The Cats]

This is from last season, but you'll get the idea what it's like on game day in Cullowhee...


https://twitter.com/CatamountsFB/status/1553056511542366212

[caribbeanhen]

This is from last season, but you'll get the idea what it's like on game day in Cullowhee...


https://twitter.com/CatamountsFB/status/1553056511542366212

It’s beautiful

Nice scenery is required a W Carolina as watching the games can be tough on the eyes….

Year 3 and it’s time for the Bell to toll some wins

[ngineer]

I've never been to Lehigh's Stadium (Goodman?) but I have to say that there are a lot of positives about going to a game at Fitton. The stands on the visitor side are very close to the field and provide good sight lines, and the large grassy field close to the stadium is an excellent tailgating venue. You guys really need permanent field lights, particularly if you continue to make the playoffs.

I've been to Lafayette as well, and it was a great experience. Very nice stadium and great people - the folks I met tailgating were friendly and welcoming - a lot of mingling between UNH and Lafayette fans.

The only knock I have on Goodman Stadium (Lehigh) is the distance from sideline to stands. Slightly arced and leaving room for Olympic size soccer field, as it has been used for professional soccer and Olympic trial games. We oldsters were spoiled at old Taylor Stadium where the front row of seats was right behind the bench! However, the tailgating atmosphere is great with plenty of room for parking and short walk to the stadium. Plus the Marching '97 do a pre-game march through the tailgating areas playing Lehigh fight songs. In-stadium concessions (good food variety) and restrooms (large and heated) far out pace most FCS stadiums. Great family atmosphere where a lot of kids roll up and own the horseshoe hill behind the south end zone. From mid-September through October the scene is great with South Mountain changing color in the background....The only thing missing, now, is the fans. From an average of around 10-12K about 25years ago, to 5-6K during the past five losing seasons, we are hoping for a turnaround that will generate more student and local interest. Any football stadium, anywhere, is a better experience when you have a lot of people in the stands going nuts.

[caribbeanhen]

Ngineer, were you at the Delaware at Lehigh game in 1978?

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Been to both Fargo and Bozeman. NDSU has a better tailgate, Montana State a much better stadium experience (outside is just better even with marginal weather) and crowd louder (the silence during NDSU offensive series is just weird). NDSU band is not very good, MSU a bit better. People were friendly at both places. Bozeman a better destination. Overall though 2 very good places to see a game.


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I've been to Montana State several times (lived in Bozeman/Belgrade for 3 years) NDSU twice (YSU in 2011 and South Dakota 2019) so based on this context I agree with your general sentiments regarding both environments. While Bozeman is absolutely beautiful and the downtown area is great, Fargo is a pretty cool city with enough things in close proximity to keep one entertained for a weekend.

NDSU definitely had the upper-hand in tailgating although the gap might have closed in recent years as Bison "energy" has dwindled a bit while Bobcat "juice" seems to be at an all-time high given the program's recent run of elite success the last 2-3 years.

[Ncagalum]

I was at the UCD - Lehigh 1977 semifinal D2 game in Davis (was in marching band). Was a great environment considering Toomey field was essentially a larger high-school type bleacher stadium with end zone bleachers moved in for bigger games. It seated maybe 7-8,000 officially but I know know there were over 10,000 in attendance for a 1977 or 78 game against Nevada-Reno (Davis won by a fair margin). ABC televised it nationally with Bill Fleming and Ara Parseghien doing the call. A great game with Lehigh prevailing. One of the UCD coaches who was our head baseball coach said line of scrimmage was the difference as game wore on.


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[Ridge1982]

https://twitter.com/LU_Lions/status/1681778906829926401/photo/1

https://twitter.com/LU_Lions/status/1681669198651465732/photo/1