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Division III football (Post Patterns) => General football => Topic started by: e_lee on August 22, 2005, 09:53:45 AM

Title: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: e_lee on August 22, 2005, 09:53:45 AM
What are the toughest places to play in your conference?  In the OAC my vote goes to Baldwin-Wallace's Finnie Stadium.  Although MUC has to be considered for obvious reasons, but they are hard to beat anywhere.  BW is much harder to beat at home than in your own place.

Your thoughts?
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ron Boerger on August 22, 2005, 03:36:02 PM
Trinity (TX) has not lost a home SCAC game in nearly ten years (10/21/95 vs. Centre).    They've had four road losses in conference since then, pulled a rabbit out of their hat to avoid a fifth last year at DePauw.   

IMO it's the travel along with the strength of the program that contributes to this streak; Trinity's closest SCAC FB opponent is over 500 miles away (Millsaps).   The home crowd is loyal and strong, but the tiny stadium only seats around 1,000 on the home side. 

Lot of interesting changes in the SCAC this year, though.  I could see that streak ending before too much longer if trends continue.   
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Matt Barnhart (kid) on August 22, 2005, 04:25:56 PM
For the ODAC, the easy answer would be Bridgewater ... 23-straight regular season wins at Jopson Field (McDaniel could very well end that in two weeks).

But I'm going to go with Washington & Lee.  Considering they've gone 29-31 overall over the past six seasons, their home record of 19-10 over that time is pretty impressive (7-2 over the last two seasons).  And over that span, they've always had a winning record each year at home.

And of the 10 losses, five were pretty "impressive":

- Last year, lost 31-28 to 8-2 Hampden-Sydney
- Were down only 7-3 at the half to 12-2 Bridgewater in 2003 before they lost 28-3 to the national semi-finalists.
- Only lost 21-14 to 9-2 Hopkins in 2002.
- Lost in overtime (34-28) to 12-1 Bridgewater in 2001 (national runner-up)
- In 2000, they were down 14-10 at the half to 8-3 Emory & Henry before losing 24-10 to the eventual ODAC champions.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: smedindy on August 23, 2005, 02:02:12 AM
In the NCAC, I'd have to say:

Allegheny - because it's going to be muddy.
Witt - because they're Wittenberg.
Wabash - 3,500 to 4,500 crazies on the home side of the stands.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: reality check on August 25, 2005, 03:35:23 PM
My vote in the OAC goes to MUC not because the stadium has some sort of intimidating quality but rather because you can't help but know where you are when you walk into the stadium.  You just know that so many teams have had it handed to them for the last decade+ there.  It's a cool old stadium too; reminds me of the county fairground horse tracks with the old covered stands on one side.

The carpet at B-W may be the toughest game because of the field surface  but I didn't feel the same when I stepped on that field regarding my surroundings.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Weak Safety on August 27, 2005, 11:28:59 PM
In the ASC, my vote goes to Hardin-Simmons' Shelton Stadium (The Storm Shelter), which was built in 1993.   The first regular season loss in the stadium was on 11/15/97 to Sul Ross (fake field goal with no time remaining).  The only other regular season loss at Shelton Stadium was to UMHB in 2003.  As far as the playoff games however, HSU is 6-5 at home since 1997.

As a player at HSU, the toughest place to play, in my opinion, was Gordon Wood Stadium in Brownwood (but that was before the UMHB era).
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: patcummings on August 28, 2005, 01:00:11 PM
Centennial Conference:

McDaniel's Bair Stadium.  Can be quite imposing as a gaggle of Green Terror fans ring the stadium from above with tailgating to watch the game. 

Middle Atlantic:

IMO, kind of a toss up.  Albright's Shirk Field was old and decrepit and instilled some fear in opponents, but had been totally re-done.  Del Val's field is now the worst in the conference, making it difficult in general.  The total package to me would probably be Lycoming.  A combo of the crowd and the patent history of football there lean me that way.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Trin9-0 on September 07, 2005, 10:26:32 AM
At the risk of sounding biased the only possible choice in the NESCAC is Jesse/Miller field at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. The Bantams have gone 16-4 since 1999 and a perfect 12-0 in "The Coop" since the new synthetic field-turf was put in at the start of the 2002 season. 

Williams College's Weston Field in Williamstown, Mass is a close second, but losing to NESCAC bottom-feeder Bates at home in 2003 and being trounced by Trinity last year at home has removed some of the anxiety for visiting NESCAC schools.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: splik on September 07, 2005, 11:51:35 AM
I agree with pat about the MAC toughest places to play.

Shirk stadium was terrible and it was a long bus ride on game-day.  Lycoming's field is difficult to find and once you get there you get to deal with one of the perennial contenders in the MAC.  I'll also add FDU's field just because it used to be terrible, I remember there was no coaching box to sit in so the assistant coaches sat on scaffolding behind the bleachers.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Josh Bowerman on September 08, 2005, 02:19:19 PM
I was going to give the nod to Gordon Wood, Weak Safety.  Seems like the refs are always homers there!   :'(
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: gordonmann on September 08, 2005, 02:46:31 PM
Splik:

Not sure if it impacts your opinion, but FDU upgraded its facility recently.  It seems pretty nice, though I'm not sure where the coaches sit.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Weak Safety on September 09, 2005, 06:48:17 PM
Josh, no doubt strange things happen every time HSU plays at Gordon Wood! 
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Chum Slam on September 14, 2005, 01:51:21 PM
MAC - Albrights stadium never instilled fear in anyone, I like the drab rundown look. It makes you wanna fight. I always loved playing at Lyco, nice field, nice stands (especially the away side where fans are 2 feet from ours behind a fence) So im not really sure where the toughest place to play is.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: fanfave on September 23, 2005, 03:28:38 PM
My vote in the HCAC would be Bluffton for the toughest place to play.  Now before you all start laughing as you read this let me say why I think this.  It's tough because it is so windy in that part of Ohio and there is nothing around to stop it.  No trees, no buildings, no nothing!  It affects the kicking game, sometimes the passing game and it does not help you if you have a toupee (I don't have one).  Ha! It also does not help that the mascot is a beaver for crying out loud.  Now the most fun place to play is Mount St. Joseph with the brand new stadium with the field turf and all that good stuff there.  However I think the toughest is Bluffton.

FYD
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Stephen1452 on September 27, 2005, 10:00:48 AM
I think that in the ASC based on fan noise, the two toughest places to play is at UMHB and HSU.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ron Boerger on September 27, 2005, 11:18:04 AM
Quote from: Stephen1452 on September 27, 2005, 10:00:48 AM
I think that in the ASC based on fan noise, the two toughest places to play is at UMHB and HSU.

Which is why the home team in games between the two hasn't won in how many games now?    ;D

11/27/04:  UMHB 42, @HSU 28
10/23/04:  HSU 49, @UMHB 22
11/01/03:  UMHB 35, @HSU 36

11/2/02:  @UMHB 35, HSU 16

Tough places to play, tho ... because the two teams are so good. 
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: RedmenFB44 on October 03, 2005, 11:39:50 AM
Toughest place to play in the CCIW, right now, is for sure Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisc. The Redmen were 11-2 overall last season and finished #5 in the polls.

Home games last season (2004):

Won 52-14 Carroll College
Won 42-0 Benedictine
Won 31-13 Millikin
Won 27-24 North Central
Won 39-21 Wheaton
Won 49-14 Elmhurst

6-0 last season and the big one was #3 ranked Wheaton at the time. This game helped Carthage win its first conference title since 1973.

Home games so far this season (2005):

Won 20-16 Lakeland

Next Carthage plays Augustana at home in Kenosha. Carthage lost to Auggie 35-0 last season @Auggie. Huge game. Kenosha Magic  ;)

GO REDMEN!!!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: TecmoYellowHat on October 04, 2005, 03:37:52 PM
Toughest place to play is definitely butterfield stadium in Ithaca.  Those ooga booga chants get in your head and it's over!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: maninorangehat on October 06, 2005, 09:52:15 PM
TYH,

I agree about the Oooga Boogas.  Also, The elevation of Butterfield helps.  The stadium is like a few hundred feet above Cayuga Lake... It's almost like playing at mile high. 


Buah

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: theoriginalupstate on October 06, 2005, 10:09:06 PM
Quote from: TecmoYellowHat on October 04, 2005, 03:37:52 PM
Toughest place to play is definitely butterfield stadium in Ithaca.  Those ooga booga chants get in your head and it's over!

i would have to agree with that....
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: littlebird on October 11, 2005, 10:24:38 AM
How bout the MIAA
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: DutchFan2004 on October 11, 2005, 07:51:20 PM
 
IIAC



I don't know for sure because I haven't been to all the sites yet.  By the end of the year I will have been.  But so far I'd have to say Wartburg College in Waverly.  The pack a crowd like no other team so far I'd say.  Also in fairness to my Dutch I think we pack a good crowd too.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: gc_fan on October 11, 2005, 10:03:44 PM
Eureka College in the Illini-Badger conference is a tough environment, the field is actually on a slight hill, students are right behind the back line in one of the endzones and people have been known to have things thrown at them from that area.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Mr. Ypsi on October 11, 2005, 10:21:10 PM
On the other hand, Hiram, Heidelberg, and North Park (lately, the synonyms for BAD in the NCAC, OAC, and CCIW conferences, respectively) would probably beat Eureka AT Eureka.  How tough can it be?  :D
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ryan Tipps on October 12, 2005, 12:28:32 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on October 11, 2005, 10:21:10 PM
On the other hand, Hiram, Heidelberg, and North Park (lately, the synonyms for BAD in the NCAC, OAC, and CCIW conferences, respectively) would probably beat Eureka AT Eureka. How tough can it be? :D

Need proof? North Park has already beaten Eureka on the Red Devil's home turf this year. (Score: 34-6). But to be fair, North Park is LOTS better than Hiram (which would probably be an even team for Eureka to play), and probably lots better than Heidelberg, too. North Park might not be intimidating to CCIW foes, but thanks to nonconference games, the team does have a winning record.  ;)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: aufb05 on October 18, 2005, 12:30:00 PM
All "fair" aside No.Park has a 80 man roster and gets beat up regularly in the CCIW.

Eureka on the other has a 39 man roster and gets beat up regularly in the IBFC.

But there is no equality here - NPark should beat Eureka on any ground on any day. 

Here's why - NP has a team in a challenging conference and has an opportunity to be better  -  regarless of the conference Eureka can't get better until it fields a team. (by the way, team wise Hiram isn't 't that much ahead of Eureka- interesting match-up)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: sthrncwby on October 21, 2005, 02:04:58 PM
Hardest place to play - Alpine, TX.  Its in the middle of no where, an I mean no where.  Look on the map and find Alpine, Texas.  Good Lord.  Also the elevation can get to you, little harder to breath when youre suckin wind.  Its hard to get any form of motivation out there.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on October 21, 2005, 02:23:14 PM
sthrncwby is right about Alpine from a geographic perspective.

The altitude of Alpine is 4481 feet above sea level and is 180 miles from the nearest airport (Midland-Odessa).  At least you can fly into Colorado Springs.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: coocooforcoekohawk on October 21, 2005, 04:53:00 PM
IIAC,

After last week I have to agree with dutchfan that Walston Hoover stadium in Waverly is tough.  It's more of a stadium than a field.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Jim Matson on October 29, 2005, 01:25:56 PM
Football venues have nowhere near the effect on the outcome when compared with basketball venues.  I can't think of any stadium where the opponent would admit to the venue having an effect on the play (OK, maybe Mount Union) - but in hoops, there are many places that can have an effect on a player.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: kubiack78 on November 11, 2005, 07:38:51 PM
The toughest place in the to play when I played for UWW back in the late 80's and early 90's was at UWL.... but when Superior still had a team it sucked traveling all the way from one end of the state to basicly Canada to play a horrible team. Hard to get any kind of motivation to play them especialy late in the year with the wind coming off lake superior...COOOOOLD.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: SJU92#57 on November 16, 2005, 01:19:54 AM
Ask any coach in the MIAC....SJU.  Since 87' they are 97-11-1 at Clemens stadium. It was voted to SI's top ten places to play college football(only DII school on the list). You look across and see 180-190 red and white jerseys and for a big game any were from 7,000 to a record 13000 at the SJU/BU game. And the fans will tear you apart.  Awesome place.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: PittTBCW on November 17, 2005, 11:48:02 AM
In the PAC...

I believe you could argue for Waynesburg or W&J.

Buff State also is hard to play at late in the year because of the wind.

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: StillMSJ on November 21, 2005, 01:38:44 PM
In the HCAC, I'd say the toughest place to play would be at Franklin or Anderson, very big intimidating home side and there's always a good loyal turnout, especially at Franklin.

Slowly, MSJ will become the hardest place to play in, but with the new complex only 2 years old, it hasn't matured yet.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Raider1 on November 28, 2005, 08:49:38 PM
I would have to say that the 4 toughest stadiums to play at in the OAC are:

1) MUC(Mt.Union Stadium)
2)Ohio Northern (Dial-Robertson & War Memorial stadiums)
3)BW(Finnie Stadium)
4)JCU(Shula Stadium)





Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 16, 2006, 12:06:58 AM
I guess I was thinking this thread was "best place to play" or "Coolest stadium" but ... this discussion chopped from the WIAC board still fits, and probably belongs somewhere like here, not in the middle of actual WIAC talk.

Quote from: retagent on October 14, 2006, 05:15:03 PM
I know you like your stadium, and it is nice, but you have to remember that SI picked Collegeville as one of the great places to watch a football game, so don't get too high on your horse.

Yeah, I'm sure SI considered the other three to six stadiums they've seen D3 games in.

Don't get me wrong, I love The Sweet Season, and if I recall correctly the honor came before the book, but you can't exactly brag on that honor if it was bestowed by a group that's surely never seen the Perk or most of the other top spots in D3. I have no doubt St. John's is a great place to see a game, and that's what SI was getting at, not rating it better than other D3s.

Some of my favorite "places to watch a game" I've seen are Widener and North Central. Some places are fancier and newer (CNU, Shenandoah, Benedictine) and some rely more on personality (McDaniel, Whitworth) ... Honestly though, every place has it's own cool little aura about it. I always like to see what schools can create with a small spot and a small budget. And on game days, you see how the people fill it and give it's life.

Anyway, this is why I don't hang on the boards. I fall victim to rambling tangentitis frequently.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: 'gro on October 16, 2006, 07:07:07 PM
RPI's '86 Field is a tough place to play (unless you are Hobart), and a unique field located in the middle of campus.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rpi.edu%2Fdept%2Fathletics%2Ftraining%2F86field1.png&hash=eb1f4e291329bd38d1f6dde96785de018cbac11c)

but the plans are in for a new 7,500 seat stadium (and athletics complex) that should be one of the tops in D3 when completed.

check it out (http://www.alumni.rpi.edu/ecav/EC_Athletic_Village.wmv)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: D3Newbie on October 17, 2006, 07:57:11 AM


No Question for the USAC -

Christopher Newport on the beach in Virginia . . .Unless you have webbed feet!
BTW, all of the football players are required to pass scuba diving before they can play. I believe it rains every weekend in the fall - at least for home games.   :(
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: repete on October 17, 2006, 10:39:43 PM
Quote from: kubiack78 on November 11, 2005, 07:38:51 PM
The toughest place in the to play when I played for UWW back in the late 80's and early 90's was at UWL.... but when Superior still had a team it sucked traveling all the way from one end of the state to basicly Canada to play a horrible team. Hard to get any kind of motivation to play them especialy late in the year with the wind coming off lake superior...COOOOOLD.


Kubiak:
Ah, the old Superior program . . .  best story about that was when coach Mertz Motorelli was driving a recruit around campus in his big ol' car, his door popped open on a curve and Mertz rolled out ... and if you remember Mertz, his shape was condusive to rolling a long way .....

Be safe.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: EastCoastStag on October 18, 2006, 04:55:30 PM
SCIAC:
Occidental. You can't see $hit at night. The lights are terrible.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: ADL70 on October 18, 2006, 06:51:48 PM
'gro

Great looking facilities, but expanding seating by 250%?  And 5 times last season's average attendance?  The 500 fans from last year's Kings Point game would be pretty lonely in there.  Will it be built in phases?
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 18, 2006, 09:24:33 PM
Quote from: repete on October 17, 2006, 10:39:43 PM
Quote from: kubiack78 on November 11, 2005, 07:38:51 PM
The toughest place in the to play when I played for UWW back in the late 80's and early 90's was at UWL.... but when Superior still had a team it sucked traveling all the way from one end of the state to basicly Canada to play a horrible team. Hard to get any kind of motivation to play them especialy late in the year with the wind coming off lake superior...COOOOOLD.


Kubiak:
Ah, the old Superior program . . .  best story about that was when coach Mertz Motorelli was driving a recruit around campus in his big ol' car, his door popped open on a curve and Mertz rolled out ... and if you remember Mertz, his shape was condusive to rolling a long way .....

Be safe.

Now that's a story.

Have been to Oxy at night .. it is kind of tough to see. Have also been to a day game there ... really nice campus.

I've heard good things about RPI and Ithaca as far as places to see a game, but since we've always had staff in N.Y., those games have often been off my list. Partly to my dismay.

Have I mentioned Middlebury yet? Shoot, all those NESCAC and NEFC campuses must be lovely in the fall.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Jonny Utah on October 18, 2006, 09:57:32 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 18, 2006, 09:24:33 PM
Quote from: repete on October 17, 2006, 10:39:43 PM
Quote from: kubiack78 on November 11, 2005, 07:38:51 PM
The toughest place in the to play when I played for UWW back in the late 80's and early 90's was at UWL.... but when Superior still had a team it sucked traveling all the way from one end of the state to basicly Canada to play a horrible team. Hard to get any kind of motivation to play them especialy late in the year with the wind coming off lake superior...COOOOOLD.


Kubiak:
Ah, the old Superior program . . .  best story about that was when coach Mertz Motorelli was driving a recruit around campus in his big ol' car, his door popped open on a curve and Mertz rolled out ... and if you remember Mertz, his shape was condusive to rolling a long way .....

Be safe.

Now that's a story.

Have been to Oxy at night .. it is kind of tough to see. Have also been to a day game there ... really nice campus.

I've heard good things about RPI and Ithaca as far as places to see a game, but since we've always had staff in N.Y., those games have often been off my list. Partly to my dismay.

Have I mentioned Middlebury yet? Shoot, all those NESCAC and NEFC campuses must be lovely in the fall.

Actually, you and Pat might enjoy this.  Ill post it in the nescac board too.  In this weeks Sunday Globe they did a special on college football about a few college programs across the country. 

Im not sure how to post the exact link, because it asks for a membership but try this....

1- Go to boston.com
2- Click on "sports"
3- Go down to where it says "College Football in America: One Fall day"
4- Click on Williamstown on the map

There was actually a real nice picture of the Williams/Middlebury game in the actual paper.  You can only watch the video online though....
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: 'gro on October 19, 2006, 07:30:20 AM
Quote from: cwru70 on October 18, 2006, 06:51:48 PM
'gro

Great looking facilities, but expanding seating by 250%?  And 5 times last season's average attendance?  The 500 fans from last year's Kings Point game would be pretty lonely in there.  Will it be built in phases?

you're right, it's gonna be bring your own chair for the 1st 3 years.

I think this is a "if you build it, they will come" situation.  Currently the school doesn't do much to get local supporters, so your crowd is generally students and players families. The school is trying to reach out to the community for support and since there are only 4 local college football teams (I-AA Albany, DIII RPI & Union, and a community college) that support shoudn't be hard to find.  If they are going to build this, then I'm sure they also have a plan to put butts in the seats (not max capacity, but at least 3,000 a game).

Maybe they want to steal the Giants training camp away from Albany? Think outside the box.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 20, 2006, 01:01:07 AM
So Repete and I were having this discussion about fields via PM, so as not to offend anyone or take other threads off on tangents. We have since determined it's tame enough (and hopefully interesting enough) for public consumption.

Open for feedback:

From repete:
This is probably what started the discussion.
By doclittle:
QuotePlaying at one of the nicest stadiums in all of division three. You have the equivalent of College Game Day in d3football.com coming to the game, and you probably have one of the best wide receivers in the entire state of Wisconsin playing college football in Derek Stanley. Who has gotten attention from well over half the NFL, The season isn't even over and NFL scouts are interested in the kid, which at the division three level normally doesn't happen until after the season.

here's retagent's bit ...::
QuoteJust a couple things to set someone off. I know you like your stadium, and it is nice, but you have to remember that SI picked Collegeville as one of the great places to watch a football game, so don't get too high on your horse. Also, St John's leads D- III in attendance almost every year, with a much smaller student body.

QuoteQuote from: repete on October 16, 2006, 12:49:00 pm
Keith,

Didn't want to stir up the WIACers by advancing the stadium issue too much there -- they've got enough to rag the SJU types about anyway, but I wanted to chime in.

Just because SI has limited d3 knowledge doesn't mean they are wrong.

Since the early '70s, I've been to d3 fields in every region of the country, from the NWC to the ODAC, including all of the MIAC and many of the WIAC, Staggs in two locations and numerous d2 and naia stadiums.

I'll admit to a bit of SJU bias, but the truth is Clemens does stand out.

Congrats to the Whitewater fans for putting 9,500 there and a great team makes any stadium better, but that's still 4,000 empty seats and despite its size and clean lines, there's little charm. Most games there are more empty seats than people. Clemens offers a fabulous mix of old and new, manmade and natural features with the stands build into a gorgeous wooded hillside and world-acclaimed architecture in the background (Google: Marcel Breuer).

With an average of 7,925 fans last year (more than 3,000 per game ahead of No. 2 Ithaca, a much larger school BTW) that's 113 percent capacity for the season.  And the football is pretty good.

Here's the test: I haven't heard anyone who's attended a game there say there's a better atmosphere for small college football. I know trips back to the MIAC are a chance for Pat to see family, but you really ought to catch a game there.

Regards,
repete

« Sent to: repete on: October 17, 2006, 11:04:33 pm »
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QuoteOh,
I agree that SI isn't wrong about it being "a great place to watch a game," which is basically everything I've heard.

I just don't think it's right to champion that honor as though it makes St. John's a better place to watch a game than the other 200+ stadiums in D3. Because no one I know, and even Pat and I don't come that close, has laid eyes on even half of the 234 D3 stadiums, and surely not all on game day.

Do you see the difference? It's nitpicking on my part, but that's sort of what I do.

It may very well be the top place to see a game in D3, given the mix of natural atmosphere, game-day atmosphere, fan enthusiasm and chances of seeing a great team play, if not a great game.

I just think there's no one qualified to say what the best in D3 is, and even if there were, "best" is a matter of preference. As long as you're saying "SI spotlighted us for being a great place to watch a game" and not "the best place to watch a D3 game," I have no beef with it.

I think this is a fine discussion to take up publically on the "toughest place to play" thread. I don't mind chiming in with what I know. I've heard good things about everywhere from Linfield to Middlebury, and like I said, I don't know that there are too many bad places to watch a D3 game. They're all unique, and I'm not just saying that because I'm the so-called national guy.

As far as Perkins, that place was darn near full Saturday. I was told when I was there last year that 13,500 is a gross exaggeration, and if Saturday was 9,570, I agree. Probably 11,000 seats max. Only a small section near the far end zone was uncovered but I will say that's the only D3 whose stands stretch from 20 to 20 or 10 to 10 that I've seen. They also have a bowl setting, a nice field house and pine trees along the visitors skyline. It's not my favorite place, I think I actually like the initmate ones better, but it's not bad at all.

I hadn't read the part about being compared to Game Day. Keith Herbstreit does kind of have a ring to it though.

I also don't think that's true about scouts not being interested until the end of the season. Scouts are ALWAYS looking ANYWHERE for football players, even on the hardwood. The WIAC and OAC are places they frequent because the talent there has been good to them before. After that, it's pretty much a crapshoot. The MIAC is the only other one I can think of putting multiple guys in the NFL over the past few years ... maybe the NJAC if you count Truluck (not sure if Cortland was NJAC in those days).

Anyway, I'd really love to come up with a photo database of all D3 stadiums, like one shot standing outside the press box straight on, one towards each end zone, one from the 50 going in each direction and one from the top of the visitors stands shooting toward the home side/press box ... to give a semi-360 view of the whole place.

If we could get enough people together, we might be able to accomplish this unofficially. They would not have to be game day shots ... anyone interested could just go take shots whenever they are there or driving in a certain direction, etc.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: retagent on October 20, 2006, 02:29:34 PM
Since I have been included in this, I wanted to make sure that what I said was accurately portrayed, and it was for the most part. My initial response to doclittle was meant to be exactly what Kieth is saying. It also was prompted by a comment that Kieth also addressed about NFL scouts showing interest in Derek Stanley during the season. I thought "What an amazing concept. Actually watching a player during the season instead of waiting for the season to end. This may revolutionize scouting."

I will stand by repete and my earlier comments about Clemens Stadium, though. It is a great place to watch a consistently great team.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 20, 2006, 04:19:48 PM
St. John's has the best game-day atmosphere I've ever witnessed in D-III. However, I've only been to 49 of the 234 current stadiums. Who's to say others aren't better?
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on October 20, 2006, 04:39:25 PM
Pat,

From what I've seen in my limited number of stadiums...the nod would have to go to SJU in terms of best game-day atmosphere.  I've only been there once (03 Linfield vs SJU) and I would think that when the place is packed it must be even greater.

However, I think Linfield has probably the best small college game day experience out in the far West.  I think Oxy, Cobber, or Warhawk fans (even Gordon Mann) can testify the Linfield game day experience is pretty darn good.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: frank uible on October 20, 2006, 05:57:08 PM
Pat: I bet that no one, or next to no one, has been to more. I know that I haven't.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: TC on October 22, 2006, 08:02:03 PM
SJU's Clemens Stadium is the best in Division 3 football.  That is where the discussion begins and ends.  The field, stands, and press box are modern and top of the line.  The setting--in a natural bowl, surrounded by 100+ year old pine trees--is picturesque and seems to be made for a football field.  The crowd is loyal and knowlegable, consistantly ranking #1 in D3 attendance.  There are 3 rather spirited rivalries--the big one with St. Thomas, the competitive one with Concordia-Moorhead, and the annual bitch-making of Bethel--that always draw a good deal of visiting fans.   Then there are the intangibles that really make the experience unique--Coach Gagliardi, Johnnie Red's pre-game Stiftungsfestivities, the monks in attendance, the fall colors, kids sliding down the hill in the snow, etc.

When SI recognized Clemens Stadium as one of the Top 10 Place to Watch College Football, it wasn't simply comparing SJU to the other 233 D3 schools--it was recognizing them above the, what, 500 or 600 so other college venues of all divisions.  It is that great.

---

Biased SJU-centric stadium rant aside, some observations on other stadia I have visited:

Concordia-Moorhead--Likely the toughest road trip in the MIAC between the long road trip and perma-crappy weather.  The stadium itself is old and basic, but the fans are passionate and knowledgable.

St. Thomas--St. John's urban counterpoint.  The stadium's pretty decent.  It's shaped like a castle.  Funny how as soon as SJU got SprinTurf UST had to have it...  All in all, a very nice field.

Bethel--Dude, you stole that chant from Duke.  Stop it. 

UW-Whitewater--Nice, big stadium, but it's got to get a little lonely there during the lean years.  I got to snoop around in the coach's offices before the game and they were very nice.  They had an alumni tailgate with free food before the SJU game, which was a nice touch.  It seemed kinda strange that they had to delay the start of a playoff game to clear the field, but all in all it was a nice stadium.

Central (IA)--They could certainly tailgate.  Other than that, the field itself was pretty ordinary. 

Mount Union--The stadium had an old-time grandstand feel to it, which was pretty unique.  The team has earned it (and I know a lot of people feel the same way about SJU fans), but they were the most smug, cocksure fans I have ever seen.  It was ridiculous.  And if one more person would have told me to "Try the brunch, it's delicious" I would be  serving time right now.  Obviously a successful program, and you can feel it when you're on campus for gameday.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Gray Fox on October 23, 2006, 04:39:04 PM
Quote from: TC on October 22, 2006, 08:02:03 PM
Concordia-Moorhead--Likely the toughest road trip in the MIAC between the long road trip and perma-crappy weather.  The stadium itself is old and basic, but the fans are passionate and knowledgable.
If they get into the playoffs they get to play indoors at the local dome.  Especially if they are playing a team from the SCIAC. 8)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Gray Fox on October 23, 2006, 05:10:57 PM
Quote from: TC on October 22, 2006, 08:02:03 PM
Central (IA)--They could certainly tailgate.  Other than that, the field itself was pretty ordinary. 
OxyBob attended a game there and  I think he might disagree on the field. >:(
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Jonny Utah on October 23, 2006, 08:34:52 PM
K-Mack,

check this out.  Pretty cool 360 view of Ithacas Butterfield Stadium.  Probably exactly what you were looking for....

http://www.ithaca.edu/tour/athletics.php?see=panos

And actually if you look to the left of the pressbox in the second row down, you can see a blue mark on one of the rows (seats).  Thats where Jim Butterfield's wife Lois watches the games.  On it it says "The big "L" sits here".

Kind of cool d3 nostalgia anyway.......
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 24, 2006, 12:45:38 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 20, 2006, 04:19:48 PM
St. John's has the best game-day atmosphere I've ever witnessed in D-III. However, I've only been to 49 of the 234 current stadiums. Who's to say others aren't better?

Quote from: frank uible on October 20, 2006, 05:57:08 PM
Pat: I bet that no one, or next to no one, has been to more. I know that I haven't.

I might come close if I count the ones I've played in, which gives me about 10-12 freebies ... but then again, Pat's been to most of those and I've been to many of them as a journalist too, so it's not that big of an advantage.

I'm still working on my overall count, but I think Pat is ahead of me.

Together we were wondering if we'd hit 100.

I think if we had a five-man team over five years, or something, we might be able to see every stadium.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2006, 12:49:35 AM
I just saw Coast Guard Academy for the second time this past weekend and it reminded me that both Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine Academy have great atmospheres and settings. There were only about 4,500 people there this weekend but Coast Guard's stadium overlooks the water (not surprisingly) and the leaves were turning. Was a great setting for a football game.

You can't have a legitimate discussion without at least one of those stadiums. Just because the team isn't in the Top 10 doesn't mean the stadium can't qualify for this discussion, guys.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 24, 2006, 01:28:40 AM
Quote from: TC on October 22, 2006, 08:02:03 PM
SJU's Clemens Stadium is the best in Division 3 football.  That is where the discussion begins and ends.  The field, stands, and press box are modern and top of the line. 

I'd bet you everything I own it's not the best stadium. Best game day atmosphere, probably. There is definitely a difference/distinction.

Quote from: TC on October 22, 2006, 08:02:03 PMWhen SI recognized Clemens Stadium as one of the Top 10 Place to Watch College Football, it wasn't simply comparing SJU to the other 233 D3 schools--it was recognizing them above the, what, 500 or 600 so other college venues of all divisions.  It is that great.

My point is that it's a hollow honor if used to compare, given that no one I know has seen enough Division II, III or NAIA stadiums to really say for sure. My guess is that SI has seen less than a dozen D3 stadiums. Who is to say St. John's is better than Ithaca or Amherst or Linfield or Mount Union or Augustana, etc. -- also places where history and success both loom large and cross paths -- unless they've seen them to compare? Or at least asked around.

You know what I mean? You can't go to the library, read 5 books and say "this book here is the best one in the whole library." You say "this is a really good book."

So SI's honor, to me, is "St. John's is a cool place to watch a game" not "St. John's is the No. 1 place out of all that exist to watch a game."

It's nitpicking, and I'm sure it'll be misconstrued as St. John's hate, which it isn't ... Certainly it's easy to make a case for SJU as one of the best places to see a game just off Gaglardi's history alone ... I'm just railing against the use of  "best in Division III" this year, whether it be "we have the best cornerbacks in Division III" and you watch the same team every week or whatever. In my humble opinion too many people fail to recognize the enormity of the division. There are great players and stadiums and rivalries all to be enjoyed, and practically more than we can count.

I'm not a fan of people touting things as "the best" unless they have a wide perspective. "The best I've seen" works great instead.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2006, 01:34:33 AM
Unless the press box has changed significantly since I was last there in 2003, it's not even in the top 10 press boxes. Two other press boxes just among the stadiums you listed as having seen blow SJU's away.

A press box is not even close to the be-all and end-all of a stadium or its atmosphere, don't get me wrong, but just a heads-up that you're way off there.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 24, 2006, 01:35:09 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2006, 12:49:35 AM
You can't have a legitimate discussion without at least one of those stadiums. Just because the team isn't in the Top 10 doesn't mean the stadium can't qualify for this discussion, guys.

My point exactly. I maintain my favorite fields/stadiums as Widener and North Central, but just about everywhere has some appeal to it, whether it be Western Maryland's bowl where you can watch the game from your car, Mount Union's grandstand with overhang, Whitworth's pine trees and old wooden press box (IIRC), Randolph-Macon and Cornell and Gettysburg with the trains going by, the classic campuses at W&L and Amherst, the palm-lined streets at Redlands ... the list really does go on. I find something unique and enjoyable at just about all of them.

I have heard great things about Coast Guard, Middlebury, etc. And some places the campus just wows you.

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2006, 01:39:52 AM
I just ran down my list of 49 stadiums. Ten have better press boxes than St. John's and an 11th is borderline. But hey, it's a pretty good press box if only 10 of my 49 definitely beat it.

Still nearly 190 I haven't seen. :)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on October 24, 2006, 01:48:32 AM
Pat, did you include Shotwell (Abilene Public Schools) Stadium where McMurry has played on occasion and HSU's Shelton Stadium?  I won't mention the old decrepit McMurry press box, which I hope will be replaced as soon as possible.  (We have the new turf and track tho'.)

You also get to add Belton High School's stadium this weekend.

Consider the historic Stagecaoch Inn in Salsdo for your eating pleasure.  I am sure the locals will have some good places to eat as well.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 24, 2006, 01:49:58 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2006, 01:39:52 AM
I just ran down my list of 49 stadiums. Ten have better press boxes than St. John's and an 11th is borderline. But hey, it's a pretty good press box if only 10 of my 49 definitely beat it.

Still nearly 190 I haven't seen. :)

You should post your list. I'll do mine, but not until I finish ATN. Gotta prioritize, you know.

(leaves board immediately)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 24, 2006, 01:57:11 AM
Another thing to think of (hasn't left board yet) is that all the "best" distinctions are a matter of preference. One man's dump is another man's classic old-school stadium and vice versa.

One thing I noticed though looking up something a few weeks ago ... The ODAC led Division III in attendance, much I'm sure, on the strength of big crowds at Emory & Henry and now Bridgewater, and the annual 10Gs at the R-MC/H-SC game ... for almost a decade running from '88 through '98. Certain schools (Like Linfield) weren't even D3 for much of that time, and the OAC and MIAC has since claimed the top spot.

But that surprised me a little bit.

Before teh ODAC, the Heartland had a run too.

The average D3 crowd is about 1,800, down from 2,700 in the 70s or something (this is all off the top of my head from what I remember, not sure how verifiable it is)

It's also worth noting that attendance numbers in D3 are often estimates since games are free, and there is no gate or ticket stubs to count. Sometimes the tailgates and game crowds blend, so there's really no telling.

But anyway ...
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2006, 01:59:22 AM
Depending on who you ask, there are still big crowds at Emory and Henry. :)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: repete on October 24, 2006, 10:55:00 AM
I certainly don't doubt Pat's press box rankings a bit, and I agree it should be be only a minuscule (if any) part of this discussion since it's somewhat restricted to a very small  part of the d3 community. 

The SJU box is, however, a huge improvement over what I saw on my first trip nearly 40 years ago ... almost seemed like a bunch of icefishing houses nailed together. :)

Here's the next factor: Any stadium food standout?  Or are there any fields relatively close to a dining/socializing institutions that become parts of a game-day experience?

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: ADL70 on October 24, 2006, 11:35:58 AM
Denison has a great setting in a natural bowl with both pine trees and oaks and maples for color in the late fall.  And it just got an upgrade with in-fill turf.

Too bad the team hasn't matched the setting since when they ran the single wing (not as long ago as that sounds!)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: retagent on October 24, 2006, 03:04:35 PM
I think K-Mack's analogy of "best book in the library" or maybe "Best Movie" is dead on. You even have trouble when you break it down to best comedy, best western (movie, not motel) ....  Well said Kyle, er Kevin........ I mean Keith
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: pg04 on October 24, 2006, 08:22:42 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2006, 01:34:33 AM
Unless the press box has changed significantly since I was last there in 2003, it's not even in the top 10 press boxes. Two other press boxes just among the stadiums you listed as having seen blow SJU's away.

A press box is not even close to the be-all and end-all of a stadium or its atmosphere, don't get me wrong, but just a heads-up that you're way off there.

I have only been to 6 Press Boxes, but of them, I think I liked TCNJ's the best.  It was pretty nice. 

As for tough places to play, Ithaca always seems like a tough place for people to go in and win. 
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: AUPepBand on October 24, 2006, 09:56:44 PM
THE PLAYOFFS ARE AT MERRILL FIELD!!!
Oct. 28--Hobart 21, Alfred 14
Nov. 4--Ithaca (7-1) at Alfred (6-2)
Nov. 11--St. John Fisher (8-1) at Alfred (6-2)

Given its propensity for making noise and occasionally playing some somewhat recognizable tunes, AUPepBand would like to think that its presence albeit under a tent in the stands (in the inclement weather) will make Alfred University's Merrill Field the ultimately toughest, most intimidating, difficult place for any D3 football team, no matter their record or ranking, to play from 1 p.m. Saterday, Oct. 28 through 3:30 p.m. Saterday, Nov. 11.

AU is riding a nine-game win streak at Merrill Field and the game plan is to extend that streak, one game at a time, from ten, to eleven, to twelve, and, per chance given a home playoff game, thirteen games. Reset the home winning streak starting Nov. 4.

AUPepBand....it's the Sound of the Saxons!.....GO AU!!

Note to Band: Tune your kazoos!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 24, 2006, 11:45:09 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 24, 2006, 01:49:58 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2006, 01:39:52 AM
I just ran down my list of 49 stadiums. Ten have better press boxes than St. John's and an 11th is borderline. But hey, it's a pretty good press box if only 10 of my 49 definitely beat it.

Still nearly 190 I haven't seen. :)

You should post your list. I'll do mine, but not until I finish ATN. Gotta prioritize, you know.

(leaves board immediately)

Wow.

I finished my list. It looks long, but turns out ...

I've seen 59 teams in action at least once, 60 if you count Newport News and more than that if you allow me leeway for non-D3s. I have skipped four games in seven years for various reasons that would have given me six more teams.

I have seen 29 stadiums on game day, not counting Salem HS stadium aka Home of the Stagg Bowl, and I have seen 14 more not during a game, and another handful on video. I've also been to Kean and Dickinson without seeing the stadium, although that's pre-National Columnist days for sure.

So Pat's 77/49 crushes my 60/43.

Even if we never went to the same game or stadium twice, we'd have what, 137 teams and 92 stadiums?

Long way to go for complete "seen it all" status, and by the time we get there, some stadiums will have been redone, etc.  :(

That is a lot of Saturdays though.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: TC on October 25, 2006, 01:59:29 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 24, 2006, 01:34:33 AM
Unless the press box has changed significantly since I was last there in 2003, it's not even in the top 10 press boxes. Two other press boxes just among the stadiums you listed as having seen blow SJU's away.

A press box is not even close to the be-all and end-all of a stadium or its atmosphere, don't get me wrong, but just a heads-up that you're way off there.

Yikes.  I used HORRIBLE terminology in my post.  In fact, I've never even been in the SJU pressbox.  For all I know, there could be sawdust on the floor and exposed wires everywhere.  I was using the term to describe the wooden structure part of the stadium.  I couldn't think of anything better to call it at the time, which was pretty careless.  (And, as a fan, I really don't care what the press box is like, either, which I think was your point in "not even close to the be-all and end-all of a stadium".)

Careless wording on my part, and you were right to tear it apart.  That said, I'm sticking with SJU as the Best of the Best in D3--but I would be happy to accept an all-expense paid trip to the stadium of your choice if anyone disagrees!

GO JOHNNIES!
TOMMIES SUCK!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: retagent on October 25, 2006, 11:43:04 AM
I had forgotten that I had been to W&L a few years ago, but it was when my son went to a Lacrosse Camp there. That is also a beautiful setting, but as I recall, the stadium was a bit sterile.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 27, 2006, 12:58:51 AM
I remember really liking W&L's campus ... we had to walk over a stone bridge to get to this pristine grass field with one concrete grandstand ... but it was also a pretty empty place, if I recall correctly.

That was 10 years ago though.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: AUPepBand on October 29, 2006, 08:43:04 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 27, 2006, 12:58:51 AM
I remember really liking W&L's campus ... we had to walk over a stone bridge to get to this pristine grass field with one concrete grandstand ... but it was also a pretty empty place, if I recall correctly.

That was 10 years ago though.

Indeed, Wilson Field....huge grandstand (no visitor bleachers) going back to W&L's bigtime program. AU Pep Band was there for AU's opener in Lexington, VA in 2005 (a 36-22 loss to the Generals). With relatives up the road at JMU, made a nice pep band road trip but heat was unbearable...especially for the Saxons on the field. It was pretty empty and AU Pep Band's attempt at Hawaii Five-O was rated a Three-O at best.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on November 02, 2006, 01:15:45 AM
That's pretty funny.

So we were once discussing biggest crowd ever at a D3 game, since someone erroneously reported 9,570 at UW-W to be a D3 record, not a stadium record.

I have since read one account of Monon Bell going over 11,000.

Pat pointed out a 13,000+ Johnnie/Tommie crowd.

But it brings me great pride to announce that in my unofficial and incomplete research, the 14,000 at the 100th R-MC/H-SC game in 1994 (I was in uniform at that game, though hopelessly buried on the depth chart) is now the highest listed attendance I have seen accounted for in print by a reputable source.

I don't know if I've seen the Game Book from that day, or if the NCAA has compiled highest single-game attendances for D3 and just cleverly hid them somewhere in the record book, but so far ... this is what I've got.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on November 02, 2006, 01:18:58 AM
I have never seen attendance in the D-III football records, no.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: frank uible on November 02, 2006, 05:48:03 AM
Williams' website claims that the attendance of 13,671 for its 1989 home game against Amherst is a New England DIII record.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: BVHawk on November 02, 2006, 01:43:06 PM
BV is a tough place to play late in the season.  Mainly from the snow blowing off the lake!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: AUPepBand on November 02, 2006, 07:53:45 PM
I think the most ever at Alfred's Merrill Field was in the early 1970s when both Alfred and Hobart were undefeated and a sportswriter billed the meeting as "Super Bowl East". Attendance was said to be close to 8,000.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on November 02, 2006, 11:04:48 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on November 02, 2006, 01:18:58 AM
I have never seen attendance in the D-III football records, no.

Would seem to me that the most interesting of all Attendance records is the single-game stat, but I get the feeling the attendance data is compiled for other reasons and added to the record book sort of as a "why keep it to ourselves?" favor.

I'm going to add that to my list of things to do, along with create and interactive D3 map, take pics of all 234 stadiums and and host the D3football.com Kickoff Classic. :)

Occidental at Trinity (Texas), 10 a.m.
Wesley at Rowan, 1 p.m.
UW-Whitewater at Hardin-Simmons, 4 p.m.
St. John's vs. Mount Union, 7 p.m.

:)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Hawks88 on November 03, 2006, 10:44:06 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on November 02, 2006, 11:04:48 PM
I'm going to add that to my list of things to do, along with create and interactive D3 map, take pics of all 234 stadiums and and host the D3football.com Kickoff Classic. :)

Occidental at Trinity (Texas), 10 a.m.
Wesley at Rowan, 1 p.m.
UW-Whitewater at Hardin-Simmons, 4 p.m.
St. John's vs. Mount Union, 7 p.m.

:)
May have to rethink the order in which those are scheduled. Unless you think Occidental would enjoy playing at 8 a.m. their time.  ;)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: tecmobowler on November 03, 2006, 12:29:45 PM
Ithaca/Cortland has been close to 12,000 i do believe.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on November 06, 2006, 12:54:35 AM
Quote from: Hawks88 on November 03, 2006, 10:44:06 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on November 02, 2006, 11:04:48 PM
I'm going to add that to my list of things to do, along with create and interactive D3 map, take pics of all 234 stadiums and and host the D3football.com Kickoff Classic. :)

Occidental at Trinity (Texas), 10 a.m.
Wesley at Rowan, 1 p.m.
UW-Whitewater at Hardin-Simmons, 4 p.m.
St. John's vs. Mount Union, 7 p.m.

:)
May have to rethink the order in which those are scheduled. Unless you think Occidental would enjoy playing at 8 a.m. their time.  ;)

I thought about it, but since it was a season-opener and an imaginary idea in my head, I didn't feel the need to correct it. I might have had in it L.A. to begin with, but moved it to buy two hours. :)

One of those things where if I had spent more than 45 seconds on it, perhaps I would have come up with the better arrangement myself. In any case, thanks Hawks.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on November 07, 2006, 11:02:06 PM
This was from another board, but probably belongs here, since this has become the stadium geek thread.

Quote
Quote from: BDTartan on November 03, 2006, 02:52:33 PM
K-Mack, I realize these boards are here for "arguing" and airing things out, but I said all I was going to say on the subject.  I didn't feel the need to beat a dead horse.  Apparently I was wrong in my figuring and I took my lumps and now we've moved on.  By the way, I believe it was you on another board that was asking if any D3 stadium has home-stands that stretch from the 10 yd. line to 10 yd. line.  It could be mistaken identity, but I'm pretty sure it was you.  If there is ever a big enough game at Gesling Stadium, check it out.  Home-stands stretch from goal-line to goal-line, (Probably to account for not having a visitor's side.)

Yeah,
I wrote that, in ATN I think. I've seen the aerials of CMU's field (did a CMU-JHU road game a few years back) and thought it looked like a great place to see a game.

I don't have QuickTime on my work PC, but I think this is a photo/video of the stadium.

http://www.cmu.edu/vrtour/nodes/gesling.html

I guess I'm a D3 stadium geek or whatever.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 08, 2007, 01:35:29 AM
Since this has become the unofficial 'Game Day Atmosphere' thread, just thought I would mention ...

Hardin-Simmons' end zone couches beat Linfield's.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: TC on October 08, 2007, 05:10:46 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on November 02, 2006, 01:15:45 AM
That's pretty funny.

So we were once discussing biggest crowd ever at a D3 game, since someone erroneously reported 9,570 at UW-W to be a D3 record, not a stadium record.

I have since read one account of Monon Bell going over 11,000.

Pat pointed out a 13,000+ Johnnie/Tommie crowd.

But it brings me great pride to announce that in my unofficial and incomplete research, the 14,000 at the 100th R-MC/H-SC game in 1994 (I was in uniform at that game, though hopelessly buried on the depth chart) is now the highest listed attendance I have seen accounted for in print by a reputable source.

I don't know if I've seen the Game Book from that day, or if the NCAA has compiled highest single-game attendances for D3 and just cleverly hid them somewhere in the record book, but so far ... this is what I've got.

Not sure, off the top of my head, what Tommie/Johnnie game Pat was referencing, but the largest Johnnie crowd I can remember was 13,107 against Bethel in the bitter cold in 2003.  Both teams came in undefeated (St. John's at 8-0, Bethel at 9-0) and the winner would claim the MIAC championship.  Oh yeah, there was a little something about John Gagliardi sitting at 408 career wins.  The Johnnies scored a late TD to win 29-26 on their way to the National Championship.  According to the postgame notes, it was the largest  crowd ever to witness an SJU game.

Last weekend's Homecoming thriller against St. Olaf fell just short of breaking the SJU attendence record (12,339 was the reported crowd).  I would imagine the best-attended St. John's/St. Thomas game was actually at St. Thomas in 2003 when Gagliardi tied the record (and I would be wrong--it was actually 2001 when 10,741 fans were at the game in Collegeville).  I blame ineptitude on the part of St. Thomas fans for a lot of things, including their inability to help St. John's set attendence records.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: SU Backer on October 08, 2007, 05:31:45 PM
  I'd like to say it's Salisbury in the ACFC......but it's not (unless you count the 1/2 mile walk through the tunnel under route 13, but I don't think that counts  ;)). Wesley is the toughest place to play in our small conference. Very enthusiastic crowd that really gets on the visiting team in the small staging area before the team gets on the field. It also always seems kinda windy there too for some reason. As far as other places Brockport has a huge facility that's real nice, but a crowd of 2k and it still looks empty. Newport News Apprentice has a top notch facility, both stands and field are very nice, but they don't draw well. Frostburg is nice too. Salisbury really needs a facility upgrade. The stands are OK and the field is new and the lights are up for next year, but the press box is poor at best. And the walking up, under and along public streets for the teams is not good. They need a new press box and some decent locker rooms for both the home and away sides. I'm sure there are many places that have bizarre stuff (like the Salisbury walk) that is unique to their place....
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: TC on October 08, 2007, 11:23:09 PM
Taking this discussion even further off course...

Can anyone confirm or disconfirm that the Johnnies' per-game attendance mark of 8,547 in 2006 is a Division III record?  St. John's has led DIII in attendance each of the last 6 years and that is their highest total of that period. 

In running the numbers for my most recent column at www.johnniefootball.com, the Johnnies are at 9,373 fans per game this year through 4 home dates.  Their remaining home games are against top rival St. Thomas and whatever home playoff games they might get (which, most likely, would bring down their attendance average). 

The have been very fortunate with the weather so far this year--each Saturday has been even better than the last, while their 2 road games have been in the rain--and they play 3 of their big 4 opponents (Concordia, St. Olaf and St. Thomas, not Bethel) at home.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: ADL70 on October 08, 2007, 11:45:14 PM
It is not the d3 record.  But it is the highest since the DI schools with D3 football left.  And SJU has led d3 every year starting in 2001.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 09, 2007, 01:07:30 PM
Quote from: TC on October 08, 2007, 05:10:46 PM
Not sure, off the top of my head, what Tommie/Johnnie game Pat was referencing, but the largest Johnnie crowd I can remember was 13,107 against Bethel in the bitter cold in 2003. 

I didn't -- he misremembered. The 409 game was the one I was referring to.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: SJU09 on October 09, 2007, 01:41:50 PM
The Johnnie -  Tommie game in 1997 was technically a home game for St. John's but was played in the Metrodome.  The attendance was  12,145.   
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: TC on October 09, 2007, 04:05:26 PM
Quote from: SJU09 on October 09, 2007, 01:41:50 PM
The Johnnie -  Tommie game in 1997 was technically a home game for St. John's but was played in the Metrodome.  The attendance was  12,145.   

I didn't find that game in my research for johnniefootball.com.  This week's game barely topped it for (unless I missed anything else) the 2nd largest crowd in school history.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: SJU09 on October 09, 2007, 04:20:58 PM
TC,

If you check out this link http://www.gojohnnies.com/football/history/All-time%20Season-by-Season%20Results.pdf  and scroll down it has the attendence listed for almost every game since 1986. 

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: kickerdad on October 09, 2007, 05:22:19 PM
This year it doesn't matter. Seems where ever we walk off the bus or locker room, things are tough. Even at home!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: TC on October 09, 2007, 06:23:34 PM
Quote from: SJU09 on October 09, 2007, 04:20:58 PM
TC,

If you check out this link http://www.gojohnnies.com/football/history/All-time%20Season-by-Season%20Results.pdf  and scroll down it has the attendence listed for almost every game since 1986. 



D'oh!  How could I have missed that?  I demand a half hour of my Monday night back!

And now that you've pointed that out, I missed a couple large Johnnie crowds.  Here are, according to published reports, the 5 largest crowds for a Johnnie game:

1.)  2003, Bethel, at Collegeville                   13,107      (Gagliardi's 409th win, de facto MIAC Championship)
2.)  1963, Emporia St., at Bloomington, MN     12,438      (NAIA Playoffs, at Met Stadium)
3.)  2007, St. Olaf, at Collegeville                 12,339      (Homecoming, both teams undefeated)
4.)  1963, Prairie View A&M, at Sacramento    12,220      (NAIA Championship Game, at Hughes Stadium)
5.)  1997, St. Thomas, at Minneapolis            12,145      (TOMMIES SUCK!,  at Metrodome)

All the games were either Johnnie "home" games or neutral site games.  The only game that St. John's lost was the 1997 against St. Thomas. 

I'd be impressed if any other D-III team has played a handful of games before a crowd of 12,000+.  Go on, impress me.

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: smedindy on October 09, 2007, 08:00:50 PM
Monon Bell games:

11,669 in 2006
11,504 in 2004

And those were accurate 'ticket' counts.

But yeah, St. John's attendance is just phenomenal. Seeing it first hand is awe-inspiring.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 09, 2007, 11:15:26 PM
I'd expect Williams has had a couple 12,000s in its time.

Some D-III schools have played in D-I bowl games, by the way.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on October 09, 2007, 11:35:47 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 09, 2007, 11:15:26 PM
I'd expect Williams has had a couple 12,000s in its time.

Some D-III schools have played in D-I bowl games, by the way.
1922 Dixie Classic in Dallas, TX.

Known to the Aggies as the "12th Man Game"

Texas A&M 22, Centre 14

20,000 in attendance (http://www.aggieathletics.com/index2.php?SID=MFB&pageID=1001)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on October 09, 2007, 11:46:57 PM
1936 Orange Bowl,  Catholic 20, Ole Miss 19 (http://athletics.cua.edu/history/orange.cfm)

Played before 10,000 fans.

1922 Rose Bowl -- Cal 0, Wash & Jeff 0

Game played in the Tournament Park (http://www.rosebowlhistory.org/rose-bowl-1922.php).  I have not found an attendance figure.  The 57,000 seat Rose Bowl Stadium in built for the January 1, 1923, in Arroyo Seco.

January 2, 1939  Sugar Bowl TCU 15, Carnegie Tech 7 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TCU_Horned_Frogs_football#_note-8) before 50,000 spectators.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: smedindy on October 09, 2007, 11:51:25 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on October 09, 2007, 11:46:57 PM
1936 Orange Bowl,  Catholic 20, Ole Miss 19 (http://athletics.cua.edu/history/orange.cfm)

1922 Rose Bowl -- Cal 0, Wash & Jeff 0

Boolah! Boolah! That really kept them riveted to their seats? I bet the fans in the raccoon coats and straw hats had plenty of flasks of hooch stuffed in their pockets and in the garters of their dames.

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: ADL70 on October 10, 2007, 07:44:45 AM
Sun Bowl 1-1-41  [Case] Western Reserve 26  Arizona State  13    14,000

Bill Belichick's father Stephen was a standout for the Redcats.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ron Boerger on October 10, 2007, 11:51:13 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on October 09, 2007, 11:35:47 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 09, 2007, 11:15:26 PM
I'd expect Williams has had a couple 12,000s in its time.

Some D-III schools have played in D-I bowl games, by the way.
1922 Dixie Classic in Dallas, TX.

Known to the Aggies as the "12th Man Game"

Texas A&M 22, Centre 14

20,000 in attendance (http://www.aggieathletics.com/index2.php?SID=MFB&pageID=1001)

BTW that was the only loss in Centre's 10-1 season, which also saw the "C6H0" upset over Harvard that still ranks as one of the top upsets in college football history.  And according to a headline here (http://www.centre.edu/web/news/2007/sept/c6h0.html), there were 45,000 in attendance at that game!

Centre also defeated Clemson, Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Auburn and Arizona (http://www.centre.edu/web/library/sc/special/C6h0/season.html#1921) that year.  The A&M game was actually the second bowl game of the season for Centre, having defeated Arizona the week prior in the "San Diego Christmas Classic." 
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: billrt66 on October 12, 2007, 12:29:08 PM
In the HCAC, and I have been to them all, by far Franklin is the toughest place to play.....they have a new tailgating section on the southeast corner of the field and fans begin "dispensing suds" there the night before and the south endzone has a section called Faught Fanatics, and they have a cannon down there they shoot off......its like a bomb dropping!!!.....their fans are LOUD and never let up!!!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ron Boerger on October 12, 2007, 12:41:45 PM
Quote from: billrt66 on October 12, 2007, 12:29:08 PM
In the HCAC, and I have been to them all, by far Franklin is the toughest place to play.....they have a new tailgating section on the southeast corner of the field and fans begin "dispensing suds" there the night before and the south endzone has a section called Faught Fanatics, and they have a cannon down there they shoot off......its like a bomb dropping!!!.....their fans are LOUD and never let up!!!

Really?

Only loss of 2006:  at home
2005:  3-2
2004:  2-3
2003:  2-3
2002:  1-4
2001:  1-5

doesn't sound all that tough.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: billrt66 on October 12, 2007, 01:33:41 PM
Yes Really!  The team record over the past few years has obviously climbed in the right direction steadily.....doesn't mean that it isn't a tough place to play.  I've been to the other venues in the conference and the intensity and the noise level elsewhere just isn't the same.....and nowhere else do they have that damn cannon!!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Sakman 1111 on October 12, 2007, 01:38:00 PM
Whitewater has a pretty awesome canon that they blast at home games except when playing Wesley because they feel demeaned by it......
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 12, 2007, 01:40:53 PM
Quote from: billrt66 on October 12, 2007, 01:33:41 PM
Yes Really!  The team record over the past few years has obviously climbed in the right direction steadily.....doesn't mean that it isn't a tough place to play.  I've been to the other venues in the conference and the intensity and the noise level elsewhere just isn't the same.....and nowhere else do they have that damn cannon!!

Widener has a cool cannon too.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 12, 2007, 01:59:13 PM
Cannons are so last century.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: smedindy on October 12, 2007, 02:12:58 PM
Now, I think a cannon shooting a real cannonball, or grapeshot, or something would be extra cool. Dangerous, yeah, but you gotta live life on the edge, right?
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ron Boerger on October 12, 2007, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: smedindy on October 12, 2007, 02:12:58 PM
Now, I think a cannon shooting a real cannonball, or grapeshot, or something would be extra cool. Dangerous, yeah, but you gotta live life on the edge, right?

Don't give those schools in Dixie any ideas, now ... especially when they play home games against schools on the other side of the Mason-Dixon line.   ;)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Mugsy on October 14, 2007, 10:19:23 PM
I can't speak to the perspective from visiting teams, but McCully Field at Wheaton should be considered one of the toughest places to play in the CCIW.

Not necessarily because of the fans or anything about the field per se... but going back to mid-season 2001, Wheaton is 34-1 at home.  Doubt there can be 2-3 teams in the nation that can say that...
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: HScoach on October 15, 2007, 07:48:28 AM
In the OAC, the toughest place to win at is Mount.  But it has nothing to do with the facilities ;D

From a home field advantage standpoint, I'd put Baldwin Wallace at the top because their field is the old style artificial turf that more resembles green painted concrete.  No one enjoys a trip to play at BW.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Mugsy on October 15, 2007, 09:12:13 AM
Quote from: Mugsy on October 14, 2007, 10:19:23 PM
I can't speak to the perspective from visiting teams, but McCully Field at Wheaton should be considered one of the toughest places to play in the CCIW.

Not necessarily because of the fans or anything about the field per se... but going back to mid-season 2001, Wheaton is 34-1 at home.  Doubt there can be 2-3 teams in the nation that can say that...

Obviously it is in some part due to who they play.  There would be more losses if they played in the WIAC or OAC.

The CCIW isn't the best conference, but it is probably in the top 5 over the past decade or so.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 16, 2007, 02:38:04 AM
Quote from: Ron Boerger on October 12, 2007, 02:53:02 PM
Quote from: smedindy on October 12, 2007, 02:12:58 PM
Now, I think a cannon shooting a real cannonball, or grapeshot, or something would be extra cool. Dangerous, yeah, but you gotta live life on the edge, right?

Don't give those schools in Dixie any ideas, now ... especially when they play home games against schools on the other side of the Mason-Dixon line.   ;)

Hey, small aside ...

When we went up to Gettysburg, and crossed the Mason-Dixon line on Route 15 (there's a giant sign), some of our more proud Southerner-type players really treated it as a traumatic moment. Some claimed to have never been across the line before.

Course, a good portion of the team was from Pa. and Jersey, etc. ... We thought playing at Gettysburg was delightful.

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 16, 2007, 02:42:17 AM
Quote from: Mugsy on October 15, 2007, 09:12:13 AM
Quote from: Mugsy on October 14, 2007, 10:19:23 PM
I can't speak to the perspective from visiting teams, but McCully Field at Wheaton should be considered one of the toughest places to play in the CCIW.

Not necessarily because of the fans or anything about the field per se... but going back to mid-season 2001, Wheaton is 34-1 at home.  Doubt there can be 2-3 teams in the nation that can say that...

Obviously it is in some part due to who they play.  There would be more losses if they played in the WIAC or OAC.

The CCIW isn't the best conference, but it is probably in the top 5 over the past decade or so.

Yeah, I'm not sure that cheap shot was deserved. The CCIW is pretty good, and moreso, pretty competitive in that there's always a good Augustana or North Central or Carthage for Wheaton to go through.

Having just come from there, I can say it's a top-notch field and a great game-day atmosphere, so although I kind of agree that Mugsy was just looking for an opportunity to trot out that 34-1 stat, I guess it's pretty legit.

There are probably several D3 teams with somewhat similar home runs (a couple dozen wins and less than 5 losses), esp. if we're only counting regular season games.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: section13raiderfan on October 16, 2007, 08:31:27 PM
Hey Pat and/or K-Mack, how many of the D3 stadiums you have visited would seat over 10,000? I dont believe Ive been in any that would hold more than 7 to 8 thousand. Are the larger ones shared with another team? Even for a playoff game Ive never seen a crowd over 8 thousand at MUC. And that was with standing room only. 
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on October 16, 2007, 10:12:27 PM
Quote from: section13raiderfan on October 16, 2007, 08:31:27 PM
Hey Pat and/or K-Mack, how many of the D3 stadiums you have visited would seat over 10,000? I dont believe Ive been in any that would hold more than 7 to 8 thousand. Are the larger ones shared with another team? Even for a playoff game Ive never seen a crowd over 8 thousand at MUC. And that was with standing room only. 
While we are talking stadia, "Texas Bob" has a wonderful website cataloging Texas high school football stadia.

http://www.texasbob.com/fb_hs.html

While you are there, please scroll down for the winamp video clip of the 1946 State High School Championship game featuring Odessa High School (back when it was a one-school town and led by Hayden Fry of SMU, North Texas and Iowa fame) versus San Antonio Jefferson led by Kyle Rote, the NY Football Giants.   :)

You can also see Ornelas Stadium (http://www.texasbob.com/travel/tbt_pressboxpass.html) at ETBU.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: smedindy on October 16, 2007, 11:08:10 PM
Quote from: section13raiderfan on October 16, 2007, 08:31:27 PM
Hey Pat and/or K-Mack, how many of the D3 stadiums you have visited would seat over 10,000? I dont believe Ive been in any that would hold more than 7 to 8 thousand. Are the larger ones shared with another team? Even for a playoff game Ive never seen a crowd over 8 thousand at MUC. And that was with standing room only. 

I'm not Pat or K-Mack, but:

St. John's does counting the hills, etc. The official capacity is 7,482. Their average home attendance is 9,373. I believe it, too.,

Wabash can get about 11,500 in for the Bell game. Of course, that's with temporary seating.

Ohio Wesleyan's Selby Field holds 9,100 in the stands. But they don't get close to that, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: ADL70 on October 16, 2007, 11:56:13 PM
Per NCAA

Whitewater-11,000
Brockport-10,000
Greensboro-10,000 (HS stadium)
Williams-10,000
Platteville-10,000
Oshkosh-9,8000
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 17, 2007, 12:47:16 AM
And of that list, I have been to only two, and not seen them filled. But I've seen 13,000 at St. John's.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: pg04 on October 17, 2007, 01:07:02 AM
To My knowledge, Brockport has never even gotten close to that 10,000 mark.

In fact, I just looked it up and the highest attendance was 4, 634 for a game against the University of Buffalo in 1980.

I would like to see 10,000 in there but I can't see a possible scenario where they get that many people with the possible exception of at some point facing St. John Fisher in the Eastern Region Finals, getting both teams fans in there. 
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Devil Badger Gopher on October 17, 2007, 06:18:33 PM
The WIAC has some wicked stadiums and they are nearly half full or less.  Many of them are one-sided where most (if not all seating) is on the home side.  Whitewater has the most impressive stadium being the largest and in the shape of a bowl.    I would like to say most of the teams in the league have winning records at home within the past several seasons.  Stevens Point is the worst and Eau Claire and River Falls being a close second and third, respectively.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 17, 2007, 10:01:20 PM
Quote from: section13raiderfan on October 16, 2007, 08:31:27 PM
Hey Pat and/or K-Mack, how many of the D3 stadiums you have visited would seat over 10,000? I dont believe Ive been in any that would hold more than 7 to 8 thousand. Are the larger ones shared with another team? Even for a playoff game Ive never seen a crowd over 8 thousand at MUC. And that was with standing room only. 

UW-W's has a listed capacity of 13,000 or 13,500, but I remember being told when I was there that that is a very friendly estimate. When I saw the school-record 9,500 and change last year, the grandstand was nearly full. The away side doesn't hold many.

The Monon Bell games and The Game games (R-MC/H-SC) that go into five digits include standing room only around the field. Hampden-Sydney has a bowl setting too that allows people to pick a good seat anywhere on the grass around the field.

I don't really understand why when Bridgewater made the Stagg Bowl and Salem Stadium (capacity 7 and change) was pushing 10,000, why they didn't make use of the end zone sloped area for seating, a la U.Va. or N.C. State.

I think Brockport is listed at 10,000 too. There's a reference in the NCAA D2/D3 record book if you want to look it up.

(scrolls page)

I see some of this has been covered.

Home side only or home side dwarfing the two sets of bleachers on the visitors side is very common in D3. End zone seating is almost non-existent except when the field is roped off for SRO.

A lot of teams have very impressive home sides, FWIW.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: repete on October 17, 2007, 11:25:28 PM
I like the end zone slope at Salem, a horrible call by a tub-of-goo Pennsylvania official was right in front of me a few years back.

Meanwhile, couches are nice in the end zone unless you need to seat an additional 2,000+plus ....


(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pictureprints.net%2Falbums%2F1853%2F0098.jpg&hash=e41b05a230914df30f4a37e8c009bd730b0bd016)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: section13raiderfan on October 18, 2007, 06:18:57 PM
Quote
Quote from: K-Mack on October 17, 2007, 10:01:20 PM
Quote from: section13raiderfan on October 16, 2007, 08:31:27 PM
Hey Pat and/or K-Mack, how many of the D3 stadiums you have visited would seat over 10,000? I dont believe Ive been in any that would hold more than 7 to 8 thousand. Are the larger ones shared with another team? Even for a playoff game Ive never seen a crowd over 8 thousand at MUC. And that was with standing room only. 



I don't really understand why when Bridgewater made the Stagg Bowl and Salem Stadium (capacity 7 and change) was pushing 10,000, why they didn't make use of the end zone sloped area for seating, a la U.Va. or N.C. State.



I was at a STAGG BOWL in the rain once when some kids turned that endzone slope into one big mudslide. They got some TV time out of it too! Their parents probably tied them to the roof of the car to take em home. ;D

That hill is usually strung with electrical wires for the TV crew, making it unusuable for seating.

I wonder what kind of a matchup it would take to sell the stadium out?
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 18, 2007, 06:23:26 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 17, 2007, 10:01:20 PM
Quote from: section13raiderfan on October 16, 2007, 08:31:27 PM
Hey Pat and/or K-Mack, how many of the D3 stadiums you have visited would seat over 10,000? I dont believe Ive been in any that would hold more than 7 to 8 thousand. Are the larger ones shared with another team? Even for a playoff game Ive never seen a crowd over 8 thousand at MUC. And that was with standing room only. 

UW-W's has a listed capacity of 13,000 or 13,500, but I remember being told when I was there that that is a very friendly estimate. When I saw the school-record 9,500 and change last year, the grandstand was nearly full. The away side doesn't hold many.

The Monon Bell games and The Game games (R-MC/H-SC) that go into five digits include standing room only around the field. Hampden-Sydney has a bowl setting too that allows people to pick a good seat anywhere on the grass around the field.

I don't really understand why when Bridgewater made the Stagg Bowl and Salem Stadium (capacity 7 and change) was pushing 10,000, why they didn't make use of the end zone sloped area for seating, a la U.Va. or N.C. State.

Because it was wet that night and it was considered a liability.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: TC on October 18, 2007, 06:30:06 PM
Quote from: repete on October 17, 2007, 11:25:28 PM
I like the end zone slope at Salem, a horrible call by a tub-of-goo Pennsylvania official was right in front of me a few years back.

Meanwhile, couches are nice in the end zone unless you need to seat an additional 2,000+plus ....


(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pictureprints.net%2Falbums%2F1853%2F0098.jpg&hash=e41b05a230914df30f4a37e8c009bd730b0bd016)

I was agains the St. John's "student section" bleachers at first, but wow.  But after the Cobber and Ole games--wow, it really adds to the atmosphere (and blocks most of the blah Palaestra, too, which is an added benefit).

As that picture shows, a lot of schools would be satisfied drawing as many fans as the Johnnies put in their end zone bleachers.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: ADL70 on October 18, 2007, 07:27:23 PM
Aah, thanx for 'splaining that picture.  At first I thought it was photoshop work.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ron Boerger on October 18, 2007, 07:29:09 PM
As far as the SCAC goes, it's Trinity (TX).   From this week's game notes:

The Tigers have also won 57 straight regular season home games against Division III opponents, dating back to the end of the 1995 season.

It will be interesting to see what happens when Millsaps comes to town next year (assuming the streak continues until then).   And yes, before someone says it, the SCAC's not the WIAC, the OAC, the ASC, etc.  But the original question posted was what's the toughest place to play in your conference
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: repete on October 18, 2007, 10:41:15 PM
Quote from: cwru70 on October 18, 2007, 07:27:23 PM
Aah, thanx for 'splaining that picture.  At first I thought it was photoshop work.
Naw, if I wanted to PhotoShop something, it would be:

a) Ice skates for Wesley at UWW in 2005
b) an East team at Salem
c) Marietta 72, MUC 0 on an Alliance scoreboard
d) a self portrait without red blinders :)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 19, 2007, 12:42:50 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on October 18, 2007, 06:23:26 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 17, 2007, 10:01:20 PM
Quote from: section13raiderfan on October 16, 2007, 08:31:27 PM
Hey Pat and/or K-Mack, how many of the D3 stadiums you have visited would seat over 10,000? I dont believe Ive been in any that would hold more than 7 to 8 thousand. Are the larger ones shared with another team? Even for a playoff game Ive never seen a crowd over 8 thousand at MUC. And that was with standing room only. 

UW-W's has a listed capacity of 13,000 or 13,500, but I remember being told when I was there that that is a very friendly estimate. When I saw the school-record 9,500 and change last year, the grandstand was nearly full. The away side doesn't hold many.

The Monon Bell games and The Game games (R-MC/H-SC) that go into five digits include standing room only around the field. Hampden-Sydney has a bowl setting too that allows people to pick a good seat anywhere on the grass around the field.

I don't really understand why when Bridgewater made the Stagg Bowl and Salem Stadium (capacity 7 and change) was pushing 10,000, why they didn't make use of the end zone sloped area for seating, a la U.Va. or N.C. State.

Because it was wet that night and it was considered a liability.

Ah. If the term 'standing room only' exists, there should also be some sort of 'at your own risk.' It's a shame Bridgewater fans were turned away when there was that much open space available. Maybe neccessary, but still a shame.

Not like it's hard to find a vantage point outside Salem Stadium ... or at Corned Beef.

Maybe they can use the board at the Avalanche Stadium for proper overflow next time :) ... I'll mention it to Brad and Carey.  ;)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: repete on October 19, 2007, 01:18:05 AM
That slope can be slippery.

I saw a couple of UWW fans slide down out of control last December  ... and the only liquid had been applied internally.

I actually like sitting there. I only discovered it when Repete Jr. and his buddy went to play a little ball at halftime on that flat area off to northeast (?).
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 19, 2007, 08:42:22 AM
Quote from: repete on October 19, 2007, 01:18:05 AM
... and the only liquid had been applied internally.

Nice turn of phrase. :)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: DutchHawk on October 22, 2007, 12:06:51 PM
I remember hearing of some huge crowds for the Central - Simpson games in the mid to late 90's when they were both Top 5 or 10. I wasnt there and dont have any exact numbers so Im just going of other peoples stories!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on November 07, 2007, 09:57:52 PM
For that running list of largest-ever D3 crowds:

QuoteWilliams leads the series 68-48-5. It's Division III's most-played rivalry and has been played in front of crowds as large as 13,671 at Williams in 1993 and 12,449 at Amherst in 1996.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 15, 2008, 02:14:38 PM
Here's the thread on which we've traditionally discussed Division III stadiums and their features, plus largest known crowds.

Kicked up with respect to this week's ATN topic.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: CobberFvr on October 16, 2008, 01:18:06 PM
For the MIAC, it's between 2 venues in my mind...

Clemens Stadium
- Home to Saint John's University. Walking into the natural bowl on a clear warm day in September, or whatever month you prefer, you can't help catching yourself looking around and thinking about the tradition this stadium relishes. Not to mention their home record...

Jake Christensen Stadium
- Home of the Concordia College Cobbers. One of the toughest places to play, period. The constant 15-20 mph NE wind is enough to drive you away, and add in the bitter cold of November and their opponents could be wishing to be on the bus before it starts.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: CCKnight on October 16, 2008, 01:45:02 PM
Quote from: BuckeyeFvr on October 16, 2008, 01:18:06 PM
For the MIAC, it's between 2 venues in my mind...

Clemens Stadium
- Home to Saint John's University. Walking into the natural bowl on a clear warm day in September, or whatever month you prefer, you can't help catching yourself looking around and thinking about the tradition this stadium relishes. Not to mention their home record...

Jake Christensen Stadium
- Home of the Concordia College Cobbers. One of the toughest places to play, period. The constant 15-20 mph NE wind is enough to drive you away, and add in the bitter cold of November and their opponents could be wishing to be on the bus before it starts.

Personally, I'd give it to the Jake hands down, most of the time it is cold and miserable, with that wind that just cuts through the field (My recruiting visit there was for a Concordia vs. St. Johns game and it was nice out when I left central MN that morning, but was cold with rain coming down sideways at the game and I think I left before it was even over).  The oppenents locker room is a glorified hockey warming house that has definately seen better days (unless they improved it since I was there last).  It's a long trip for every MIAC school, especially those south of the cities.  And the style of play that Concordia typically utilizes (smash mouth fb) is tougher in that environment.

Clemens is mainly tough due to the fact that SJU is usually a very, very good team, not so much the environment, which was actually fun to play in.  In pretty much all MIAC games the fans really don't affect the players on the field.  I can't remember actually hearing any fans while playing at any point in my career.  I could see how the number of them and the sea of red could possibly be intimidating for some, but who doesn't want to play in front of big crowds.

I'd have put Augsburg up there when I played just because they still had the astro-turf, which is the worst playing surface known to man. 

That's my MIAC perspective.

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: OC_SID on October 16, 2008, 09:32:03 PM
Quote from: hscoach on October 15, 2007, 07:48:28 AM

From a home field advantage standpoint, I'd put Baldwin Wallace at the top because their field is the old style artificial turf that more resembles green painted concrete.  No one enjoys a trip to play at BW.


I am sure that you know, but the concrete at B-W is no longer there ... A new FieldTurf surface was put down this summer.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: ahig on October 16, 2008, 10:14:43 PM
Not the toughest place to play, but the most surreal, big-time football atmosphere has to be Clemens Stadium.  Played there in '03 and still one of my best memories.  SJU knows how do to it.

In case anyone cares (and they probably don't), the best MWC facility COULD BE the Banta Bowl.  Lawrence struggles to field a competitive team, but the Banta is nice and could be great.  Natural bowl, room for 5,000+ I believe.  It would be better with full locker room facilities at the field, a complete press box, and a new scoreboard.  Otherwise, a great place to spend a fall afternoon.

Carroll U. has a nice set up now too.  Their grandstand is uglier than sin, but the new QuadGraphics something-or-other in the north end zone looks great, the field turf is nice, the landscaping and new scoreboard are great additions.  Plus, I remember Carroll always playing smash mouth at home.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: OldOtter on October 17, 2008, 09:44:03 AM
For as great of a program as they have as as nice of a facility that they have, Mount Union has one of the worst away locker rooms i've ever been in. It would be smalll for a JV soccer team. Tough to squeeze 80 guys in there before a game. Just made getting ready for a tough game even more difficult
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: realistic on October 17, 2008, 10:06:28 AM
Keith - Great article.

Extra special for me...grew up in cortland, went to Ithaca.  Well done.  That view of Cayuga never gets old.  I did play-by-play my senoir year and it was easy to get distracted on nice days when all of the sailboats are out.

Still love the IC game day, and Cortaca is something special.  But from the games I have seen, Clemens is #1 by a lot.  Loved Linfield's game day as well and RPI is just cool because of the location of the field.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: G-manWU on March 25, 2009, 12:25:55 AM
Hi guys- great discussion, and one that has apparently spent several seasons in the making.

I spent my undergrad years at Wilkes and worked for the football program during all four seasons (2004-2007) that I was there. I haven't seen much on the MAC venues on here, so I hope I can throw in a little on each for your discussion. I will put the seasons we visited there after the school name.

Albright (2006)- Never saw it before the revamp. The new facilities are as nice as anywhere, but we visited during their last sub-par season, and there wasen't much atmosphere. We diden't have many guys form that area, so it wasen't as big of a trip as some others.

FDU (2006)- Again, never saw the previous version, although I heard plenty of stories! The current deal is quite nice and cozy, even with a bit of a walk to get to the locker rooms. There wasen't much visitors seating during our visit, but from what I understand that has been changed for the better.

King's (2004, 2006, 2007)- The Mayor's Cup always created a fun atmosphere, but the most noteable challenge was the wind. Our 2004 game ended in a 12-6 score- fantastic battle between Trichillo and Jackson in their final game, but not even any extra points. Kudos to the Monarchs for putitng in lights and FieldTurf for last season.

Lycoming (2004, 2005, 2007)- Very nice deal all-around, great atmosphere with everything being clean and worakble. We won a narrow game in '05 and lost the other two- always a tough trip and a good game.

Leb Val (2006, 2007)- Quite a nice setting out in the country, with plenty of wind. As with Lyco, great natural grass, and the Dutchmen gave us two battles each year we were there. My only complaint was the top of the press box was quite cramped (I was the video guy!!)

Delaware Valley (2004, 2005, 2007)- Obviously the first two years were some of the toughest games we played. Big crowds in the home bleachers every season, and always a good game. There was no platform to film from, so I always wound up in the stands striking up conversations. Also, the fried chicken in the press box was some of the best food in the MAC :)

Widener (2004, 2006)- Everything about the atmosphere reminded me of a small D-I program. Two very tough games, and a crowd that gets behind the team. I also remmeber it being very humid. We won both games, and those winds are among my most cherished from all four seasons.

Susquehanna (2004, 2005)- No longer in the MAC, but one of the most absolutley beautiful stadiums I have ever been in. Very nice setting all-around, and the train platform-style roof over the top of the press box was much appreciated when a rainstorm hit during our game in '04!!

Moravian (2005)- The scoreboard went out in a rainstorm when we were there, but the thing I remember best was the old gymnasium we had to get changed in! From a cameraman's perspective, climbing atop the grandstand building was quite unique.

Juniata- The only venue in the leage that I diden't get to, as we played them at home in '04, then they rotated off our schedule the next two seasons before bugging out of the MAC. I would like to catch a game there someday and visit the antique auto museum in town if I could on a free weekend.

Sadly, in terms of facilities, I would need to rank our very own Ralston Field as the worst in the confernece, pre or post-realignment. I know most all of the school administration- they do a fantastic job with everythiat Wilkes, but the football field and stands is the one area that falls short. The field has been in bad shape for several years, and the press boxes leave a bit to be desired compared to the others around the league. I know part of the reasons delaying a revamp have been the desire to include it with a complete revamp of the Ralston Field complex- hopefully this will come to fruition in the near future.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Scumdog0331 on March 31, 2009, 11:03:01 AM
In the IIAC, Walston-Hoover is obviously a difficult trip, but I think that might be more about the team than the stadium.  I think the field that did the most to make the home team better (the definition of home-field advantage) was/is the Rock Bowl at Loras.  I always loved/hated playing there.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on April 07, 2009, 11:32:13 PM
G-Man,
Been to several of these, although Albright only on an early-90s recruiting trip and Moravian on a drive-by with a grad.

Widener has long been one of my favorites. I like the surrounded-by-trees aspect on three sides, and the concrete grandstand on the other.

Lycoming is nice, set in a neighborhood and against a steep hill on the far side, if I remember correctly. Also, the first box I remember with special President's Quarters.

Del Val I saw when the field was awful. It's definitely sort of a hike to get there, but it's not awful.

Wilkes is kind of cool in that its in a city park, but the field & press box look pretty run down/dilapidated. Decent atmosphere though.

Quote from: G-manWU on March 25, 2009, 12:25:55 AM
Hi guys- great discussion, and one that has apparently spent several seasons in the making.

I spent my undergrad years at Wilkes and worked for the football program during all four seasons (2004-2007) that I was there. I haven't seen much on the MAC venues on here, so I hope I can throw in a little on each for your discussion. I will put the seasons we visited there after the school name.

Albright (2006)- Never saw it before the revamp. The new facilities are as nice as anywhere, but we visited during their last sub-par season, and there wasen't much atmosphere. We diden't have many guys form that area, so it wasen't as big of a trip as some others.

FDU (2006)- Again, never saw the previous version, although I heard plenty of stories! The current deal is quite nice and cozy, even with a bit of a walk to get to the locker rooms. There wasen't much visitors seating during our visit, but from what I understand that has been changed for the better.

King's (2004, 2006, 2007)- The Mayor's Cup always created a fun atmosphere, but the most noteable challenge was the wind. Our 2004 game ended in a 12-6 score- fantastic battle between Trichillo and Jackson in their final game, but not even any extra points. Kudos to the Monarchs for putitng in lights and FieldTurf for last season.

Lycoming (2004, 2005, 2007)- Very nice deal all-around, great atmosphere with everything being clean and worakble. We won a narrow game in '05 and lost the other two- always a tough trip and a good game.

Leb Val (2006, 2007)- Quite a nice setting out in the country, with plenty of wind. As with Lyco, great natural grass, and the Dutchmen gave us two battles each year we were there. My only complaint was the top of the press box was quite cramped (I was the video guy!!)

Delaware Valley (2004, 2005, 2007)- Obviously the first two years were some of the toughest games we played. Big crowds in the home bleachers every season, and always a good game. There was no platform to film from, so I always wound up in the stands striking up conversations. Also, the fried chicken in the press box was some of the best food in the MAC :)

Widener (2004, 2006)- Everything about the atmosphere reminded me of a small D-I program. Two very tough games, and a crowd that gets behind the team. I also remmeber it being very humid. We won both games, and those winds are among my most cherished from all four seasons.

Susquehanna (2004, 2005)- No longer in the MAC, but one of the most absolutley beautiful stadiums I have ever been in. Very nice setting all-around, and the train platform-style roof over the top of the press box was much appreciated when a rainstorm hit during our game in '04!!

Moravian (2005)- The scoreboard went out in a rainstorm when we were there, but the thing I remember best was the old gymnasium we had to get changed in! From a cameraman's perspective, climbing atop the grandstand building was quite unique.

Juniata- The only venue in the leage that I diden't get to, as we played them at home in '04, then they rotated off our schedule the next two seasons before bugging out of the MAC. I would like to catch a game there someday and visit the antique auto museum in town if I could on a free weekend.

Sadly, in terms of facilities, I would need to rank our very own Ralston Field as the worst in the confernece, pre or post-realignment. I know most all of the school administration- they do a fantastic job with everythiat Wilkes, but the football field and stands is the one area that falls short. The field has been in bad shape for several years, and the press boxes leave a bit to be desired compared to the others around the league. I know part of the reasons delaying a revamp have been the desire to include it with a complete revamp of the Ralston Field complex- hopefully this will come to fruition in the near future.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on August 30, 2009, 06:16:08 PM
Never made it out to Colo. Coll., but this was a pretty strong endorsement, as far as cool fields go, on the Colo. Springs blog:

QuoteBob Bodor knows all too well what he would have been doing this week.

His seventh Colorado College football team would have started preseason practices, leading toward the season opener Sept. 12 at Pomona-Pitzer. And each day, as he had done countless times while he was CC's head coach, he would have looked up from the practice field and marveled at the sight of Pikes Peak.

Instead, Bodor has a different view now. He's 4,000 miles away on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, coaching on a field that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

"I never got bored of looking at Pikes Peak every day," he says. "But even though it's pretty warm over here right now, the breezes are prominent and the view is remarkable."
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Linfield61 on August 30, 2009, 09:26:20 PM
For the Northwest Conference, Linfield. Great field and loud fans.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: lakeshore on September 22, 2009, 03:31:06 PM
CCIW IMHO....

1.  Carthage - Art Keller Field is a great tailgate and loud fans and students whom have all consumed a fair amount of fluids throughout the day

2.  NCC - Bennedetti Wherli Stadium looks like a D-IAA stadium.  And when its packed its a tough place to play.

3.  Wheaton - The High Def Jumbo Tron replaying all of Wheaton's touchdowns is intimidating to opponents and the field looks up onto the hill the campus sits on for a nice vie.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: SJSUPhil on September 24, 2009, 05:53:00 AM
In the SCIAC, it's Redlands baby!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Son of Tailgater on September 24, 2009, 05:30:46 PM
Quote from: lakeshore on September 22, 2009, 03:31:06 PM
CCIW IMHO....

1.  Carthage - Art Keller Field is a great tailgate and loud fans and students whom have all consumed a fair amount of fluids throughout the day

2.  NCC - Bennedetti Wherli Stadium looks like a D-IAA stadium.  And when its packed its a tough place to play.

3.  Wheaton - The High Def Jumbo Tron replaying all of Wheaton's touchdowns is intimidating to opponents and the field looks up onto the hill the campus sits on for a nice vie.

I agree with this post since I played in the 2003-2006 Era. I would say NCC was the toughest just based on the look of how large the stadium was and the crowd noise.

Wheaton has that train that goes right through the field and can kill drives with false starts...ect. They do not bring the fan base that you would expect from a high powered team though.

Illinois Wesleyan University is a west and east field, one of only 3 in the country still left. The sun set makes it very difficult for opposing teams if you are no used to it.

The most difficult and intimidating place to play is Mount Union. I played there in the playoffs in 2004 and the crowd noise along with the tradition there really can shake a team off their game.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on September 24, 2009, 07:57:40 PM
Quote from: SJSUPhil on September 24, 2009, 05:53:00 AM
In the SCIAC, it's Redlands baby!

Phil, your enthusiasm is nice, but going through and posting on several boards without bringing anything to the table on any of the topics does not reflect well on the Bulldogs.

Please feel free to tell us why you think Redlands' stadium is a tough place to play. I love the campus, but I was not blown away by the football field when I was there.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on September 24, 2009, 08:11:14 PM
Quote from: Son of Tailgater on September 24, 2009, 05:30:46 PM
Quote from: lakeshore on September 22, 2009, 03:31:06 PM
CCIW IMHO....

1.  Carthage - Art Keller Field is a great tailgate and loud fans and students whom have all consumed a fair amount of fluids throughout the day

2.  NCC - Bennedetti Wherli Stadium looks like a D-IAA stadium.  And when its packed its a tough place to play.

3.  Wheaton - The High Def Jumbo Tron replaying all of Wheaton's touchdowns is intimidating to opponents and the field looks up onto the hill the campus sits on for a nice vie.

I agree with this post since I played in the 2003-2006 Era. I would say NCC was the toughest just based on the look of how large the stadium was and the crowd noise.

Wheaton has that train that goes right through the field and can kill drives with false starts...ect. They do not bring the fan base that you would expect from a high powered team though.

Illinois Wesleyan University is a west and east field, one of only 3 in the country still left. The sun set makes it very difficult for opposing teams if you are no used to it.

The most difficult and intimidating place to play is Mount Union. I played there in the playoffs in 2004 and the crowd noise along with the tradition there really can shake a team off their game.

SulRoss State has an east-west field.  Who else?
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: ADL70 on September 24, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
John Carroll

also Denison--but the natural bowl and pine trees mitigate the effect of the sun

Wooster is approx  ese-wnw
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: SJSUPhil on September 25, 2009, 03:05:59 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on September 24, 2009, 07:57:40 PM
Quote from: SJSUPhil on September 24, 2009, 05:53:00 AM
In the SCIAC, it's Redlands baby!

Phil, your enthusiasm is nice, but going through and posting on several boards without bringing anything to the table on any of the topics does not reflect well on the Bulldogs.

Please feel free to tell us why you think Redlands' stadium is a tough place to play. I love the campus, but I was not blown away by the football field when I was there.

It's sad that don't have anything better to do than to go through and critique people's posts. You sure are full of yourself, and I personally don't care if you like it or not. I happen to like Redlands stadium, and that's good enough for me. So bite me Jackhole!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ron Boerger on September 25, 2009, 11:33:51 AM
Quote from: SJSUPhil on September 25, 2009, 03:05:59 AM


It's sad that don't have anything better to do than to go through and critique people's posts. You sure are full of yourself, and I personally don't care if you like it or not. I happen to like Redlands stadium, and that's good enough for me. So bite me Jackhole!

Congratulations, you have just insulted the author of the weekly "Around the Nation" column, the coordinator of the yearly "Kickoff" product,  and one of the key people behind d3football.com.    You certainly are doing a poor job of representing your school - all he was asking was something to back up why you felt your stadium is a tough place to play.  It's doubtful that opponents fear playing there simply because you like the school. 
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: wildcat11 on September 25, 2009, 12:01:57 PM
I think Phil is used to the DI boards where he has spent most of his time.  I find most DI boards are mostly about flaming other posters and just talking nonsense.  Phil has not grasp the flow of this community yet.

Most DI boards = PBR
D3boards.com = Fine Wine
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: WSUFan on September 25, 2009, 04:33:58 PM
Quote from: wildcat11 on September 25, 2009, 12:01:57 PM
Most DI boards = PBR
D3boards.com = Fine Wine

Sales of PBR are up more than 25 percent from this time last year.  But, it's not due to the price, since PBR is more expensive than Keystone, Busch, Natural brands and even Miller High Life.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: AUPepBand on September 28, 2009, 09:55:04 PM
Quote from: Ron Boerger on September 25, 2009, 11:33:51 AM
Quote from: SJSUPhil on September 25, 2009, 03:05:59 AM


It's sad that don't have anything better to do than to go through and critique people's posts. You sure are full of yourself, and I personally don't care if you like it or not. I happen to like Redlands stadium, and that's good enough for me. So bite me Jackhole!

Congratulations, you have just insulted the author of the weekly "Around the Nation" column, the coordinator of the yearly "Kickoff" product,  and one of the key people behind d3football.com.    You certainly are doing a poor job of representing your school - all he was asking was something to back up why you felt your stadium is a tough place to play.  It's doubtful that opponents fear playing there simply because you like the school.  

Pep thinks Merrill Field is a difficult place to play because the "pit" as it once was called, is lined with Ye Olde AstroTurf 12 and the opposing team must listen to the Saxon Fight Song THREE TIMES every time the Saxons score....
The AU Pep Band plays it once, sings it once, then plays it again...and sometimes, depending on who's in the band on a given day, it doesn't sound all that good.  ;)   As a matter of fact, this one time in Band Camp....

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on September 29, 2009, 01:34:35 PM
Quote from: SJSUPhil on September 25, 2009, 03:05:59 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on September 24, 2009, 07:57:40 PM
Quote from: SJSUPhil on September 24, 2009, 05:53:00 AM
In the SCIAC, it's Redlands baby!

Phil, your enthusiasm is nice, but going through and posting on several boards without bringing anything to the table on any of the topics does not reflect well on the Bulldogs.

Please feel free to tell us why you think Redlands' stadium is a tough place to play. I love the campus, but I was not blown away by the football field when I was there.

It's sad that don't have anything better to do than to go through and critique people's posts. You sure are full of yourself, and I personally don't care if you like it or not. I happen to like Redlands stadium, and that's good enough for me. So bite me Jackhole!

So in other words, you still have nothing to bring to the table? Thanks for stopping by.

(BTW, I didn't have to "go through and critique" your posts. You posted 'Redlands!!!' and nothing related to the topic on four consecutive boards. I'm just letting you know that doesn't reflect as well as you think it might on your beloved 'dogs. I'm not insulted by your insults, and certainly not about to get into a flame war with you. If you'd like to actually contribute, we'd like to hear what you have to offer.)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on September 29, 2009, 01:35:53 PM
Quote from: ADL70 on September 24, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
John Carroll

also Denison--but the natural bowl and pine trees mitigate the effect of the sun

Wooster is approx  ese-wnw

With all due respect, how the heck do you know that? From having played/coached at those places and taking note of the position of the sun?
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on September 29, 2009, 05:37:14 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on September 29, 2009, 01:35:53 PM
Quote from: ADL70 on September 24, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
John Carroll

also Denison--but the natural bowl and pine trees mitigate the effect of the sun

Wooster is approx  ese-wnw

With all due respect, how the heck do you know that? From having played/coached at those places and taking note of the position of the sun?
Google maps is one way to verify the fields...  ;D
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: ADL70 on September 29, 2009, 09:02:58 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on September 29, 2009, 05:37:14 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on September 29, 2009, 01:35:53 PM
Quote from: ADL70 on September 24, 2009, 09:17:51 PM
John Carroll

also Denison--but the natural bowl and pine trees mitigate the effect of the sun

Wooster is approx  ese-wnw

With all due respect, how the heck do you know that? From having played/coached at those places and taking note of the position of the sun?
Google maps is one way to verify the fields...  ;D

I did use the internet to verify my recollections of the stadiums' orientatiion.

I can't explain the minutia that clutters my mind.

I have a pornographic memory...it's obscene the things I remember.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 02, 2010, 11:24:50 PM
I believe this is the thread where we've talked about giant crowds before.

This is going to go down as the largest one on record in D3, I believe. By a lot:

QuoteSaturday's early action in the Top 25 was highlighted by a pair of overtime games involving ranked teams. And one of them saw a rival snap a long losing streak as No. 4 St. Thomas edged No. 19 St. John's 27-26 in overtime in front of an announced crowd of 16,421 in Collegeville, Minn. Saturday's scores.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 02, 2010, 11:41:55 PM
Looks like most of the attendance discussion is on pp. 6-7, and then there's this later:

Quote from: K-Mack on November 07, 2007, 09:57:52 PM
For that running list of largest-ever D3 crowds:

QuoteWilliams leads the series 68-48-5. It's Division III's most-played rivalry and has been played in front of crowds as large as 13,671 at Williams in 1993 and 12,449 at Amherst in 1996.

I think I'm going to have to assemble the list for ATN this week.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: dahlby on October 03, 2010, 11:48:31 AM
Regarding why it is tough to play at Redland's . Maybe it is because the AD allows the fraternities to conduct their weekly vocabulary sessions within a few yards of one of the end zones. Continually using profanity to insult and disrupt the opposomg team.

I asked the AD one time why he allowed that...his reply, "I thought I would try it this one time and see how it went". My response, "That is what you told me 2 years ago when we played out here.

I have total respect for the Redlands football program. I love it when students cheer and make noise, but when it becomes a profanity and personal attack on opposing players contest, I draw the line.

Redlands has one of the finest facilities....snack bars, clean restrooms, good sight lines and plenty of close  parking, all some of the finest. But, clear the end zones and let the teams play.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 04, 2010, 07:30:43 PM
Now see, that is insightful.

Went through that experience with the drunks from CUA. They even came down from D.C. to games at our place and read the bios in the media guide, then used that in their insults.

I actually didn't mind. As a player you just have to be smart and not let it throw you off your game. Maybe respond a little between plays, but don't think more about the guys off the field than the guys on it.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: 02 Warhawk on October 14, 2010, 03:09:51 PM
I think the rest of the WIAC might have to agree that it's Perkins Stadium at UWW. It's hard for the visiting school not to feel belittled by the 11,000+ stands, jumbo-tron, sound system, etc...

You especially see the intimidation when smaller non-conference schools (the NAIA) come to whitewater. It was like the movie Hoosiers when the small-town team first steps inside the huge basketball arena.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: fat_old_LB on October 18, 2010, 11:24:37 PM
I would love to see a game at St. Johns at some point, I love the fact that they are getting that many people to see their games.  its a shame a lot of our local team (OHIO) can't seem to do that week in and week out. 

Ill never forget my senior year of H.S. being recruited by BW and going to the Mount game in 98 at BW barely even finding a seat on the hill.  I heard that it was a record crowd for D3 that year (but apparently judging by these numbers im seeing for St. Johns that it was incorrect) but i remember hearing over 10,000 for the BW-Mount game in 98.  anybody out there confirm or deny that?  The one memory that stands out in my mind from that game, and one reason why I decided to go to BW, as I was watching this conference championship game was when some shall we say slightly inebriated young gentleman from a BW fraternity went and "borrowed" the giant Mount Union  flag and ran it back into the student section on the hill.  When some Mount guy cheerleaders came to try and get it back they got greeted by a few fists and shoes.  i dont condone that, but i loved the fact that it seemed like this was a great rivalry and I wanted to be apart of it.   i just wish BW was more competitive the 5 (yes i said 5....no Im not a doctor) years i was there.  had some great games, just never won one(other than our JV game the next year, which we all know doesnt matter, but it felt good!)

As a player I loved bringing teams in to BW, I felt proud to have that as my home field.  in terms of toughest places to play?  logistically, before Capital redid their place, I remember sitting outside while it was snowing changing since they had us changing in a broom closet with 2 working showersfor all 60 of us.  All the parents are walking by watching us change since it had no doors.  we won 55-7, but that sucked.   

Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 28, 2010, 09:42:42 PM
Oh yeah, we had to use the pool at Emory & Henry and the weight room at Guilford. I got some D3 stories ...

Baldwin-Wallace seems like an awesome place to play. The sunken-in field surrounded by the concrete walls is like a true stadium. Haven't they fixed the turf up?

I asked Mount about their largest crowds and none had touched 9,000; I wonder if that was only taking home crowds into consideration.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: sflzman on October 28, 2010, 09:52:22 PM
I want to know what people think of the MIAA. I've been to Albion and there's nothing great about that stadium or the crowd noise. At Alma, it gets extremely loud thanks to strong support of the public area and of course the Kiltie Marching Band, but there's nothing special about the stadium...
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: fat_old_LB on November 05, 2010, 11:13:03 AM
Quote from: sflzman on October 28, 2010, 09:52:22 PM
I want to know what people think of the MIAA. I've been to Albion and there's nothing great about that stadium or the crowd noise. At Alma, it gets extremely loud thanks to strong support of the public area and of course the Kiltie Marching Band, but there's nothing special about the stadium...
We played Adrian my sophomore year, but I dont really know much about their school, we played at a High School stadium?  I dont know if they always did or if it was just because they had construction going on or what, it was the first game of the season so that may have impacted it. 
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: fat_old_LB on November 05, 2010, 11:21:46 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 28, 2010, 09:42:42 PM
Oh yeah, we had to use the pool at Emory & Henry and the weight room at Guilford. I got some D3 stories ...

Baldwin-Wallace seems like an awesome place to play. The sunken-in field surrounded by the concrete walls is like a true stadium. Haven't they fixed the turf up?

I asked Mount about their largest crowds and none had touched 9,000; I wonder if that was only taking home crowds into consideration.
Yes we finally got new turf a few years ago, the new field grass style, and the stadium has been painted over, new track as well its really sharp looking now.  If i can figure out how to post a photo on here Ill do that, or maybe Pat can do that...
In regards to the crowds, I KNOW that in 98 that Mount game at BW, it was standing room only and the stadium seats 8000 according to the stats.  I dont know if they registered a number for that game or not, but it was nearly 10,000 for sure.  there was no room to move anywhere there.  no less than 9,000 at minimum.  I also thought that in 2003 when Mount was ranked #1 and we were ranked #3  i thought they said in the game notes that there was 9400 or so there.  But i dont know how to verify that.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: jam40jeff on November 05, 2010, 01:08:11 PM
Quote from: fat_old_LB on November 05, 2010, 11:21:46 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 28, 2010, 09:42:42 PM
Oh yeah, we had to use the pool at Emory & Henry and the weight room at Guilford. I got some D3 stories ...

Baldwin-Wallace seems like an awesome place to play. The sunken-in field surrounded by the concrete walls is like a true stadium. Haven't they fixed the turf up?

I asked Mount about their largest crowds and none had touched 9,000; I wonder if that was only taking home crowds into consideration.
Yes we finally got new turf a few years ago, the new field grass style, and the stadium has been painted over, new track as well its really sharp looking now.  If i can figure out how to post a photo on here Ill do that, or maybe Pat can do that...
In regards to the crowds, I KNOW that in 98 that Mount game at BW, it was standing room only and the stadium seats 8000 according to the stats.  I dont know if they registered a number for that game or not, but it was nearly 10,000 for sure.  there was no room to move anywhere there.  no less than 9,000 at minimum.  I also thought that in 2003 when Mount was ranked #1 and we were ranked #3  i thought they said in the game notes that there was 9400 or so there.  But i dont know how to verify that.

The Internet, of course! :P

http://www.bw.edu/athletics/fb/03football/FBGAME02.htm

Quote
Mount Union extends college football's current longest
winning streak to 44 games in front of a record crowd at
Mount Union Stadium (8,732).
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: HScoach on November 05, 2010, 02:57:16 PM
Quote from: fat_old_LB on November 05, 2010, 11:21:46 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 28, 2010, 09:42:42 PM
Oh yeah, we had to use the pool at Emory & Henry and the weight room at Guilford. I got some D3 stories ...

Baldwin-Wallace seems like an awesome place to play. The sunken-in field surrounded by the concrete walls is like a true stadium. Haven't they fixed the turf up?

I asked Mount about their largest crowds and none had touched 9,000; I wonder if that was only taking home crowds into consideration.
Yes we finally got new turf a few years ago, the new field grass style, and the stadium has been painted over, new track as well its really sharp looking now.  If i can figure out how to post a photo on here Ill do that, or maybe Pat can do that...
In regards to the crowds, I KNOW that in 98 that Mount game at BW, it was standing room only and the stadium seats 8000 according to the stats.  I dont know if they registered a number for that game or not, but it was nearly 10,000 for sure.  there was no room to move anywhere there.  no less than 9,000 at minimum.  I also thought that in 2003 when Mount was ranked #1 and we were ranked #3  i thought they said in the game notes that there was 9400 or so there.  But i dont know how to verify that.

I can confirm your memories of that MTU/BW game.  Including the reception that the cheerleaders got.  That was a fun one.  Especially since we left happy.  ;)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: sflzman on November 05, 2010, 04:24:30 PM
Quote from: fat_old_LB on November 05, 2010, 11:13:03 AM
Quote from: sflzman on October 28, 2010, 09:52:22 PM
I want to know what people think of the MIAA. I've been to Albion and there's nothing great about that stadium or the crowd noise. At Alma, it gets extremely loud thanks to strong support of the public area and of course the Kiltie Marching Band, but there's nothing special about the stadium...
We played Adrian my sophomore year, but I dont really know much about their school, we played at a High School stadium?  I dont know if they always did or if it was just because they had construction going on or what, it was the first game of the season so that may have impacted it. 

Here was the ESPN feature when Adrian opened the new stadium in 2005. It was the first time they played on campus in 45 years
http://www.adrian.edu/sports/football_espn_06.php (http://www.adrian.edu/sports/football_espn_06.php)
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: fat_old_LB on November 06, 2010, 01:16:58 AM
I checked the website out, that is a good looking stadium!  wish they had that back in 01.  Good for them though, its a great feeling Im sure to have your own field instead of sharing. 
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on November 19, 2010, 02:16:13 PM
Apparently no place in D-III is a tough to play as in Wrigley Field (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/11/only-one-end-zone-to-be-used-at-wrigley-field-game.html).

FTA ...

Quote...In response to the fact that the back-middle of the east end zone was just a foot from a thickly padded wall, the Big Ten has decided not to use that end zone for any offensive plays.

This sounds like some of the old gymnasia that weren't the regulation 94' that we used to have in D-III.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: AUKaz00 on November 19, 2010, 02:58:53 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on November 19, 2010, 02:16:13 PM
Apparently no place in D-III is a tough to play as in Wrigley Field (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/11/only-one-end-zone-to-be-used-at-wrigley-field-game.html).

FTA ...

Quote...In response to the fact that the back-middle of the east end zone was just a foot from a thickly padded wall, the Big Ten has decided not to use that end zone for any offensive plays.

This sounds like some of the old gymnasia that weren't the regulation 94' that we used to have in D-III.


Sucks to have bought seats in the right field bleachers...
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on November 28, 2010, 01:40:00 PM
Top crowds this season. Looks like a pretty good year, though not a good table that I'm reposting from NCAA date:

Rank   Home Team   Opponent   Date   Attendance
1   St. John's (MN)   St. Thomas (MN)   02-OCT-10   16421
2   Wis.-Whitewater   Wis.-Stout   09-OCT-10   12189
3   Hampden-Sydney   Randolph-Macon   13-NOV-10   12113
4   Wabash   DePauw   13-NOV-10   11743
5   Wis.-Whitewater   Wis.-Stevens Point   30-OCT-10   11448
6   Cortland St.   Ithaca   13-NOV-10   10300
7   Amherst   Williams   13-NOV-10   10145
8   Hampden-Sydney   Emory & Henry   16-OCT-10   9916
9   St. John's (MN)   Gust. Adolphus   23-OCT-10   9178
10   Emory & Henry   Virginia-Wise   18-SEP-10   8520
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on November 28, 2010, 01:42:26 PM
Quote from: fat_old_LB on November 05, 2010, 11:21:46 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 28, 2010, 09:42:42 PM
Oh yeah, we had to use the pool at Emory & Henry and the weight room at Guilford. I got some D3 stories ...

Baldwin-Wallace seems like an awesome place to play. The sunken-in field surrounded by the concrete walls is like a true stadium. Haven't they fixed the turf up?

I asked Mount about their largest crowds and none had touched 9,000; I wonder if that was only taking home crowds into consideration.
Yes we finally got new turf a few years ago, the new field grass style, and the stadium has been painted over, new track as well its really sharp looking now.  If i can figure out how to post a photo on here Ill do that, or maybe Pat can do that...
In regards to the crowds, I KNOW that in 98 that Mount game at BW, it was standing room only and the stadium seats 8000 according to the stats.  I dont know if they registered a number for that game or not, but it was nearly 10,000 for sure.  there was no room to move anywhere there.  no less than 9,000 at minimum.  I also thought that in 2003 when Mount was ranked #1 and we were ranked #3  i thought they said in the game notes that there was 9400 or so there.  But i dont know how to verify that.

I asked UMU if they'd ever been involved in a game home or away 9,000+ and they said no.

Could be that we somehow got our lines crossed and they meant they only never had a 9,000+ home crowd. But for when I mentioned it in the column this year I did ask.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: hazzben on December 07, 2010, 01:24:48 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on November 28, 2010, 01:42:26 PM
Quote from: fat_old_LB on November 05, 2010, 11:21:46 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 28, 2010, 09:42:42 PM
Oh yeah, we had to use the pool at Emory & Henry and the weight room at Guilford. I got some D3 stories ...

Baldwin-Wallace seems like an awesome place to play. The sunken-in field surrounded by the concrete walls is like a true stadium. Haven't they fixed the turf up?

I asked Mount about their largest crowds and none had touched 9,000; I wonder if that was only taking home crowds into consideration.
Yes we finally got new turf a few years ago, the new field grass style, and the stadium has been painted over, new track as well its really sharp looking now.  If i can figure out how to post a photo on here Ill do that, or maybe Pat can do that...
In regards to the crowds, I KNOW that in 98 that Mount game at BW, it was standing room only and the stadium seats 8000 according to the stats.  I dont know if they registered a number for that game or not, but it was nearly 10,000 for sure.  there was no room to move anywhere there.  no less than 9,000 at minimum.  I also thought that in 2003 when Mount was ranked #1 and we were ranked #3  i thought they said in the game notes that there was 9400 or so there.  But i dont know how to verify that.

I asked UMU if they'd ever been involved in a game home or away 9,000+ and they said no.

Could be that we somehow got our lines crossed and they meant they only never had a 9,000+ home crowd. But for when I mentioned it in the column this year I did ask.

Well, that might be one small benefit to UMU going on the road in the playoffs. I'd bet a semi-final game at UWW or at SJU would pull in a pretty hefty crowd. Obviously a regular season game would be fun as well, and probably a larger crowd given the free admission for students during regular season games.

Man, the more I think about it, the more it would be fun. UMU @ UWW, regular season showdown. It'd put a lot on the line, the loser would have to win out to ensure the playoffs, but can you imagine what the crowd would be like!?!
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: Kira & Jaxon's Dad on December 07, 2010, 01:38:58 PM
Quote from: hazzben on December 07, 2010, 01:24:48 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on November 28, 2010, 01:42:26 PM
Quote from: fat_old_LB on November 05, 2010, 11:21:46 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 28, 2010, 09:42:42 PM
Oh yeah, we had to use the pool at Emory & Henry and the weight room at Guilford. I got some D3 stories ...

Baldwin-Wallace seems like an awesome place to play. The sunken-in field surrounded by the concrete walls is like a true stadium. Haven't they fixed the turf up?

I asked Mount about their largest crowds and none had touched 9,000; I wonder if that was only taking home crowds into consideration.
Yes we finally got new turf a few years ago, the new field grass style, and the stadium has been painted over, new track as well its really sharp looking now.  If i can figure out how to post a photo on here Ill do that, or maybe Pat can do that...
In regards to the crowds, I KNOW that in 98 that Mount game at BW, it was standing room only and the stadium seats 8000 according to the stats.  I dont know if they registered a number for that game or not, but it was nearly 10,000 for sure.  there was no room to move anywhere there.  no less than 9,000 at minimum.  I also thought that in 2003 when Mount was ranked #1 and we were ranked #3  i thought they said in the game notes that there was 9400 or so there.  But i dont know how to verify that.

I asked UMU if they'd ever been involved in a game home or away 9,000+ and they said no.

Could be that we somehow got our lines crossed and they meant they only never had a 9,000+ home crowd. But for when I mentioned it in the column this year I did ask.

Well, that might be one small benefit to UMU going on the road in the playoffs. I'd bet a semi-final game at UWW or at SJU would pull in a pretty hefty crowd. Obviously a regular season game would be fun as well, and probably a larger crowd given the free admission for students during regular season games.

Man, the more I think about it, the more it would be fun. UMU @ UWW, regular season showdown. It'd put a lot on the line, the loser would have to win out to ensure the playoffs, but can you imagine what the crowd would be like!?!

It happened in 2002-2003.

MTU won 44-21 and 40-17.  Prior to UWW's climb to national prominence.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: 02 Warhawk on December 07, 2010, 02:04:19 PM
Quote from: Manuel Willocq on December 07, 2010, 01:38:58 PM
Quote from: hazzben on December 07, 2010, 01:24:48 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on November 28, 2010, 01:42:26 PM
Quote from: fat_old_LB on November 05, 2010, 11:21:46 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on October 28, 2010, 09:42:42 PM
Oh yeah, we had to use the pool at Emory & Henry and the weight room at Guilford. I got some D3 stories ...

Baldwin-Wallace seems like an awesome place to play. The sunken-in field surrounded by the concrete walls is like a true stadium. Haven't they fixed the turf up?

I asked Mount about their largest crowds and none had touched 9,000; I wonder if that was only taking home crowds into consideration.
Yes we finally got new turf a few years ago, the new field grass style, and the stadium has been painted over, new track as well its really sharp looking now.  If i can figure out how to post a photo on here Ill do that, or maybe Pat can do that...
In regards to the crowds, I KNOW that in 98 that Mount game at BW, it was standing room only and the stadium seats 8000 according to the stats.  I dont know if they registered a number for that game or not, but it was nearly 10,000 for sure.  there was no room to move anywhere there.  no less than 9,000 at minimum.  I also thought that in 2003 when Mount was ranked #1 and we were ranked #3  i thought they said in the game notes that there was 9400 or so there.  But i dont know how to verify that.

I asked UMU if they'd ever been involved in a game home or away 9,000+ and they said no.

Could be that we somehow got our lines crossed and they meant they only never had a 9,000+ home crowd. But for when I mentioned it in the column this year I did ask.

Well, that might be one small benefit to UMU going on the road in the playoffs. I'd bet a semi-final game at UWW or at SJU would pull in a pretty hefty crowd. Obviously a regular season game would be fun as well, and probably a larger crowd given the free admission for students during regular season games.

Man, the more I think about it, the more it would be fun. UMU @ UWW, regular season showdown. It'd put a lot on the line, the loser would have to win out to ensure the playoffs, but can you imagine what the crowd would be like!?!

It happened in 2002-2003.

MTU won 44-21 and 40-17.  Prior to UWW's climb to national prominence.

2002  at UWW....4030 attended (largest home game for UWW that year)*
2003  at UMU......4722 attended (largest crowd of the year for UWW..home or away)

If they played now during the regular season the crowd will be about doubled if it was at UWW...but I can't speak for UMU if it was in Alliance.

*the regular-season game at St. Johns was a bit larger
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: sju56321 on December 08, 2010, 05:21:00 PM
5,745 at the 2002 game SJU vs. UWW
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on December 08, 2010, 09:22:04 PM
I'm sure we could look up the numbers for the recent playoff games at UWW ... my guess would be the best crowd would've been for the 24-21 LaCrosse game

Since they've become a Stagg Bowl team, UWW draws way more ... but in December who wants to sit outside in Wisconsin? Or Ohio? Or Minn.? All the big numbers from those tend to be in Oct.

The big numbers elsewhere (RMC/HSC, Cort/Ith, DeP/Wab) are rivalry games in years both teams are good.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: 02 Warhawk on December 09, 2010, 10:04:45 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on December 08, 2010, 09:22:04 PM
I'm sure we could look up the numbers for the recent playoff games at UWW ... my guess would be the best crowd would've been for the 24-21 LaCrosse game

Since they've become a Stagg Bowl team, UWW draws way more ... but in December who wants to sit outside in Wisconsin? Or Ohio? Or Minn.? All the big numbers from those tend to be in Oct.

The big numbers elsewhere (RMC/HSC, Cort/Ith, DeP/Wab) are rivalry games in years both teams are good.

very true...unfortunatly whitewater's biggest crowds are always Family Day and Homecoming, which is earlier in the year. Come playoff time students would rather watch the game in their dorms/bars/house where ever it's warm. Plus the games are no longer free for students, not to mention deer season opens up during that time.

It's a shame, during playoff time, UWW may fill up half its stadium. However, I was impressed with the amount of UWW fans at the NCC game...a good portion had to sit on NCC's side, b/c the visitors side filled up so fast.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on December 09, 2010, 09:34:39 PM
I went to UW-SP this year; I just hadn't seen them anywhere but Salem for a few years so I decided I needed to go. There were 11,000+, great atmosphere, the (not-so-)new turf, the video board, the championship banner, good crowd enthusiasm. I think one time they all sang neil diamond or something together. Regardless of what you think of the song, that's a good crowd.

plus Forrest Perkins and Berez were in the building.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: 02 Warhawk on December 09, 2010, 11:21:11 PM
Quote from: K-Mack on December 09, 2010, 09:34:39 PM
I went to UW-SP this year; I just hadn't seen them anywhere but Salem for a few years so I decided I needed to go. There were 11,000+, great atmosphere, the (not-so-)new turf, the video board, the championship banner, good crowd enthusiasm. I think one time they all sang neil diamond or something together. Regardless of what you think of the song, that's a good crowd.

plus Forrest Perkins and Berez were in the building.

Yea, i was there too, best crowd in WIAC history that day. I listened to the podcast about your visit...great to hear you enjoyed yourself. you picked a great day to come. I think that was homecoming I believe.

We are very lucky to have what many DIII schools don't have. Something that I don't take for granted. We take a lot of critcism for our student population being so large (which has nothing to do with our success), lower tuition/academic standards compared to many DIII schools, generous alumni donations, large stadium. For those reasons, i think The Perk is a very tough place to play in...very intimidating for visiting schools. Especially non-conference teams coming here for the first time. A little overwhelming and distracting to the visiting team (for the reasons you mentioned above).
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: BoBo on December 10, 2010, 07:32:46 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on December 09, 2010, 09:34:39 PM
I went to UW-SP this year; I just hadn't seen them anywhere but Salem for a few years so I decided I needed to go. There were 11,000+, great atmosphere, the (not-so-)new turf, the video board, the championship banner, good crowd enthusiasm. I think one time they all sang neil diamond or something together. Regardless of what you think of the song, that's a good crowd.

plus Forrest Perkins and Berez were in the building.

I think the reason everybody sang Sweet Caroline was that the previous stadium attendance record was set in 1970 at the then Warhawk Stadium Dedication concert featuring none other than Neil Diamond!!  ;)

P.S.  It may have been homecoming, I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on December 13, 2010, 09:02:15 PM
Quote from: BoBo on December 10, 2010, 07:32:46 AM
Quote from: K-Mack on December 09, 2010, 09:34:39 PM
I went to UW-SP this year; I just hadn't seen them anywhere but Salem for a few years so I decided I needed to go. There were 11,000+, great atmosphere, the (not-so-)new turf, the video board, the championship banner, good crowd enthusiasm. I think one time they all sang neil diamond or something together. Regardless of what you think of the song, that's a good crowd.

plus Forrest Perkins and Berez were in the building.

I think the reason everybody sang Sweet Caroline was that the previous stadium attendance record was set in 1970 at the then Warhawk Stadium Dedication concert featuring none other than Neil Diamond!!  ;)

That's a very good detail. That should get into the year in review somehow. Which reminds me ...
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on November 14, 2012, 03:16:33 PM
Since this is the all-time repository for stadium atmosphere talk, here are a couple photos that came over Twitter and preceded a little dissussion we had on there today:

@MissLiz31 re: Wabash v. DePauw:
http://instagram.com/p/R-yJY3h2BT/

@BoatsAndHOdgES re: Franklin vs. Hanover(?):
https://twitter.com/BoatsAndHOdgES/status/268713268074405888/photo/1

@LightsOut_96 re: UW-Whitewater:
http://via.me/-6xyxjr4

And one of my tweets in reply:
@D3Keith @LightsOut_96 @BoatsAndHOdgES Some of my favorite #d3fb places: Ithaca (view of lake), St.John's & H-SC (trees/bowl), CoastGuard (on river).

Never hurts to kick this thread up.
Title: Re: Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference
Post by: K-Mack on October 31, 2013, 11:54:23 AM
Before Hazzben started the best stadiums thread, this had kind of morphed into that thread over time from what it was titled.

Just wanted to make the comment that the stadium photos are awesome. They seem best taken aerial or from the highest perch on the visitor's side 50-yard line, with exceptions for scenery behind the visitor's side like Coast Guard, Redlands, etc.

If your school doesn't have a pic up, bug the SIDs office about it or take a panoramic with your phone next time you're at a game.