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Division III football (Post Patterns) => General football => Topic started by: hazzben on July 19, 2013, 02:21:17 PM

Title: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: hazzben on July 19, 2013, 02:21:17 PM
Ok, so 'stadium' might be a stretch, but I'm wondering who people would include on a list of best DIII game facilities. So I'm not talking weight rooms or locker rooms anything like that. Just strictly Press Box, stands, field, scoreboard, etc. The stuff that is utilized for the 60 minutes of action on Saturday.

Since most DIII fans don't get to see many games outside of their conference/region, it'd be fun to hear what's out there.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: NCF on July 19, 2013, 02:38:16 PM
LaCrosse-was there for the D3 track nationals. It is better than some of the low D1's I've seen. Very impressive!
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 19, 2013, 02:40:59 PM
I can concur on the new UW-L stadium. St. John's needs to be on any list of facilities. Looks like Mary Hardin-Baylor will be the top stadium when it opens this fall.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: hazzben on July 19, 2013, 02:47:30 PM
These would be a few schools I'd put on my list, either from firsthand experience or word of mouth.

Gustavus Adolphus:             (https://gustavus.edu/slir/w900-h900/news/headlines/photos/original/4125_a.jpg)
Love the bern, the sunken field and the look of the home stands and press box.

Saint Johns University:        (https://my.psychologytoday.com/files/u509/natural%20bowl.jpg)
It's the Natural Bowl, what's not to love about Clemen's Stadium? It was a great place to play, and although not a part of the technical criteria, when it's got 10,000+ fans for a big game, it's a great atmosphere.

Univ. of Mary Hardin-Baylor: (https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.umhb.edu%2Fsites%2Fnews.umhb.edu%2Ffiles%2Fimagecache%2Fnews_zoom%2Fpost-images%2FAERIALENDZONE2.jpg&hash=4e2d0b75ece8eb43ce935bda700c577fdc196bbc)
The new gold standard in DIII. It's a setup most FCS and DII schools would drool over. Inaugural year in 2013.

Whitworth College:               (https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/p480x480/385115_352975471459122_1687786446_n.jpg)
A dark horse, not well known outside the Northwest Conference. What's sets it apart are the pines overlooking the field and the field itself. Real grass, like playing on a fairway.

Linfield College:                    (https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_XQMmf1K0Hu8%2FSvmiHs32C_I%2FAAAAAAAABW4%2FFGA6I4Z0PwI%2Fs400%2Fcatdome.jpg&hash=cee7f7f7549d850769672d959092602f9a0e088c)
The CatDome baby! It's the closest we've got to a dome, and you still get to see the game played in the elements while you stay dry.

UW Whitewater:                    (https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.espncdn.com%2Fphoto%2F2012%2F0914%2Fplay_stadium1_600.jpg&hash=83f875e7dfe89345a6a0334100fed2cc057e1511)
The Perk. Size, Aesthetics, Sheer Intimidation. What's not to love?

That's just enough to get us started, but what else is out there? Throw a pic up if you've got one.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AUPepBand on July 19, 2013, 02:48:37 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on July 19, 2013, 02:40:59 PM
I can concur on the new UW-L stadium. St. John's needs to be on any list of facilities. Looks like Mary Hardin-Baylor will be the top stadium when it opens this fall.


Pep was going to mention St. Johns although Pep has never experienced a game in Collegeville, MN with the Johnnies.

Of course, being a homer and having not been to ALL the D3 stadiums, Pep is pretty partial to AU's Merrill Field:
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi86.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk85%2FAUPepBand%2FMerrillField.jpg&hash=16624e9ab97d5d3019e4109395efa4551d107d8c) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/AUPepBand/media/MerrillField.jpg.html)

Incidentally, the young lad pictured was the "Voice of the Saxons," announcing most sporting events at Merrill Field aside from football. Having graduated, he's moved along....but no doubt remains fond of his time with the mic at Merrill Field.

As for the "stadium" itself, the press box is too small with the newly installed homeside grandstand. The bleachers on the visiting side, built into the hill, give visitors a splendid view of the field so long as they're not lined up with a light post. A newly constructed "Connors Pavilion" at the south end of the field offers a place to "warm up" in inclement weather and venue for hosting alumni gatherings and the like. It also serves as a "clubhouse" type setting for parents to watch games during colder weather.

But the greatest attribute at Merrill Field is the atmosphere come game time. It's a fun place to catch a game. Pep is hoping attendance will soar this season with the enrollment of some Hornell High grads who have been followed to the Carrier Dome the past three or four years by the city of Hornell...winning three of the last four state titles.

On Saxon Warriors!


On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: hazzben on July 19, 2013, 02:49:23 PM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on July 19, 2013, 02:40:59 PM
I can concur on the new UW-L stadium. St. John's needs to be on any list of facilities. Looks like Mary Hardin-Baylor will be the top stadium when it opens this fall.

I'd heard they were redoing it, and having coached there in 2006, I could only say that it was about time. Cool to hear that they're going all out on the new version.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: hickory_cornhusker on July 19, 2013, 02:56:42 PM
Pat, this kind of has to do with this topic. d2football.com has pictures of each stadium on their website. I don't know if website limitations on d3football.com would prevent this but the concern of it taking along time to gather could be mitigated by a lot of people on these boards would look for pictures for it. Would be kind of nice to see for Division III as well.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 19, 2013, 02:58:23 PM
It is something we have been considering -- we haven't had the time to do it but we agree that it should be done.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on July 19, 2013, 03:50:05 PM
The new Mary Hardin-Baylor stadium looks amazing.  Great idea to integrate so closely with the student union.

I like the St. John's history/big crowds and the view from Luther's Carlson stadium, but any stadium with a track can't really be rated that highly if your criteria is strictly Press Box, stands, field, scoreboard. 

RPI's stadium deserves a spot on the top 10 list somewhere.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frpiathletics.com%2Fimages%2F2010%2F5%2F20%2FECAV%25208.jpg&hash=bffad6cc35b1d6385f3724e6422cd1be1195259a)

Minnesota-Morris is surprisingly nice considering the state of the program.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm1.staticflickr.com%2F230%2F498721444_7f0a627199_z.jpg&hash=fab9ae4abe503acf2e03faca4ab5d470693480dc)

Eau-Claire has a very unique setting.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.fineartamerica.com%2Fimages-medium%2Fcarson-park-eauclaire-wisconsin-bill-lang.jpg&hash=77b4b7587cc83d4cbad49e7de58737fcdc1dd130)
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcvpredators.com%2Fimages%2Fsite%2FcarsonPark-images.jpg&hash=c54f42a3efd4bc5767030a88a3fdce71a9af39e3)

Stout before the switch to Field Turf:
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stadiumsusa.com%2Fimages%2Fthumbs%2F4be341d17b2e4e5b1c043b8ba066cdb5d9fdb6f2.jpg-590x1000.png&hash=68cb1aa4e73dad3da11ddd52ab9636c545ed2e32)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: wally_wabash on July 19, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Quote from: hazzben on July 19, 2013, 02:21:17 PM
Ok, so 'stadium' might be a stretch, but I'm wondering who people would include on a list of best DIII game facilities. So I'm not talking weight rooms or locker rooms anything like that. Just strictly Press Box, stands, field, scoreboard, etc. The stuff that is utilized for the 60 minutes of action on Saturday.

Since most DIII fans don't get to see many games outside of their conference/region, it'd be fun to hear what's out there.

Off the top of my head of places that I've been to...

- Obviously, I'm partial to Little Giant Stadium, in particular since the install of the new playing surface and scoreboard in 2010.  It's a beautiful place to see a game, particularly from the home grandstand and the campus backdrop.  Everything above x10 for a Monon Bell game when we get the extra bleachers and about 11,000 people in there and the nonstop ringing of the Monon Bell (eminating from the home sideline, of course). 

- Probably my second favorite place to see a game is actually at Denison.  Their redone facility down in the deep bowl there on campus is really tremendous.  And if you catch it when the leaves are turning- wow.  It is postcard material. 

- Case Western has a unique urban setting.  Not a fan of single-sided bleachers, but having the opposite side of the field closed in with nice looking dormitories is pretty cool.  Still the only D-III field I've been to that has it's own parking garage. 

- Mount Union has a nice facility.  I've been lucky enough to see two spirited playoff games between the Raiders and my Little Giants.  It was interesting to see how the area around the stadium has grown and improved in the 10 years between games there.  Great facility to see a game and a legendary team. 

- Ditto Perkins Stadium in Whitewater, although I could do without the driving snow/sleet storm the next time I end up there for a game.   And the 40-point beatemdown.   :)

I'll give Honorable Mention to Papp Stadium in Wooster because it's generally a spirited place to see a game and they have great dogs for your snacking pleasure.  Can't include them with the best of the best because of the one-sided stands thing and because their new rug is lined for so many different sports that the thing looks like a craps table. 

Selby Field at Ohio Wesleyan is also a really nice place to see a game, but they fall short of my top 5 there because it's just too big.  You could get a top-15 sized D-III crowd in there and the place would still be half empty (or half full, depending on your world view).  Otherwise, really cool, rustic, throwback kind of stadium. 
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: ADL70 on July 19, 2013, 06:47:48 PM
CMU also has integrated stands/garage.

Echo Denison mention.

http://www.denisonbigred.com/facilities/images/deeds.jpg?max_height=300&max_width=870
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: D3MAFAN on July 20, 2013, 08:34:41 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on July 19, 2013, 02:58:23 PM
It is something we have been considering -- we haven't had the time to do it but we agree that it should be done.

I'm sure this is something that the fans of D3football can help do. I already see some photos being posted above.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: doolittledog on July 20, 2013, 01:26:01 PM
This is a great thread, and I'm sure a surprise to many people that have no idea how nice D3 facilities can be.

Here are a few pics of Dubuque...

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1280.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa491%2Fsteflynnk25%2FDubuqueStadium_zps1ad303f7.jpg&hash=67c0f87b7ebae2d5d01f1c4fcfdfc61fa5f5ce5b)

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1280.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa491%2Fsteflynnk25%2FDubuqueStadium2_zps985d33c8.jpg&hash=04f9c5c84333be6ec8fe9f89598e181beca181e8)

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1280.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa491%2Fsteflynnk25%2Faerial_zps1c82e659.jpg&hash=b56ba06de3fceb890a2b0f8265f2b6571a3027a9)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: pg04 on July 20, 2013, 03:17:39 PM
I think Cortland's is one of the best in the Eastern Region:

http://www2.cortland.edu/community/stadium/index.dot

RPI's new one as well (although I've only seen pictures of this):

http://rpiathletics.com/sports/2010/5/21/GEN_0521100834.aspx?id=2768

Ithaca's has one of the better views that I've been to. 

Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: hazzben on July 20, 2013, 03:19:42 PM
That is a beautiful setup doolittledog...I'd heard a lot about the facilities upgrades across the board at UD, but that exceeds what I expected. Love the look and feel of the press box with the brick. Very Nice.

Here's another one I just heard about but haven't seen in person.

Cortland State:

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bobbundy.com%2FAuctions55%2F055NyCortland3.jpg&hash=428754fd9d2278ad1a341e331ffd8a2dfe264696)

Makes sense that the NYJ, for all their disfunction, would still make sure to use top notch facilities for training camp.

EDIT: pg04 beat me to the Cortland listing.

If this thread gains real traction I might have to make a bucket list of best stadiums and see if I can't take in a few rivalry games at the different locales.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Just Bill on July 21, 2013, 08:30:07 PM
A sleeper in this race is (or will be) the Banta Bowl, home of Lawrence University. It has a beautiful setting in a natural bowl, but the bleachers and press box always lacked. But now there's a major overhaul planned to bring the structure up to par with the natural setting...

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/sports/college/lawrence-planning-banta-bowl-overhaul
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: wildcat11 on July 21, 2013, 11:44:48 PM
Quote from: hazzben on July 19, 2013, 02:47:30 PM
Linfield College:                    (https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_XQMmf1K0Hu8%2FSvmiHs32C_I%2FAAAAAAAABW4%2FFGA6I4Z0PwI%2Fs400%2Fcatdome.jpg&hash=cee7f7f7549d850769672d959092602f9a0e088c)
The CatDome baby! It's the closest we've got to a dome, and you still get to see the game played in the elements while you stay dry.

I think this pic captures the 'Catdome perfectly. 

(https://questionnaire.acsathletics.com/media/7896/questionnaires/questionnaire_509.jpg)

The other place I've enjoyed the most from a football set standpoint is Saint John's.   Another place is Lewis and Clark.  Yeah, the program struggles but the football stadium has a nice set up.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi92.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl8%2Fcatdomealumni%2F2012%2520Linfield%2520Football%2F2012%2520Linfield%2520at%2520Lewis%2520and%2520Clark%2FIMG_6144.jpg&hash=2cd9bd976e60b243b14d4386636f15b95b1a63b6)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on July 22, 2013, 09:18:59 AM
After taking a quick look around the nation, it is hard to find stadiums without a track.  Even when you're willing to put temporary stands on the track as Linfield does, they still unfortunately felt the need to place the visitor's sideline stands a mile from the field. 

The ODAC stood out to me so I'll feature them today.

Hampden-Sydney Lewis C. Everett Stadium
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hscathletics.com%2Finformation%2FFacilities%2Feverett1.jpg%3Fmax_height%3D316%26amp%3Bmax_width%3D600&hash=ad63f64d961f0e1b1bbb385169c8e786b3410157)

Emory & Henry Fred Selfe Stadium
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gowasps.com%2Finformation%2Ffacilities%2FStadiumStands.jpg%3Fmax_height%3D267%26amp%3Bmax_width%3D400&hash=1049bb76908fac569576b8e1cce84fda231cafee)

Randolph-Macon Day Field
(https://secure.rmc.edu/VirtualTour/DayField/images/DayFieldAtNight.jpg)

Shenandoah Sprint Field at Shentel Stadium
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.suhornets.com%2Fimages%2Ffeatures%2F20111029_Snow_Stadium_HJP_0003.jpg%3Fmax_width%3D450&hash=fd49671d40acb779bbf8e9233b372f1b33e8a580)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 22, 2013, 09:55:08 AM
The ODAC does generally have nice stadiums, and they draw well to them.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: jknezek on July 22, 2013, 10:14:09 AM
W&L's new stadium is also up to ODAC standards:

http://www.generalssports.com/information/Facilities/Wilson

Sits on a plateau accessed from campus from a long footbridge. The new pressbox and home stands are great. The endzones are all backdropped with trees, and the only real negative is the huge field on the visitor side that backs up to the 70s era law school building. All of the W&L facilities have really had a nice 10 year facelift, something that I think has benefitted the Generals greatly. Of course, it's also easy to bemoan the costs of the ongoing facilities war...

If you look here:

http://www.generalssports.com/information/Facilities/outdoor_courts

You can see the plaza at the back of the press box/concession area and the footbridge that leads to the field. I guess W&L considers them part of the outdoor tennis courts, and yes, the school has an amazing set of indoor courts that was donated in the 90s for some reason, but the footbridge to me will always be the gateway to Wilson Field.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: bman on July 22, 2013, 01:01:13 PM
While it doesn't rank with these, I always enjoy going to Widener's field.  It's tucked into a natural bowl, which shields it from (well..Chester PA)  but also from excessive wind etc...
The only real drawback to this field, is that given the narrow entrance (a long walk on a path tucked between a stream and a dense wooded hill), there is limited room for tailgating, close to the stadium...

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.ussportscamps.com%2Fmade%2Fassets%2Fprograms%2Fsoccer%2Fnews%2FQuick08_350_190_c1.jpg&hash=6f4e727d703c516e2d3eb290ded0740b9ce98b23)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: wally_wabash on July 22, 2013, 01:18:40 PM
Quote from: AO on July 22, 2013, 09:18:59 AM
After taking a quick look around the nation, it is hard to find stadiums without a track.  Even when you're willing to put temporary stands on the track as Linfield does, they still unfortunately felt the need to place the visitor's sideline stands a mile from the field. 

The ODAC stood out to me so I'll feature them today.

Hampden-Sydney Lewis C. Everett Stadium
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hscathletics.com%2Finformation%2FFacilities%2Feverett1.jpg%3Fmax_height%3D316%26amp%3Bmax_width%3D600&hash=ad63f64d961f0e1b1bbb385169c8e786b3410157)

Hoping to add Hampden-Sydney to the list of stadiums I've been to when Wabash travels there in 2015.  Looks like a good place to take in a game...dig the architecture on that press box/concourse situation there. 
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: jknezek on July 22, 2013, 01:26:31 PM
Hampden-Sydney is a great place to take in a game. Well worth the trip. Looking at all these pictures just has me amazed at how well we can blend a D3 sized stadium into a campus and the landscape. It's just not something you can do with a 50,000 seat concrete and steel behemoth surrounded by parking lots. I'm amazed at how many schools have chosen to make their stadiums work with the area and the campus, instead of just being a place to play the games and house the fans.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Just Bill on July 23, 2013, 09:48:37 AM
I thought UW-Oshkosh was creative in dealing with the issue of having a track around the field. They shifted the football field to be as close as possible to the grandstand as possible, rather than centering it down the middle of the pitch.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldstadiums.com%2Fstadium_pictures%2Fnorth_america%2Funited_states%2Fwisconsin%2Foshkosh_titan.jpg&hash=7546ef42c9b4b2c3d72323fa33799926c787debb)

Of course having bleachers on only side, which isn't ideal, makes it possible. I thought it was a simple smart decision that I'm surprised more schools don't follow.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on July 23, 2013, 10:22:37 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on July 23, 2013, 09:48:37 AM
I thought UW-Oshkosh was creative in dealing with the issue of having a track around the field. They shifted the football field to be as close as possible to the grandstand as possible, rather than centering it down the middle of the pitch.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldstadiums.com%2Fstadium_pictures%2Fnorth_america%2Funited_states%2Fwisconsin%2Foshkosh_titan.jpg&hash=7546ef42c9b4b2c3d72323fa33799926c787debb)

Of course having bleachers on only side, which isn't ideal, makes it possible. I thought it was a simple smart decision that I'm surprised more schools don't follow.
Looks like there's plenty of room to put up some bleachers in the infield if you really wanted to.  Lack of seating doesn't appear to be an issue at Oshkosh, that's for sure.  Looking at the birds eye view (http://binged.it/16WY0cf), did they build the other track after the stadium?   Are there really track meets in Oshkosh that require 10,000 seats and 2 tracks?  Next time the track or field turf needs replacing, maybe they can reconfigure and get rid of the track around the football field altogether.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: ADL70 on July 23, 2013, 10:42:08 AM
Quote from: AO on July 23, 2013, 10:22:37 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on July 23, 2013, 09:48:37 AM
I thought UW-Oshkosh was creative in dealing with the issue of having a track around the field. They shifted the football field to be as close as possible to the grandstand as possible, rather than centering it down the middle of the pitch.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldstadiums.com%2Fstadium_pictures%2Fnorth_america%2Funited_states%2Fwisconsin%2Foshkosh_titan.jpg&hash=7546ef42c9b4b2c3d72323fa33799926c787debb)

Of course having bleachers on only side, which isn't ideal, makes it possible. I thought it was a simple smart decision that I'm surprised more schools don't follow.
Looks like there's plenty of room to put up some bleachers in the infield if you really wanted to.  Lack of seating doesn't appear to be an issue at Oshkosh, that's for sure.  Looking at the birds eye view (http://binged.it/16WY0cf), did they build the other track after the stadium?   Are there really track meets in Oshkosh that require 10,000 seats and 2 tracks?  Next time the track or field turf needs replacing, maybe they can reconfigure and get rid of the track around the football field altogether.

Bleachers in the infield would be on the soccer pitch.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Just Bill on July 23, 2013, 10:58:55 AM
Oshkosh has hosted the NCAA Division III Championships, and they would like to wrestle the state HS championships away from La Crosse if they could. So they won't be interested in tearing out the track there. In fact on the last remodel they upgraded the track facilities. They other track is essentially just a practice facility.

They do play home soccer there too, so if they put temporary bleachers on the field, they would have to be REALLY temporary since they would have to go up and down multiple times each fall.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Just Bill on July 23, 2013, 11:02:04 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on July 23, 2013, 09:48:37 AM
They shifted the football field to be as close as possible to the grandstand as possible,

This sentence is brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Department.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on July 23, 2013, 11:25:08 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on July 23, 2013, 10:58:55 AM
Oshkosh has hosted the NCAA Division III Championships, and they would like to wrestle the state HS championships away from La Crosse if they could. So they won't be interested in tearing out the track there. In fact on the last remodel they upgraded the track facilities. They other track is essentially just a practice facility.

They do play home soccer there too, so if they put temporary bleachers on the field, they would have to be REALLY temporary since they would have to go up and down multiple times each fall.
If you have space for two tracks, why not make one the soccer/track facility and one the football facility.  LaCrosse apparently doesn't need 2 tracks to host the championships, and I doubt they needed all 10,000 seats.  The vast majority of D3 seems to have the space to build separate facilities for track and football and no great desire to host the D3 championships.  It should also be pointed out that most soccer teams not in the pacific northwest would prefer to play on natural grass.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Jonny Utah on July 23, 2013, 11:28:20 AM
As PG mentioned above, Ithaca has a great view from the home stands: (can't figure how to post this here but it is the nicest picture in my opinion)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ithacacollegealumni/285926744/sizes/o/in/photostream/

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fkmccallnews2.files.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F100_3621.jpg&hash=2900911655b3a735c58a25824abd86ab6d265eec)

The home stands are probably your average d3 football size (5000+), but I believe the press box needs a little rehab from what I've heard.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.syracuse.com%2Fpost-standard%2Fphoto%2F10251350-standard.jpg&hash=4fb44e213e251004e2380fe7c19ed4c1b53839a3)

Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on July 25, 2013, 09:47:27 AM
University of Northwestern - St. Paul is breaking ground on the new Reynolds field in 9 months.

(https://sphotos-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/62318_10101477854306030_501310389_n.jpg)

Softball no longer shares its outfield with football and they threw in some tennis courts in roughly the same area as the previous configuration.  Baseball home runs are also given a much better chance of landing on cars in the parking lot.  From what I've heard they're going to attempt to use the football press box for all 3 fields.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Pat Coleman on July 25, 2013, 09:53:24 AM
Rendering looks nice. I like the possibility of a football game or practice going on as someone enters campus, as that's a lot of traffic going past.

I don't think the press box scenario works as you describe it and as it's drawn, but with a little added box in the upper right corner of the stands as we see them here, it might suffice.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on July 25, 2013, 10:14:55 AM
Quote from: Pat Coleman on July 25, 2013, 09:53:24 AM
Rendering looks nice. I like the possibility of a football game or practice going on as someone enters campus, as that's a lot of traffic going past.

I don't think the press box scenario works as you describe it and as it's drawn, but with a little added box in the upper right corner of the stands as we see them here, it might suffice.
If they're going to add another press box for baseball, I'd guess they'd just put it on top of one of the dugouts.  I would bet they keep just using tables behind the backstop for radio/scoreboard operator.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Just Bill on July 25, 2013, 01:52:32 PM
Reminds me of the set up at Benedictine (Ill.). They have the occasional problem of fouls balls dropping on the heads of track and lacrosse fans in the spring, so I'd recommend some big nets!
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 11:45:56 AM
If the D-III stadium project ever becomes a part of this site, I have a request:

Please, please, please
include information on handicap accessibility. I'm not saying every little detail, but if there's designated handicapped seating at some stadiums (I know there is at Fisher), knowing that would be huge. Also, at some stadiums, *cough Ithaca cough* only the home side of the stadium would even be possible for someone in a wheelchair (Hey, let's put the visiting stands on top of a building!) Just giving people those two basic components would go a long way to making sure they were prepared before heading to a game at an unfamiliar stadium.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: D3MAFAN on July 26, 2013, 12:36:13 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 11:45:56 AM
If the D-III stadium project ever becomes a part of this site, I have a request:

Please, please, please
include information on handicap accessibility. I'm not saying every little detail, but if there's designated handicapped seating at some stadiums (I know there is at Fisher), knowing that would be huge. Also, at some stadiums, *cough Ithaca cough* only the home side of the stadium would even be possible for someone in a wheelchair (Hey, let's put the visiting stands on top of a building!) Just giving people those two basic components would go a long way to making sure they were prepared before heading to a game at an unfamiliar stadium.

As long as they are in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act.  http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/titleIII_2010_regulations.htm
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 04:26:42 PM
Quote from: D3MAFAN on July 26, 2013, 12:36:13 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 11:45:56 AM
If the D-III stadium project ever becomes a part of this site, I have a request:

Please, please, please
include information on handicap accessibility. I'm not saying every little detail, but if there's designated handicapped seating at some stadiums (I know there is at Fisher), knowing that would be huge. Also, at some stadiums, *cough Ithaca cough* only the home side of the stadium would even be possible for someone in a wheelchair (Hey, let's put the visiting stands on top of a building!) Just giving people those two basic components would go a long way to making sure they were prepared before heading to a game at an unfamiliar stadium.

As long as they are in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act.  http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/titleIII_2010_regulations.htm

One of these days, someone will actually say "What can we do to actually make life easier for people who are handicapped?" without using "We're in compliance with the law!" as a shield. Being in compliance with the law does not mean it is accessible. While institutions and organizations hide behind the law, handicapped people are mostly concerned with actually being able to get around in a society that's not in any way built for them.

Seriously, have you ever been to Butterfield? Try pushing a wheelchair up that hill (even better, try it in the snow). Try to find a place to sit that doesn't put that chair in the middle of a walkway—good luck, the bleachers don't have railings to walk up. Which means if you're a handicapped member of the media, you better find someone to help you into that press box. Have fun trying to control going down that steep hill after the game. It's all kinds of fun. And they might as well have a "no cripples allowed" sign when Cortaca rolls around.

The ADA is great (Thanks, Ted Kennedy). But able-bodied people should realize that quite often, it's toothless and unhelpful.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: D3MAFAN on July 26, 2013, 04:47:48 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 04:26:42 PM
Quote from: D3MAFAN on July 26, 2013, 12:36:13 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 11:45:56 AM
If the D-III stadium project ever becomes a part of this site, I have a request:

Please, please, please
include information on handicap accessibility. I'm not saying every little detail, but if there's designated handicapped seating at some stadiums (I know there is at Fisher), knowing that would be huge. Also, at some stadiums, *cough Ithaca cough* only the home side of the stadium would even be possible for someone in a wheelchair (Hey, let's put the visiting stands on top of a building!) Just giving people those two basic components would go a long way to making sure they were prepared before heading to a game at an unfamiliar stadium.



As long as they are in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act.  http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/titleIII_2010_regulations.htm

One of these days, someone will actually say "What can we do to actually make life easier for people who are handicapped?" without using "We're in compliance with the law!" as a shield. Being in compliance with the law does not mean it is accessible. While institutions and organizations hide behind the law, handicapped people are mostly concerned with actually being able to get around in a society that's not in any way built for them.

Seriously, have you ever been to Butterfield? Try pushing a wheelchair up that hill (even better, try it in the snow). Try to find a place to sit that doesn't put that chair in the middle of a walkway—good luck, the bleachers don't have railings to walk up. Which means if you're a handicapped member of the media, you better find someone to help you into that press box. Have fun trying to control going down that steep hill after the game. It's all kinds of fun. And they might as well have a "no cripples allowed" sign when Cortaca rolls around.

The ADA is great (Thanks, Ted Kennedy). But able-bodied people should realize that quite often, it's toothless and unhelpful.

Bombers you can actually file a complaint and there are many organizations that would be glad to assist. Regarding Butterfield, I believe if you call in advance, they should be able to accomodate persons with disabilities, by maybe using a cart instead of expecting a person to push.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 05:25:22 PM
Quote from: D3MAFAN on July 26, 2013, 04:47:48 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 04:26:42 PM
Quote from: D3MAFAN on July 26, 2013, 12:36:13 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 11:45:56 AM
If the D-III stadium project ever becomes a part of this site, I have a request:

Please, please, please
include information on handicap accessibility. I'm not saying every little detail, but if there's designated handicapped seating at some stadiums (I know there is at Fisher), knowing that would be huge. Also, at some stadiums, *cough Ithaca cough* only the home side of the stadium would even be possible for someone in a wheelchair (Hey, let's put the visiting stands on top of a building!) Just giving people those two basic components would go a long way to making sure they were prepared before heading to a game at an unfamiliar stadium.



As long as they are in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act.  http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/titleIII_2010_regulations.htm

One of these days, someone will actually say "What can we do to actually make life easier for people who are handicapped?" without using "We're in compliance with the law!" as a shield. Being in compliance with the law does not mean it is accessible. While institutions and organizations hide behind the law, handicapped people are mostly concerned with actually being able to get around in a society that's not in any way built for them.

Seriously, have you ever been to Butterfield? Try pushing a wheelchair up that hill (even better, try it in the snow). Try to find a place to sit that doesn't put that chair in the middle of a walkway—good luck, the bleachers don't have railings to walk up. Which means if you're a handicapped member of the media, you better find someone to help you into that press box. Have fun trying to control going down that steep hill after the game. It's all kinds of fun. And they might as well have a "no cripples allowed" sign when Cortaca rolls around.

The ADA is great (Thanks, Ted Kennedy). But able-bodied people should realize that quite often, it's toothless and unhelpful.

Bombers you can actually file a complaint and there are many organizations that would be glad to assist. Regarding Butterfield, I believe if you call in advance, they should be able to accomodate persons with disabilities, by maybe using a cart instead of expecting a person to push.

The problem/point is, most of these places aren't in violation, because they were grandfathered in. So complaining is useless, because they're not in violation of the law there's nothing compelling them to change without being in violation of the law. If you don't believe me, give it a shot sometime.

I've been going to Butterfield since 1988. I'm aware of how to get around there and who to call. But I bet most people aren't. Having this information out there, instead of making the disabled person hunt for it, would be useful. How would somebody visiting Ithaca for the first time know who to call to ask for help? How would they know what to ask?

At the end of the day, my frustration is that it's always on the disabled person to do the legwork (pun intended). Ask what services are available. Ask what can be done to help them. Go digging for information that should be readily available. We had a president in a wheelchair and it took 45 years after he died to get federal protection for people with disabilities. And 23 years after that, it's still insanely hard to find a place to live, or get around using public transportation in lots of cities. And it pisses me off (this isn't personal to you) when people say "Well, we're in compliance" and "Well, we'd be willing to help you if you'd ask."

I could tell your horror stories about my time on Ithaca's campus that would blow your mind. And I knew exactly what to expect, who to talk to, what to ask, AND had an influential member of the administration in my corner. Some Salisbury fan trying to make the trip up from Maryland might not know where to start.

I guess this rant probably distracts from my point (sorry). It's a sensitive subject
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: jknezek on July 26, 2013, 08:26:06 PM
Bombers you have to realize that according to Disability Statistics website at Cornell University less than 6% of people from 18 to 65 in the U.S. are ambulatory disabled. That means that most people just don't come into contact with people affected by the situation everyday. So when you are designing a website, if its not something you are used to dealing with, it just isn't going to be thought about to include that information. Now I just spent the better part of 15 minutes looking for the info on W&L's website and didn't find any, but the next time I get an alumni survey asking how they can improve the site, I'll send it in as a comment because it probably should be there. But until I read your post, it never would have crossed my mind, and I'm sure it hasn't crossed too many people at the university's either.

It isn't a slight, or even a desire to make something better or worse, its just an understandable oversight. If there is a condition that affects only a small percentage of people, then it is primarily going to fall on those people to do the legwork to figure it out. But I know a lot of schools and companies go out of their way to help disabled students and visitors when they know the situation is coming. When I was a student at W&L I shuttled around disabled alumni as part of a fleet of golf carts made available on alumni weekends, especially when we had a large response from 5 Star Generals (50 year+ reunions). But if someone just showed up on campus, with no warning, and wanted immediate assistance, it wasn't always available.

I certainly understand your point, but I definitely understand why information with such a limited audience, isn't as readily available as it could be.

Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 10:36:00 PM
Quote from: jknezek on July 26, 2013, 08:26:06 PM
Bombers you have to realize that according to Disability Statistics website at Cornell University less than 6% of people from 18 to 65 in the U.S. are ambulatory disabled. That means that most people just don't come into contact with people affected by the situation everyday. So when you are designing a website, if its not something you are used to dealing with, it just isn't going to be thought about to include that information. Now I just spent the better part of 15 minutes looking for the info on W&L's website and didn't find any, but the next time I get an alumni survey asking how they can improve the site, I'll send it in as a comment because it probably should be there. But until I read your post, it never would have crossed my mind, and I'm sure it hasn't crossed too many people at the university's either.

It isn't a slight, or even a desire to make something better or worse, its just an understandable oversight. If there is a condition that affects only a small percentage of people, then it is primarily going to fall on those people to do the legwork to figure it out. But I know a lot of schools and companies go out of their way to help disabled students and visitors when they know the situation is coming. When I was a student at W&L I shuttled around disabled alumni as part of a fleet of golf carts made available on alumni weekends, especially when we had a large response from 5 Star Generals (50 year+ reunions). But if someone just showed up on campus, with no warning, and wanted immediate assistance, it wasn't always available.

I certainly understand your point, but I definitely understand why information with such a limited audience, isn't as readily available as it could be.

According to the census.gov report of 2012: "Roughly 30.6 million individuals aged 15 years and older (12.6 percent) had limitations associated with ambulatory activities of the lower body including difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or using a wheelchair, cane, crutches, or walker."

But that's just a snapshot, a moment in time. As we age, you know what happens? You're part of the 88-94% who are able bodied now, but you should care about this, because one day, it's going to be your parent, brother, or yourself who might need a wheelchair or a walker.

At the end of the day, there's a reason we have legislation for new buildings. Because there is a large number of us. The reason older buildings aren't required to be accessible has nothing to do with the size of the population they would be accommodating. It's simply because doing so is costly, especially for small businesses. Which is of course understandable. But you couldn't build something new and not make it accessible under the logic of "Well, there just aren't that many disabled people." So there's no reason to accept that logic for older buildings either.

But here's something you need to remember: We're talking about sports. Sports is becoming more and more inclusive to all segments of the population, but it's still largely the domain of the able-bodied, the healthy, the strong. There's nothing wrong with that of course, but for someone growing up disabled, it's not hard to feel that sports isn't for you to enjoy. When you're in school, you get put in special gym classes. You don't see the disabled athletes discussed on the media, providing someone to look up to.

Making a stadium accessible or even just giving information about how you can enjoy it, it's like saying "Yeah, you're welcome here too." No person should have to go looking for, or asking for that.

Again, sorry I hijacked the topic.

Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: HScoach on July 27, 2013, 01:00:37 PM
Quote from: Bombers798891 on July 26, 2013, 10:36:00 PM

According to the census.gov report of 2012: "Roughly 30.6 million individuals aged 15 years and older (12.6 percent) had limitations associated with ambulatory activities of the lower body including difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or using a wheelchair, cane, crutches, or walker."



I realize this is way off topic and very politically incorrect, but judging simply from what I see on a daily basis in everyday life, being fat & lazy shouldn't warrant a great parking spot at the local Wal-Mart.   Providing ADA access for those that truly need it is great, but I can't stand seeing the people that take advantage of it. 

The engineering company I work at is 450+ people spread out over 5 floors of 3 adjacent buildings in a large downtown complex.   Our office courier, whose sole job is to walk around and deliver the inter-office mail as well as delivering local packages, is a lady with a handicap parking permit.  She parks in the 1st handicap spot right next to the building every morning and then spends 8 hours walking all over the office and beyond, to exit each afternoon to her 1st spot in the lot.      Doesn't make sense to me.

Sorry.  Rant done. 
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: HScoach on July 27, 2013, 01:41:39 PM
Back on topic, around the OAC I think the best pure stadium is Baldwin Wallace now that they've finally joined the 21st century and got rid of the concrete field painted green to look like grass.   The stands are elevated and pretty close, sight lines are good and it's the biggest stadium in the conference.   The pressbox is a little antiquated, but spacious and functional.   Best place to watch a game in the OAC if the crowd is big with the students sitting on the end zone hill.   Looks empty and cold if the attendance is down.   Mount has had some great night games at BW last decade when BW was really good.   

Most visually pleasing setting in the conference is Muskingum, especially in the fall with trees and hills.  Stadium itself is old and less than average, but the walk to the stadium and view around the stadium from the seats is great.   Unfortunately for the Musky faithful is the view of what occurs on the field doesn't match the view around it.

Mount Union has by far the best pressbox in the conference and the stadium itself is very nice and well kept, but little sets it apart from the other nice D3 stadiums except for the 11 championship banners hanging from the light towers and the team.   The roof over the home stands is well received when the weather sucks, but the support columns block site lines which are a pain when the weather is nice.   And the bleachers are too low so the players on the side lines block the view of the first couple rows.   Overall it's a nice stadium and with great surrounding facilities, I just doubt it's cream of the crop on a national scale.

John Carroll, Ohio Northern and Otterbein all have new facilities, but in my opinion they all lack something that detracts from the overall.   JCU has a beautiful campus and stadium if you look only at the home side.  Away side looks like 1950.   And their pressbox, while fancy, is just one huge room that everyone is thrown into.   PA announcer and multiple radio crews within feet of each other doesn't work.   

Otterbein's stadium is only one sided and while the pressbox is pretty well laid out, the PA sound system is so loud it's impossible to broadcast a game from there.   Without a crowd mic and with the box windows closed, the PA guy is so loud he still comes thru our headset mics and drowns us out.  Very annoying for us in the box.  And painful for those sitting in the stands.   Even with Otterbein having the best coeds in the conference, it's still easily my least favorite place in the OAC simply because of the PA system.   One of these years I'm going take wire cutters with me.......

Ohio Northern is new, but it's located in the wasteland of NW Ohio with nothing around it.  What makes ONU seem better is our memory of the dump they used to play in.   How Coach Kaz recruited Robertson, Franzer and Vagedas to Ada in the late 1990's to play in their old stadium is beyond me.   
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: doolittledog on July 30, 2013, 07:55:57 AM
2 stadiums with great views in the Iowa Conference, are 2 of the oldest stadiums in the conference. 

The Rock Bowl at Loras recently went through a major renovation though.  The stadium is built into a rock cliff right in the middle of the Loras campus and sits on the bluff that overlooks the downtown portion of the city of Dubuque.  Pictures really don't do the place justice.  While not the biggest stadium you will ever see, and the visitor side is just 3 roll away bleacher stands, it's a great place to catch a game. 

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Florasfootball.files.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2Frockbowlriver.jpg&hash=9c65c0d0e8796fb2248a6902350edd945ec76af7)

Carlson Stadium at Luther College overlooks the Upper Iowa River and gives you a great view of fall leaves in October.  Huge main stand with the student union at the top.  Not much visitor side seating, but with the main stand so large most of the visiting fans sit on the home side.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.luther.edu%2Freason%2Fimages%2F340934.jpg&hash=00da2b8154a35559fd5bea95bd5613a15bc7b346)

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3146%2F2878857855_265a406dce.jpg&hash=dbe7d349b7243c88a583a9fe17e9082456ac53e0)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 03:18:04 AM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacificu.edu%2Fadmissions%2Fundergrad%2Fstudent%2Fimages%2Flincoln-park-aerial.jpg&hash=594390670b3cc916a42a0f4857eaa3d95dfc2255)
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_J8BEp8uW-gM%2FS9Zm4ZkXlPI%2FAAAAAAAAAA4%2F35MWq6qTXTg%2Fs1600%2Fpacific%2Btrack%2Bfacility%2B2.JPG&hash=070de7c978df3129482fddba89c379ab8f02f673)

Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty new. Pacific University's Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore. I mean they hosted DI Big Sky Track & Field conference championships this past season so that's gotta be saying something, right? No?
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on August 01, 2013, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 03:18:04 AM

Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty new. Pacific University's Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore. I mean they hosted DI Big Sky Track & Field conference championships this past season so that's gotta be saying something, right? No?
Too bad we're looking for "Football" stadiums.  You might appreciate certain aspects of D3 football over D1, but going to some of these D3 stadiums with a track, you feel like you're up in 2nd deck of most d1 stadiums.  Let's show a little respect to Track and Field programs and get them separate facilities which they have sole use of and stands that don't look empty during their meets.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: D3MAFAN on August 01, 2013, 09:13:40 AM
Quote from: AO on August 01, 2013, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 03:18:04 AM

Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty new. Pacific University's Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore. I mean they hosted DI Big Sky Track & Field conference championships this past season so that's gotta be saying something, right? No?
Too bad we're looking for "Football" stadiums.  You might appreciate certain aspects of D3 football over D1, but going to some of these D3 stadiums with a track, you feel like you're up in 2nd deck of most d1 stadiums.  Let's show a little respect to Track and Field programs and get them separate facilities which they have sole use of and doesn't look silly when they can't fill up half the stands for their meets.

Even though I agree with that, most of those people are track members of numerous programs...now Penn Relays, that is a crazy experience.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: NCF on August 01, 2013, 09:48:46 AM
Quote from: D3MAFAN on August 01, 2013, 09:13:40 AM
Quote from: AO on August 01, 2013, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 03:18:04 AM

Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty new. Pacific University's Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore. I mean they hosted DI Big Sky Track & Field conference championships this past season so that's gotta be saying something, right? No?
Too bad we're looking for "Football" stadiums.  You might appreciate certain aspects of D3 football over D1, but going to some of these D3 stadiums with a track, you feel like you're up in 2nd deck of most d1 stadiums.  Let's show a little respect to Track and Field programs and get them separate facilities which they have sole use of and doesn't look silly when they can't fill up half the stands for their meets.

Even though I agree with that, most of those people are track members of numerous programs...now Penn Relays, that is a crazy experience.
Same can be said for the Drake Relays. North Central always sends a big squad there to compete in the college division.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: NCF on August 01, 2013, 09:54:44 AM
Quote from: AO on August 01, 2013, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 03:18:04 AM

Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty new. Pacific University's Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore. I mean they hosted DI Big Sky Track & Field conference championships this past season so that's gotta be saying something, right? No?
Too bad we're looking for "Football" stadiums.  You might appreciate certain aspects of D3 football over D1, but going to some of these D3 stadiums with a track, you feel like you're up in 2nd deck of most d1 stadiums.  Let's show a little respect to Track and Field programs and get them separate facilities which they have sole use of and stands that don't look empty during their meets.
Too bad most D3's either don't have the room or the money for a separate facility.  I don't know what meets you attend, but most colleges have a big meet every week-end with enough fans of all the teams to fill the stadium quite nicely.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on August 01, 2013, 10:29:46 AM
Quote from: NCF on August 01, 2013, 09:54:44 AM
Quote from: AO on August 01, 2013, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 03:18:04 AM

Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty new. Pacific University's Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore. I mean they hosted DI Big Sky Track & Field conference championships this past season so that's gotta be saying something, right? No?
Too bad we're looking for "Football" stadiums.  You might appreciate certain aspects of D3 football over D1, but going to some of these D3 stadiums with a track, you feel like you're up in 2nd deck of most d1 stadiums.  Let's show a little respect to Track and Field programs and get them separate facilities which they have sole use of and stands that don't look empty during their meets.
Too bad most D3's either don't have the room or the money for a separate facility.  I don't know what meets you attend, but most colleges have a big meet every week-end with enough fans of all the teams to fill the stadium quite nicely.
That's part of the point, if you're going to have 10+ teams at a meet, you only need 1 stadium.  You don't need 10.  I don't have the stats to prove/disprove the necessary room to build a track, but I certainly have visited a lot of D3s with plenty of room to have a separate track.  Money also doesn't seem to be as much of an issue with some conferences waging war in the quest to have the newest/best facilities.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: NCF on August 01, 2013, 10:51:37 AM
Quote from: AO on August 01, 2013, 10:29:46 AM
Quote from: NCF on August 01, 2013, 09:54:44 AM
Quote from: AO on August 01, 2013, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 03:18:04 AM

Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty new. Pacific University's Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore. I mean they hosted DI Big Sky Track & Field conference championships this past season so that's gotta be saying something, right? No?
Too bad we're looking for "Football" stadiums.  You might appreciate certain aspects of D3 football over D1, but going to some of these D3 stadiums with a track, you feel like you're up in 2nd deck of most d1 stadiums.  Let's show a little respect to Track and Field programs and get them separate facilities which they have sole use of and stands that don't look empty during their meets.
Too bad most D3's either don't have the room or the money for a separate facility.  I don't know what meets you attend, but most colleges have a big meet every week-end with enough fans of all the teams to fill the stadium quite nicely.
That's part of the point, if you're going to have 10+ teams at a meet, you only need 1 stadium.  You don't need 10.  I don't have the stats to prove/disprove the necessary room to build a track, but I certainly have visited a lot of D3s with plenty of room to have a separate track.  Money also doesn't seem to be as much of an issue with some conferences waging war in the quest to have the newest/best facilities.
I don't think any of the CCIW schools have the room, but I could be wrong. I would agree with you on schools trying to one up each other in order to attract more students.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: frank uible on August 01, 2013, 11:29:33 AM
Has anyone here outside of Pat seen as many as or more than 20% of the D3 stadia?
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Just Bill on August 01, 2013, 11:57:05 AM
Quote from: frank uible on August 01, 2013, 11:29:33 AM
Has anyone here outside of Pat seen as many as or more than 20% of the D3 stadia?
How many would 20% be? How many football programs are there?
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: jknezek on August 01, 2013, 12:04:50 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on August 01, 2013, 11:57:05 AM
Quote from: frank uible on August 01, 2013, 11:29:33 AM
Has anyone here outside of Pat seen as many as or more than 20% of the D3 stadia?
How many would 20% be? How many football programs are there?

there are 240 or so DIII schools, with more every year. therefore 20% is somewhere north of 48 stadiums.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: wally_wabash on August 01, 2013, 12:43:50 PM
I think my most recent count of stadiums visited was up to 22...so I'm still under 10%. 
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: jknezek on August 01, 2013, 02:18:35 PM
Quote from: wally_wabash on August 01, 2013, 12:43:50 PM
I think my most recent count of stadiums visited was up to 22...so I'm still under 10%.

That's really good. Counting my time in school I am at 17, having added Huntingdon and Birmingham-Southern last year. I don't think I'll get to a new one this year. Unfortunately the last 9 years have been spent in FL and AL, not exactly D3 hotbeds with lots of stadium choices nearby...
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: NCF on August 01, 2013, 02:59:04 PM
Quote from: jknezek on August 01, 2013, 02:18:35 PM
Quote from: wally_wabash on August 01, 2013, 12:43:50 PM
I think my most recent count of stadiums visited was up to 22...so I'm still under 10%.

That's really good. Counting my time in school I am at 17, having added Huntingdon and Birmingham-Southern last year. I don't think I'll get to a new one this year. Unfortunately the last 9 years have been spent in FL and AL, not exactly D3 hotbeds with lots of stadium choices nearby...
I didn't realize just how many, until I went back and counted. During the past four years, I've been to 31 stadiums.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on August 01, 2013, 03:09:02 PM
Quote from: NCF on August 01, 2013, 02:59:04 PM
Quote from: jknezek on August 01, 2013, 02:18:35 PM
Quote from: wally_wabash on August 01, 2013, 12:43:50 PM
I think my most recent count of stadiums visited was up to 22...so I'm still under 10%.

That's really good. Counting my time in school I am at 17, having added Huntingdon and Birmingham-Southern last year. I don't think I'll get to a new one this year. Unfortunately the last 9 years have been spent in FL and AL, not exactly D3 hotbeds with lots of stadium choices nearby...
I didn't realize just how many, until I went back and counted. During the past four years, I've been to 31 stadiums.
holleee cow, even if these visits weren't just for football games, that's hard to do.  What's your top 5?
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 04:04:34 PM
Quote from: AO on August 01, 2013, 09:11:24 AM
Quote from: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 03:18:04 AM

Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty new. Pacific University's Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore. I mean they hosted DI Big Sky Track & Field conference championships this past season so that's gotta be saying something, right? No?
Too bad we're looking for "Football" stadiums.  You might appreciate certain aspects of D3 football over D1, but going to some of these D3 stadiums with a track, you feel like you're up in 2nd deck of most d1 stadiums.  Let's show a little respect to Track and Field programs and get them separate facilities which they have sole use of and stands that don't look empty during their meets.
To be fair though, a lot of people actually come out to the Spring Track events cause that's when it's nice and sunny outside
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Hawks88 on August 01, 2013, 04:28:34 PM
Quote from: jknezek on August 01, 2013, 02:18:35 PM
Quote from: wally_wabash on August 01, 2013, 12:43:50 PM
I think my most recent count of stadiums visited was up to 22...so I'm still under 10%.

That's really good. Counting my time in school I am at 17, having added Huntingdon and Birmingham-Southern last year. I don't think I'll get to a new one this year. Unfortunately the last 9 years have been spent in FL and AL, not exactly D3 hotbeds with lots of stadium choices nearby...

I'm at 14 and planning to add Mississippi College and Greensboro this year.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: NCF on August 02, 2013, 01:04:45 PM
Quote from: AO on August 01, 2013, 03:09:02 PM
Quote from: NCF on August 01, 2013, 02:59:04 PM
Quote from: jknezek on August 01, 2013, 02:18:35 PM
Quote from: wally_wabash on August 01, 2013, 12:43:50 PM
I think my most recent count of stadiums visited was up to 22...so I'm still under 10%.

That's really good. Counting my time in school I am at 17, having added Huntingdon and Birmingham-Southern last year. I don't think I'll get to a new one this year. Unfortunately the last 9 years have been spent in FL and AL, not exactly D3 hotbeds with lots of stadium choices nearby...
I didn't realize just how many, until I went back and counted. During the past four years, I've been to 31 stadiums.
holleee cow, even if these visits weren't just for football games, that's hard to do.  What's your top 5?
Top five: Lacrosse, Platteville, Cal Lutheran,Stout, Linfield ( because it reminded me of a turn of the century baseball stadium and I was waiting for men in suits and straw hats to come out and take a seat ;D :o). North Central's stadium will always be my sentimental favorite but it could use a facelift. Still a very nice D3 stadium as is Benedictine's down the street.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: wildcat11 on August 02, 2013, 02:16:49 PM
Quote from: NCF on August 02, 2013, 01:04:45 PM
Top five: Lacrosse, Platteville, Cal Lutheran,Stout, Linfield ( because it reminded me of a turn of the century baseball stadium and I was waiting for men in suits and straw hats come out and take a seat ;D :o).

NCF,

I would think the 'Catdome would remind you of a bakery with all those turnovers North Central was serving up. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JijYxc9XZjA&t=3m09s)

Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: wally_wabash on August 02, 2013, 03:40:01 PM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdjriskone.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F04%2Foh-snap.jpg&hash=68ba56ab6341250a5d59fb40095d88b1bd99b371)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: NCF on August 02, 2013, 07:01:01 PM
Quote from: wildcat11 on August 02, 2013, 02:16:49 PM
Quote from: NCF on August 02, 2013, 01:04:45 PM
Top five: Lacrosse, Platteville, Cal Lutheran,Stout, Linfield ( because it reminded me of a turn of the century baseball stadium and I was waiting for men in suits and straw hats come out and take a seat ;D :o).

NCF,

I would think the 'Catdome would remind you of a bakery with all those turnovers North Central was serving up. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JijYxc9XZjA&t=3m09s)
Yep-cost us the *&#@$in' game. Glad junior wasn't on offense cuz they were downright offensive! :):) But-good one. Your campus is beautiful and your dining hall downright inviting-food was good as well. I enjoyed the trip-the game-not so much:(
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: olddog on August 05, 2013, 02:33:05 PM
Here is my list for the SCIAC

1) Ted Runner...come on have to give me that one...short concession lines too, Pomona and TR best visitor stands, 6750
2) CLU, new and close to the field, visitor side not so good, 4000
3) Chapman, nice home side...visitor stands too offset..., 3800
4) Pomona, I just like how close one is to the field, no track, big oaks, 2500
5) Whittier, one can see a mile, one side hurts things, long walk for the players and fans , 7000
6) Claremont...good lights , 1500
7) Oxy, just seems cold to me, even though great lore at that track ...sorry Oxy, 2500
,
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on August 06, 2013, 11:28:17 AM
Crown's new KleinBank stadium deserves a mention, though there don't appear to be any good pictures at the moment.

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crowncollegeathletics.com%2Fimages%2F2013%2F7%2F16%2Frp_primary_KB_Stadium-render.jpg&hash=6a98c9ac535e3efd458f1075be92ebd453112c6d)
update 8/7,
(https://sphotos-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1146525_10151513759722377_2063193829_n.jpg)Home stands are in.  I'm surprised they didn't just use the hill to their advantage, so you could walk down to your seats and not have to walk in front of everyone to get to the other side of the bleachers.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on August 12, 2013, 09:38:01 AM
since Crown made the list for the first D3football.com road trip itinerary, I'll post a couple more pics.


From This:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/941361_10151378022922377_1219313396_n.jpg)
to this:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/r270/1151080_10151519509102377_2072065833_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: madzillagd on August 13, 2013, 11:36:32 AM
Didn't see any pics of CLU's William Rolland Stadium yet even though it got a mention.  You can see the stadium a lot better in this quick video than you can on the still pics they provide on the site.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTHNYLiVVAI   Some things I love about it but also some things I could do without.  As mentioned, the visitors side is pretty weak compared to the home side (but it's better than the previous version at Mt. Clef that is for sure). 

As some know, there is an art gallery (aka a place for William Rolland to show off his expensive stuff) in the stadium.  Any other non-sports related joint uses in any other stadiums around the country? 
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: wildcat11 on August 13, 2013, 12:03:56 PM
Quote from: madzillagd on August 13, 2013, 11:36:32 AM
As some know, there is an art gallery (aka a place for William Rolland to show off his expensive stuff) in the stadium.  Any other non-sports related joint uses in any other stadiums around the country?

The Front of Linfield's Memorial Stadium is an all-female dorm (Memorial Hall).  For a long time it was home to one Linfield's Fraternities (K-Sig) before they moved out and it was then converted back into a dorm. 

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi92.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fl8%2Fcatdomealumni%2Fmemorialhall2_zps78277cf8.jpg%3Ft%3D1376409773&hash=961c264ff030223fbd6e0b3c880678c0309da156)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on August 13, 2013, 12:16:00 PM
Quote from: wildcat11 on August 13, 2013, 12:03:56 PM
Quote from: madzillagd on August 13, 2013, 11:36:32 AM
As some know, there is an art gallery (aka a place for William Rolland to show off his expensive stuff) in the stadium.  Any other non-sports related joint uses in any other stadiums around the country?

The Front of Linfield's Memorial Stadium is an all-female dorm (Memorial Hall).  For a long time it was home to one Linfield's Fraternities (K-Sig) before they moved out and it was then converted back into a dorm. 

Macalester also uses their stadium as a dorm, specifically, a Veggie Co-op dorm.  I wonder if they get upset when they smell the hot dogs from the concession stand on the first floor.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macalester.edu%2Fnews%2Fmacalestertoday%2F2011winter%2Fdormsweetdorm-photo15.jpg&hash=37fd04ec8e39f637e72aadc0b04837fb534f4794)
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2646%2F5815625394_0d6fed6b02.jpg&hash=41153b3060d94b9d208f824294197e2162d07bce)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: frank uible on August 13, 2013, 12:38:36 PM
I wonder if the alums in the stands get upset when they smell the pot fumes coming from the dormitory.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Knightstalker on August 13, 2013, 10:48:42 PM
Quote from: frank uible on August 13, 2013, 12:38:36 PM
I wonder if the alums in the stands get upset when they smell the pot fumes coming from the dormitory.

Only for a short time, then they start buying hot dogs.  I think this must be a school conspiracy to generate greater concession revenues.  Brilliance!   8-)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Ron Boerger on August 14, 2013, 09:00:45 AM
Quote from: frank uible on August 13, 2013, 12:38:36 PM
I wonder if the alums in the stands get upset when they smell the pot fumes coming from the dormitory.

No, they think "does THAT bring back some memories"!  :-)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Just Bill on August 14, 2013, 03:19:17 PM
CUW's football stadium's press box is accessed through the parking ramp...

http://www.cuwfalcons.com/facilities/tomasinistadium

(https://www.cuw.edu/Friends/rotatingPhotos/celebration/14TomasiniStadium.JPG)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on August 14, 2013, 03:28:23 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on August 14, 2013, 03:19:17 PM
CUW's football stadium's press box is accessed through the parking ramp...

http://www.cuwfalcons.com/facilities/tomasinistadium

(https://www.cuw.edu/Friends/rotatingPhotos/celebration/14TomasiniStadium.JPG)
I was really hopeful there wasn't a track as I couldn't see one in the photo, but alas, a track still lingers, and from what I can tell from their website, they don't host any track meets!
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: ADL70 on August 14, 2013, 03:36:55 PM
Quote from: Just Bill on August 14, 2013, 03:19:17 PM
CUW's football stadium's press box is accessed through the parking ramp...

http://www.cuwfalcons.com/facilities/tomasinistadium

(https://www.cuw.edu/Friends/rotatingPhotos/celebration/14TomasiniStadium.JPG)

The same is true of Carnegie Mellon and Case Western Reserve.  DIY skyboxes from the roof.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: SpartanMom_2016 on August 16, 2013, 09:10:25 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on July 19, 2013, 02:48:37 PMOf course, being a homer and having not been to ALL the D3 stadiums, Pep is pretty partial to AU's Merrill Field:
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi86.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk85%2FAUPepBand%2FMerrillField.jpg&hash=16624e9ab97d5d3019e4109395efa4551d107d8c) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/AUPepBand/media/MerrillField.jpg.html)

Incidentally, the young lad pictured was the "Voice of the Saxons," announcing most sporting events at Merrill Field aside from football. Having graduated, he's moved along....but no doubt remains fond of his time with the mic at Merrill Field.

As for the "stadium" itself, the press box is too small with the newly installed homeside grandstand. The bleachers on the visiting side, built into the hill, give visitors a splendid view of the field so long as they're not lined up with a light post. A newly constructed "Connors Pavilion" at the south end of the field offers a place to "warm up" in inclement weather and venue for hosting alumni gatherings and the like. It also serves as a "clubhouse" type setting for parents to watch games during colder weather.

But the greatest attribute at Merrill Field is the atmosphere come game time. It's a fun place to catch a game. Pep is hoping attendance will soar this season with the enrollment of some Hornell High grads who have been followed to the Carrier Dome the past three or four years by the city of Hornell...winning three of the last four state titles.

On Saxon Warriors!


On Saxon Warriors!

It looks like they have redone the field since I graduated (many moons ago).  It has always been a fun place to see a game but in my time it was a grass field.

When my son and I were making the rounds I was partial to the old fields with lots of history like the field at Bowdoin.  But he really liked the field at Johns Hopkins.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Just Bill on August 16, 2013, 09:46:46 AM
Quote from: AO on August 14, 2013, 03:28:23 PM
I was really hopeful there wasn't a track as I couldn't see one in the photo, but alas, a track still lingers, and from what I can tell from their website, they don't host any track meets!

This is really becoming a crusade with you, isn't it? Best of luck in ridding the football world from the scourge of running tracks!
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on August 16, 2013, 10:02:54 AM
Quote from: Just Bill on August 16, 2013, 09:46:46 AM
Quote from: AO on August 14, 2013, 03:28:23 PM
I was really hopeful there wasn't a track as I couldn't see one in the photo, but alas, a track still lingers, and from what I can tell from their website, they don't host any track meets!

This is really becoming a crusade with you, isn't it? Best of luck in ridding the football world from the scourge of running tracks!
Soccer fields are next - but that's more about what's better for soccer.  They're thinking of starting an MLS franchise in the new Metrodome!  Half-empty, artificial turf and playing indoors in July/August.   I'm calling for the end of our multi-purpose world.  Everything is better when you're in a venue that's filled to capacity with the fans as close as possible to the action.  We're combating the digital age here, you have to work a little harder to get fans to come out to the stadium.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Jonny Utah on August 16, 2013, 11:02:42 AM
Quote from: SpartanMom_2016 on August 16, 2013, 09:10:25 AM
Quote from: AUPepBand on July 19, 2013, 02:48:37 PMOf course, being a homer and having not been to ALL the D3 stadiums, Pep is pretty partial to AU's Merrill Field:
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi86.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk85%2FAUPepBand%2FMerrillField.jpg&hash=16624e9ab97d5d3019e4109395efa4551d107d8c) (http://s86.photobucket.com/user/AUPepBand/media/MerrillField.jpg.html)

Incidentally, the young lad pictured was the "Voice of the Saxons," announcing most sporting events at Merrill Field aside from football. Having graduated, he's moved along....but no doubt remains fond of his time with the mic at Merrill Field.

As for the "stadium" itself, the press box is too small with the newly installed homeside grandstand. The bleachers on the visiting side, built into the hill, give visitors a splendid view of the field so long as they're not lined up with a light post. A newly constructed "Connors Pavilion" at the south end of the field offers a place to "warm up" in inclement weather and venue for hosting alumni gatherings and the like. It also serves as a "clubhouse" type setting for parents to watch games during colder weather.

But the greatest attribute at Merrill Field is the atmosphere come game time. It's a fun place to catch a game. Pep is hoping attendance will soar this season with the enrollment of some Hornell High grads who have been followed to the Carrier Dome the past three or four years by the city of Hornell...winning three of the last four state titles.

On Saxon Warriors!


On Saxon Warriors!

It looks like they have redone the field since I graduated (many moons ago).  It has always been a fun place to see a game but in my time it was a grass field.

When my son and I were making the rounds I was partial to the old fields with lots of history like the field at Bowdoin.  But he really liked the field at Johns Hopkins.

Alfred does have a cool stadium with some nice hilly views.  But they also had some of that old-school concrete "turf" far longer than they probably should have.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: @d3jason on August 19, 2013, 04:31:14 PM
Quote from: frank uible on August 01, 2013, 11:29:33 AM
Has anyone here outside of Pat seen as many as or more than 20% of the D3 stadia?

I have seen 51 in the last 20 years. Though I counted McMurry (D-II now but D-III when I saw them.)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: crufootball on August 19, 2013, 04:45:32 PM
Quote from: @d3jason on August 19, 2013, 04:31:14 PM
Quote from: frank uible on August 01, 2013, 11:29:33 AM
Has anyone here outside of Pat seen as many as or more than 20% of the D3 stadia?

I have seen 51 in the last 20 years. Though I counted McMurry (D-II now but D-III when I saw them.)

Will you be in Belton this year to get some BBQ... I mean for the UMHB Wesley game?
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: ADL70 on August 19, 2013, 05:27:18 PM
I'll be in Central Texas for Thanksgiving.  Hope the Cru hosts a playoff game week 12.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Toby Taff on August 20, 2013, 01:20:56 AM
Quote from: crufootball on August 19, 2013, 04:45:32 PM
Quote from: @d3jason on August 19, 2013, 04:31:14 PM
Quote from: frank uible on August 01, 2013, 11:29:33 AM
Has anyone here outside of Pat seen as many as or more than 20% of the D3 stadia?

I have seen 51 in the last 20 years. Though I counted McMurry (D-II now but D-III when I saw them.)

Will you be in Belton this year to get some BBQ... I mean for the UMHB Wesley game?
I'll be there with my soon to be completed hot dog cart from which to tailgate. (I'll probably also be there fr BBQ)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: @d3jason on August 20, 2013, 12:09:11 PM
Quote from: crufootball on August 19, 2013, 04:45:32 PM
Quote from: @d3jason on August 19, 2013, 04:31:14 PM
Quote from: frank uible on August 01, 2013, 11:29:33 AM
Has anyone here outside of Pat seen as many as or more than 20% of the D3 stadia?

I have seen 51 in the last 20 years. Though I counted McMurry (D-II now but D-III when I saw them.)

Will you be in Belton this year to get some BBQ... I mean for the UMHB Wesley game?

I am hoping to be. Travel details aren't worked out as of yet. But there's no place I'd rather be that weekend. I will have to lose about ten pounds in the next month to get ready for the BBQ tour. UMHB may have the best sradium in D-III now, but they've always had the best press box spread. Class all the way!
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: JahEazy on October 09, 2013, 04:09:01 AM
Quote from: JahEazy on August 01, 2013, 03:18:04 AM
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacificu.edu%2Fadmissions%2Fundergrad%2Fstudent%2Fimages%2Flincoln-park-aerial.jpg&hash=594390670b3cc916a42a0f4857eaa3d95dfc2255)
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_J8BEp8uW-gM%2FS9Zm4ZkXlPI%2FAAAAAAAAAA4%2F35MWq6qTXTg%2Fs1600%2Fpacific%2Btrack%2Bfacility%2B2.JPG&hash=070de7c978df3129482fddba89c379ab8f02f673)

Not saying it's the best, but it's pretty new. Pacific University's Lincoln Park Stadium in Forest Grove, Ore. I mean they hosted DI Big Sky Track & Field conference championships this past season so that's gotta be saying something, right? No?

Apparently, we're getting a roof for the stands in a few years! Woo! Best thing evar! [/sarcasm]
But actually now that I think about it, I guess having a roof does help especially when it rains.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Ron Boerger on October 09, 2013, 11:54:09 AM
I took in the UMHB-Trinity(TX) game last weekend at the new Crusader Stadium and it is a jaw-droppingly "Holy s**t" incredible facility that would not be out of place on a Division II campus (and maybe even a small FCS campus).  Yes, it IS that good.   
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AO on October 09, 2013, 12:19:24 PM
Quote from: Ron Boerger on October 09, 2013, 11:54:09 AM
I took in the UMHB-Trinity(TX) game last weekend at the new Crusader Stadium and it is a jaw-droppingly "Holy s**t" incredible facility that would not be out of place on a Division II campus (and maybe even a small FCS campus).  Yes, it IS that good.   
It would be in the top 5% of D2 stadiums.  Now that the Dakotas have gone to FCS, the MIAC has dominated the local d2 conference (Northern Sun) in attendance.  After reading some of the recent articles about the financial sense of D3 football it really makes you wonder what some of these schools see in the D2 model.  Less attendance, less media attention, more expensive.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: K-Mack on October 31, 2013, 11:56:22 AM
Just wanted to make the comment here, if I haven't already, that the Toughest Place to Play in Your Conference thread was also a Best DIII Stadiums/Highest Attendance thread at times over the years.

I kicked it up and wrote this there ... for the stadium aficionados, the new D3.com site redesign is huge news!

QuoteBefore 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.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: AUPepBand on October 31, 2013, 03:14:28 PM
Pep L O V E S the stadium pics with the team pages. Now Pep is gonna search for (or take) a pic of the newly-named Yunevich Stadium at Merrill Field, preferably with a big crowd. As it appears now, someone turned out the lights!

On Saxon Warriors!
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Pat Coleman on October 31, 2013, 05:31:50 PM
Quote from: AUPepBand on October 31, 2013, 03:14:28 PM
Pep L O V E S the stadium pics with the team pages. Now Pep is gonna search for (or take) a pic of the newly-named Yunevich Stadium at Merrill Field, preferably with a big crowd. As it appears now, someone turned out the lights!

On Saxon Warriors!

We sent out an email to everyone last week. We've gotten pretty good response and are more than 60% of the way there. They have trickled in a couple per day the last couple days and I'll take stock of where we are next week and send out a reminder.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: Kelly Boggs on March 24, 2017, 01:03:16 PM
UMHB's Crusader Stadium

(https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/default/metal-print/20.000/6.625/break/images-medium-5/umhb--crusader-stadium-opening-day-ez-panoramic-randy-smith.jpg)

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpopulous.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F09%2Fumhb1.jpg&hash=eb5e6fa26350ff6e08c00e504f860043052c56b8)

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.turnerconstruction.com%2FFiles%2FProjectImage%3Furl%3D%252Fsites%252Fmarketingstories%252FMarketing%252520Story%252520Images%252Foriginal.facf0a64-b671-4b8f-a409-e70757d22de0.jpg%26amp%3Bwidth%3D707%26amp%3Bheight%3D470%26amp%3Bcrop%3DTrue%26amp%3BjpegQuality%3D95&hash=5be7b1a11fb7b6513d348e8780118a0408302ddf)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: SaintsFAN on March 28, 2017, 11:54:58 AM
Quote from: Kelly Boggs on March 24, 2017, 01:03:16 PM
UMHB's Crusader Stadium

(https://render.fineartamerica.com/images/rendered/default/metal-print/20.000/6.625/break/images-medium-5/umhb--crusader-stadium-opening-day-ez-panoramic-randy-smith.jpg)

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpopulous.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F09%2Fumhb1.jpg&hash=eb5e6fa26350ff6e08c00e504f860043052c56b8)

(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.turnerconstruction.com%2FFiles%2FProjectImage%3Furl%3D%252Fsites%252Fmarketingstories%252FMarketing%252520Story%252520Images%252Foriginal.facf0a64-b671-4b8f-a409-e70757d22de0.jpg%26amp%3Bwidth%3D707%26amp%3Bheight%3D470%26amp%3Bcrop%3DTrue%26amp%3BjpegQuality%3D95&hash=5be7b1a11fb7b6513d348e8780118a0408302ddf)

I've heard about this stadium from someone in the past.  Nice to see there are finally pictures of it.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: E.115 on September 23, 2022, 09:08:34 AM
Aerial photo from the CWRU - W&J game this past Friday.  Disanto Field photographs well at dusk.  Cleveland, Ohio.  Sept 17, 2022.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DiSanto_Field#/media/File:Cwru_giammo-069.jpg

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Cwru_giammo-069.jpg/1280px-Cwru_giammo-069.jpg)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cwru_giammo-109.jpg

The horizon on this one is Lake Erie:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Cwru_giammo-109.jpg/978px-Cwru_giammo-109.jpg)
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: bluestreak66 on September 23, 2022, 03:55:02 PM
Quote from: E.115 on September 23, 2022, 09:08:34 AM
Aerial photo from the CWRU - W&J game this past Friday.  Disanto Field photographs well at dusk.  Cleveland, Ohio.  Sept 17, 2022.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DiSanto_Field#/media/File:Cwru_giammo-069.jpg

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Cwru_giammo-069.jpg/1280px-Cwru_giammo-069.jpg)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cwru_giammo-109.jpg

The horizon on this one is Lake Erie:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Cwru_giammo-109.jpg/978px-Cwru_giammo-109.jpg)
I always did like Case's stadium!
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: sjujohnnie on September 23, 2022, 06:07:52 PM
Only one Division III program made Sports Illustrated's list of "Must See College Football Venues Before You Die" & that was St John's!
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: bluestreak66 on September 23, 2022, 09:06:11 PM
Quote from: sjujohnnie on September 23, 2022, 06:07:52 PM
Only one Division III program made Sports Illustrated's list of "Must See College Football Venues Before You Die" & that was St John's!
That's 100% a place I want to see a game! A low key contender also has to be the Rock Bowl at Loras. Dubuque is a sweet town, and the stadium is essentially built into a cliff.
Title: Re: Best DIII Stadiums
Post by: sjujohnnie on September 24, 2022, 12:56:23 PM
I have an uncle that's in his early 80s that went to Loras & his son, who was a couple years older than me wrestled there. Was surprised to see that Loras upset Central last weekend! Will have to search for pictures of their stadium! Would love to travel & see a bunch!