Robins Stadium (Richmond) nears completion

[bostonspider]

Latest pictures from University of Richmond's Robins Stadium, which is almost complete. Everyone is so excited to finally have football back on campus after over 80 seasons downtown.

So while the new stadium might be small, and might still have a track left over from the soccer / track & field facilty that was previously on the site, we Spiders are so happy to have a chance to see our team at "home" and be out of that decrepit dump called City Stadium.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4768957682_f21590c0d9_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4768320749_ac3f353e08_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4768957400_3db8eacc19_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4768320235_ce99c62d60_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4768320579_c5b8f12d5e.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4768957222_2ee60d1406_b.jpg

Finally the new video score board

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4768958124_61ac1ee5c7_b.jpg

[elon77]

Where's my seat for the Elon game?

[bostonspider]

Where's my seat for the Elon game?

Down in either the right or left corner of the East Stands..

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4768320235_ce99c62d60_b.jpg

[jmufan999]

looks really nice, long overdue (don't take that as a shot, it's not!)

[Bogus Megapardus]

Makes sure DFW Hoya sees this.

[wr70beh]

that crane in the background of the East stands shot is for the Business School expansion. There is also a new International Building that will open in Fall 2010 next to the Law School behind the East Stands. Lots of construction going on around campus. It's going to look great once everything is finished.

[DFW HOYA]

Makes sure DFW Hoya sees this.

You mean, as opposed to...

http://www.hoyabasketball.com/images/msf7.jpg

[49RFootballNow]

You mean, as opposed to...

http://www.hoyabasketball.com/images/msf7.jpg

I really hope that's just your practice field.

[DFW HOYA]

I really hope that's just your practice field.

There is no practice field. (For any team.)

[49RFootballNow]

There is no practice field. (For any team.)

I'm sorry to hear that.

[Redbird Ray]

Looks nice! It's refreshing to see schools like Richmond and SIU not overbuild, and have a sense of reality about how large their fanbase will be.

[TheBisonator]

Looks nice! It's refreshing to see schools like Richmond and SIU not overbuild, and have a sense of reality about how large their fanbase will be.

The good thing about both (Rich. and SIU) stadiums is that they can easily have a small expansion done to them when the time comes when the fanbase has grown.

[elon77]

Down in either the right or left corner of the East Stands..

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4768320235_ce99c62d60_b.jpg

I thought you were going to say at home in my chair.

[URMite]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4768320235_ce99c62d60_b.jpg

Hey great photo of my seat - Just to the right of the left stairwell...if you see what I mean.

[Green Cookie Monster]

Looks great, too bad only 8,000 watch a FCS Championship program.

[Field Judge]

Sharp looking field

[ur2k]

Looks great, too bad only 8,000 watch a FCS Championship program.

If you're going to try and be condescending, at least get the capacity right. It will hold 8700 xshhhx

Did you know, your team only averaged 9,935 at games last year? Or 47% of capacity. Maybe a smaller stadium would be a better fit. xsmileyclapx

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2009/Internet/attendance/FCS_AVGATTENDANCE.pdf

[Green Cookie Monster]

Hey pencil head, I was being nice. But after your premature response it looks like a HS field really. Yeah, we averaged 9935 fans and we are a .500 team, you won the whole thing, but then you have an inferiority complex so I understand. Just proves nobody in Richmond gives a rip about the arachnids.

[ur2k]

Which was the nice part? Looked like a backhanded compliment to me.

I'm happy to know that my response was able to change your architectural view of the stadium. It went from great to just a HS field.

Sincerely,
Pencil Head

[bostonspider]

You realize UR has 2,800 undergraduate students and Sac State has 22,000 right? And UR averaged 9,413 fans a game and Sac State 9,935. For UR, there was an average of 10,495 for the regular season and 6,608 for the playoffs (where we know everyone under-reports). I think UR is doing quite well in attendance for the size of the school.

[Green Cookie Monster]

I was being nice that it looks like a solid facility, just that it is too bad only 8K show up regularly to watch a FCS championship team. Rice has 2,500 students and have a 70K stadium, its too bad they can only attract a few thousand fans in the fourth largest city in the country.

[DFW HOYA]

I was being nice that it looks like a solid facility, just that it is too bad only 8K show up regularly to watch a FCS championship team. Rice has 2,500 students and have a 70K stadium, its too bad they can only attract a few thousand fans in the fourth largest city in the country.

Rice draws more than a few thousand: it drew 20,179 in 2008, while in 2009 it didn't have any local or nearby opponents for home games and attendance lagged. With home games with Texas, Baylor, and Houston, those numbers should be way up in 2010.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

If you take a 4 hour trip up I-95 from Richmond, you'd see that a whole lot less then 8,000 watch a FCS Championship program play.

What, exactly, does Sack State know about FCS Championship programs, anyway?

[paward]

It is a beautiful place. I sure will miss the BigHouse.

[Sly Fox]

Rice Stadium no longer seats 70k like it did when it was hosting a Super Bowl back in the day. And the stadium rarely hosts major crowds since their matchups with Texas are played at Reliant Stadium. Most Owls home games on campus are fortunate to attract 10k. Then again, they rarely give the city much of a reason to get excited about their team in a pro market that has one other FBWS and 3 other FCS programs.

[Sly Fox]

Can't lie, it does seem odd to have such a gorgeous facility so small. Then again I live in Texas where 1A schools in towns of 500 draw 3k every Friday night. But this stadium is indeed a beauty and one for the Spiders to be very proud of this fall.

[UR Spider]

This maybe a question for another thread (and if it has been discussed I apologize), or even an internal UR site, but I can't envision a scenario in which UR of gets widespread support from the community that would significantly increase attendance. Some factors that I think deter attendance:

Small student body, which leads to small alumni base. That base gets even smaller when you factor in that most students aren't from Virginia, let alone Richmond. The school is not geographically prominent in the city (tucked away in a neighborhood would be an understatement) and finally the community probably views the school / students as elitists given the huge price of tuition. Who locally would want to actively support an institution that they feel they can't identify with?

For the record - I loved my time at UR, I just have a feeling that school as a whole will never be seen by the community in as positive a light as I see it.

How do other small private schools in a similar spot boost their attendance? Villanova strikes me as a comparable subject and they don't receive good numbers either.

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

Will there be standing room for the more highly attended games? (Home comming, Parents weekend, ect)

[ur2k]

Will there be standing room for the more highly attended games? (Home comming, Parents weekend, ect)

Don't think the school can offer more than 8,700 for games due to the special use permit needed from the city to build the thing. The school will likely have tickets set aside for university use for these occasions.

[wr70beh]

I saw they were taking down the construction fences behind the east stands today so they can open up that new parking lot. The paths to various existing parking lots are now open, and they are reconstructing the fences around the RC Tennis Courts. Maybe they can set up some temporary seating over there so the Barney Band can watch when they come to town? :D

[bostonspider]

A few more pictures, including the completed score board

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4787147899_a9eb5edcc7_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4787779630_dfc1c3ef9f_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4787148395_0c2128a521_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4787779424_ef8dd5f0d7.jpg

[TheBisonator]

Looks like an awesome stadium. Every detail, up to the back fencing behind the last row looks great.

Don't listen to those who deride it as tiny. It works for your school. Not every FCS program is able to play in a place that seats 20,000+.

[appfan2008]

honestly beautiful stadium... i hate to see it small but that is ok... more fun to pack a small stadium than stare at empty bleachers... love the brick

[tribefan40]

Hey pencil head, I was being nice. But after your premature response it looks like a HS field really. Yeah, we averaged 9935 fans and we are a .500 team, you won the whole thing, but then you have an inferiority complex so I understand. Just proves nobody in Richmond gives a rip about the arachnids.

Pencil Head? Nice. Great looking stadium, glad we don't have to play there this year...

[bostonspider]

Here is the before and after from First Market Stadium (for Track/Field & Soccer) to Robins Stadium (Multi-purpose).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4790705952_916b39be6b_b.jpg

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

wow you were even able to make the fog go away...


It looks great. I hope to get there some day.

[LeadBolt]

Great looking facility. I like the way that it fits in with the rest of the campus architecture, from what I remember of it.

[ur2k]

I drove by the other day after they put up the scoreboard and the place looks great. Everyone can complain all they want about the size but there's no doubt this is an improvement over city stadium. We'll have a packed-house every home game Saturday and will finally be on campus, which for us and visiting fans will be a huge plus considering that UR has one of the nicest campuses in the country.

September 18th can't come soon enough.

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

wow you were even able to make the fog go away...


It looks great. I hope to get there some day.

Next year! Pick me up on your way South!! xnodx :)

[seattlespider]

Robins' Stadium website goes live this Friday!

http://www.richmondspiders.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/060810aaa.html


UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND - The Spiders are in the final stage of preparations for RobinsStadium.com, a website designed to provide detailed information to fans so that they may enjoy their Gameday experience at Robins Stadium. The site, along with the official Robins Stadium logo will be unveiled Friday, July 16.

The comprehensive site will feature full-color maps, information on parking, tailgating and tickets, preferred driving directions, and a complete listing of the Stadium's policies and procedures.

[TokyoGriz]

Lose the Track and you got a half decent stadium. WAY nicer than what ya had before for sure.

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

Next year! Pick me up on your way South!! xnodx :)

You and I in a car together would certainly bring Richmond their first ice storm in years...perhaps ever

[henfan]

Count me among those who actually liked visiting Richmond Stadium. Easy access in and out, close to the highway, plenty of parking, close to Carytown restaurants & shops, room to accomodate large visiting crowds, etc. While old and not particularly attractive and not convenient for UR students, the stadium seemed to serve its purpose.

There is no doubt that the new facility is first class all the way around, but I wonder how accomodating it will be to those not already stationed on the UR campus? How available will tickets be for visiting schools who've historically brought the largest crowds to Richmond (UD, W&M & JMU, for example)? How available will parking and tailgating be for non-season ticket holders?

I'll hold praise or criticism until I actually visit in Sept.

[State Line Liquors]

Am I the only one concerned that the new stadium isn't going to have an Arby's counter like City Stadium?? Where am I going to find dog meat sandwiches in Richmond this year?

[elon77]

Am I the only one concerned that the new stadium isn't going to have an Arby's counter like City Stadium?? Where am I going to find dog meat sandwiches in Richmond this year?

In their dinning halls.xlolx

[State Line Liquors]

In their dinning halls.xlolx

I was thinking, more along the lines of the other side of campus, where they used to 'traditionally' keep their women.

[kdinva]

How available will tickets be for visiting schools who've historically brought the largest crowds to Richmond (UD, W&M & JMU, for example)?

uh, VMI always brought 4,500+ to City Stadium. I'm sure UD brought 1,500-2,000 to the old facility, which I believe is a fine following, considering the logistics, etc.

[ur2k]

Count me among those who actually liked visiting Richmond Stadium. Easy access in and out, close to the highway, plenty of parking, close to Carytown restaurants & shops, room to accomodate large visiting crowds, etc. While old and not particularly attractive and not convenient for UR students, the stadium seemed to serve its purpose.

There is no doubt that the new facility is first class all the way around, but I wonder how accomodating it will be to those not already stationed on the UR campus? How available will tickets be for visiting schools who've historically brought the largest crowds to Richmond (UD, W&M & JMU, for example)? How available will parking and tailgating be for non-season ticket holders?

I'll hold praise or criticism until I actually visit in Sept.

Plus it also served as a homefield for the Hens a few years back.

I would imagine UR will hold the allotment that they are obligated to give for CAA teams (1,000). I have no clue how out of conference visitor allotments work. But I'd bet that the days of visitors getting an unlimited amount of tickets for games vs. Richmond are gone.

[State Line Liquors]

uh, VMI always brought 4,500+ to City Stadium. I'm sure UD brought 1,500-2,000 to the old facility, which I believe is a fine following, considering the logistics, etc.


9/26/09 - 7500 in attendance - UR coming off national title
9/16/06 - Family Weekend @ UR
11/5/05 - Homecoming @ UR
10/25/03 - Homecoming @ UR

Uh, yeah, I'd say the evidence is overwhelming that VMI were the ones really packing them in at City Stadium, and not the fact that UR had anything else going on during those games. xrotatehx

[kdinva]

9/26/09 - 7500 in attendance - UR coming off national title
9/16/06 - Family Weekend @ UR
11/5/05 - Homecoming @ UR
10/25/03 - Homecoming @ UR

Uh, yeah, I'd say the evidence is overwhelming that VMI were the ones really packing them in at City Stadium, and not the fact that UR had anything else going on during those games

I never claimed or hinted that VMI was "responsible" for any particular game's attendance. And, those of us who attended the 2009 game will swear that there were at least 11,000 in total, actual attendance that dayxreadx.

[elon77]

I was thinking, more along the lines of the other side of campus, where they used to 'traditionally' keep their women.

xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Am I the only one concerned that the new stadium isn't going to have an Arby's counter like City Stadium?? Where am I going to find dog meat sandwiches in Richmond this year?

Doesn't Keeler serve you guys a hot Crapwich most Saturdays in Newark? Why do you have to come down to the River City to get one?

[AppStsGr8]

Looking good, UR.

[State Line Liquors]

Doesn't Keeler serve you guys a hot Crapwich most Saturdays in Newark? Why do you have to come down to the River City to get one?

Arby's in Newark don't come with the nifty 'revolving doors' that you guys in Richmond have. The novelty is lost on us up here.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Arby's in Newark don't come with the nifty 'revolving doors' that you guys in Richmond have. The novelty is lost on us up here.

I'm sure you Hen fans would agree that 'the air' can a little stale sometimes ... the revolving door lets in some fresh air down here ... xlolx

[State Line Liquors]

The food can definitely get stale, but the circulation is fine. It's difficult to keep a good restaurant down for long.

We do keep the kitchen door out to the back dumpster propped open just a few inches though...in case we need to toss out the chef and his line cooks.

[Mntneer]

Great looking stadium.

[ur2k]

http://www.robinsstadium.com is now active. Lots of info on gameday stuff.

The school also announced on their website that the only game that single game tickets will be available for purchase by the general public is v. Towson.

[Torgo]

Very nice looking stadium. Cue the comment about how its a shame its so small, but it will be a nice intimate place to see a game for sure.

[kdinva]

Brief article, with video, in the Saturday's Times-Dispatch;

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/sports/college-sports/2010/jul/17/urfb17-ar-159986/

If I read the article right, the press box and asst. coach's booths are on the same side as the visitor's bench..........some things never change.;)

[seattlespider]

UR addresses criticism of the size of the stadium.

http://www.mytimesdispatch.com/index.php/sports/comments/ur_ad_miller_spiders_coach_scott_address_robins_st adium_capacity/12675/


RICHMOND, Va. - The University of Richmond has taken some heat for the relatively small seating capacity (8,700) of its new, on-campus football facility, Robins Stadium. But 8,700, UR Athletic Director Jim Miller believes, is “the right size for us with parking on campus.” He added that UR has “no immediate plans” for Robins Stadium expansion.

Interesting note that UR will likely sell out all six home games.

[wr70beh]

UR addresses criticism of the size of the stadium.

http://www.mytimesdispatch.com/index.php/sports/comments/ur_ad_miller_spiders_coach_scott_address_robins_st adium_capacity/12675/



It seems to me that 8700 is good for now. If demand stays strong 5-6 years down the road then discussions can start about adding a few seats. For now, based on prior attendance, this is perfect.

[bostonspider]

New picture from on top of the Scoreboard... That is the Robins Center Arena in the center right, Milheuser Gym in the center (to be converted into Basketball Practice Facility) and some dorm roofs over to the left.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4820743987_bc297344a9_b.jpg

[elon77]

I sure hope I can obtain a seat when Scott Riddle and Company visit for that first game. Elon owes you one after that squeaker last year. It should be fun, I just hope I'm there. Two schools that have much in common, I hope they will continue to play each other off and on for many years to come.

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

I thought that the stadium HAD to be 8,700 cap because that is the size of hoops and the town limited them to that.
I'm I correct on that?

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

I thought that the stadium HAD to be 8,700 cap because that is the size of hoops and the town limited them to that.
I'm I correct on that?

Generally speaking, yes.

[Tribe07]

Fantastic looking stadium. My only regret is that it won't be easy to get tickets for the W&M at UR contests like it was in that old dump.

[wr70beh]

I thought that the stadium HAD to be 8,700 cap because that is the size of hoops and the town limited them to that.
I'm I correct on that?

Pretty much. We're limited on parking, apparently. I know new parking regs are in place on game days on campus now. Pretty much every space on campus had to be counted for potential parking on game days, including the practice fields on River Rd:

http://www.richmondspiders.com/facilities/robins-stadium-parking.html

If they ever expand the new stadium down the road, they're going to have to come up with more spaces. The neighborhoods off of College Rd. and Towana Rd. are going to put up resistance if that ever happens.

[TheBisonator]

I like your new stadium, Richmond fans. I don't care what anyone says about it being too small. For a school of your size, it works for you. You'll never be able to go FBS someday with 8,700 seats, but that probably doesn't matter...

[bostonspider]

I like your new stadium, Richmond fans. I don't care what anyone says about it being too small. For a school of your size, it works for you. You'll never be able to go FBS someday with 8,700 seats, but that probably doesn't matter...

Yeah Richmond has been there and done that.. I am pretty happy with where we are now.

[ur2k]

I like your new stadium, Richmond fans. I don't care what anyone says about it being too small. For a school of your size, it works for you. You'll never be able to go FBS someday with 8,700 seats, but that probably doesn't matter...

Exactly, we don't have the desire (or delusion) to move up to FBS. We like where we are - competing at a high level in FCS for football and in one of the best non BCS conferences in basketball. We've got a good thing going for such a small school.

[bostonspider]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4820743987_bc297344a9_b.jpg

Interesting to compare with our greatest rivals field... Zable Stadium at W&M
http://www.championshipsubdivision.com/wp-content/gallery/william-mary-tribe-walter-j-zable-stadium/Zable-Stadium-1.jpg

[bluehenbillk]

Hopefully it's better, the sightlines at Zable are among the worst in the country.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Hopefully it's better, the sightlines at Zable are among the worst in the country.

The seating at Robins Stadium is much higher up than that seating at Zable. Additionally, our press box won't obstruct sightlines.

[App-a-latch-un]

Looks great, huge improvement over city stadium, that place was stupid ugly.

[kdinva]

The seating at Robins Stadium is much higher up than that seating at Zable. Additionally, our press box won't obstruct sightlines.

And the Robins' press box is more than 20 feet above field level.........

[seattlespider]

Field painting is finished. Next up, Field Goal installation and later, student section.

http://www.richmondspiders.com/view.gal?id=74012

[SideLine Shooter]

Field painting is finished. Next up, Field Goal installation and later, student section.

http://www.richmondspiders.com/view.gal?id=74012


Very nice. I like the track also.xthumbsupxxnodx

[bostonspider]

Was on campus today, so I took a few pictures. I love how well it fits into campus, feels like it was always there.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs301.snc4/40365_421358010757_506630757_4654273_7084734_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs274.snc4/40056_421357895757_506630757_4654272_6431954_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs250.snc4/39862_421357515757_506630757_4654267_6736074_n.jpg

[seattlespider]

More pictures, including flat screens in suites, video control room, etc...

http://www.richmondspiders.com/view.gal?id=74529

[bostonspider]

A few pictures, showing the smaller alternate scoreboard at the South Endzone, and the main scoreboard in the North Endzone, including the bleacher seating.

2nd Scoreboard
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs149.ash2/40790_135217409856665_128885247156548_193901_59549 99_n.jpg

Main Scoreboard
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs384.snc4/44752_135217393190000_128885247156548_193900_74792 33_n.jpg

Almost completed bleacher seats
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs414.snc4/47703_135217433189996_128885247156548_193905_32976 70_n.jpg

[Skjellyfetti]

I love the new stadium

[phan]

One of the most needed upgrades in FCS...turned out awesome!

[kdinva]

Looking fine, but those end-zone seats seem awfully close to the field of play, just like at W&M. Hope no one gets hurt running a fly pattern.

[bostonspider]

Looking fine, but those end-zone seats seem awfully close to the field of play, just like at W&M. Hope no one gets hurt running a fly pattern.

I hope they pad that area..

[GaSouthern]

Nice place guys!

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

i love the end zone seating inside the track. Was that seating included in the original capacity?

[bostonspider]

Yes it is part of the 8,700. My hope is that maybe next season the stands can be duplicated on the South Side and boost capacity to 10,300.

[yorkcountyUNHfan]

Yes it is part of the 8,700. My hope is that maybe next season the stands can be duplicated on the South Side and boost capacity to 10,300.

When no body is lookingxshhhx

[EmeryZach]

I am very very jealous. It will be many years before UMass does anything else with McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

[ur2k]

I'd doubt it would be as quickly as next year but would imagine this would happen within a few years.

And I find it comical that someone is now crticizing how close those seats are when a few weeks ago, the conversation was about how far away our seats were from the field. xbangx

[TheBisonator]

I like Richmond's new stadium. I guess the endzone bleachers can be removed for track meets, I suppose. It's a WAY better setup for them than the stadium they played in before, and that's all that really matters.

[Spyder77]

Got my tickets this week!!!
Can't wait for the Phoenix on the 18th!

[wr70beh]

I was wondering if they were going to throw in a Ukrop's name somewhere now that there is no more grocery store by that name. Well played.

[App-a-latch-un]

I like the seating on top of the track. That track is my biggest complaint at Kidd Brewer. I'd love to see it completely removed, don't see it happening since we sold naming rights to it.

[seattlespider]

Finishing touches:

http://www.richmondspiders.com/view.gal?id=75248

[elon77]

I will be coming in from Tidewater and I want to know if parking is going to be a problem? Also, will there be a lot where the Elon folks can gather to break bread before the game? Should be fun, I saw Elon give the Dookies all they wanted last week and I'm looking forward to checking out your new stadium.

[bostonspider]

I will be coming in from Tidewater and I want to know if parking is going to be a problem? Also, will there be a lot where the Elon folks can gather to break bread before the game? Should be fun, I saw Elon give the Dookies all they wanted last week and I'm looking forward to checking out your new stadium.

Here is the website for the stadium, which should have the answers to your questions. Also note that while only a few lots are "officially" sanctioned for alcohol, as long as it is in a cup and no one is going crazy, it should not be a problem in other lots on campus.

http://www.richmondspiders.com/robins-stadium/

[ur2k]

http://www.richmondspiders.com/view.gal?id=76219

Updated photos posted today.

To the Elon guy - parking shouldn't be a problem (but its the first time, so I'm sure it will be a cluster). Everyone without a pass will be directed to park somewhere by staff (you won't be given an option as far as I know). So I'd recommend if there is more than one car you want to tailgate with - you guys meet somewhere and enter campus together - otherwise you could end up in different lots based on arrival times.

And like boston said - we've been given the impression that there won't be problems tailgating - just put it in a cup and don't have the primary containers on display.