Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Kyle Field
Tucked away in College Station, TX is one of the most storied venues for college football. Kyle Field, the home of the Texas A&M Aggies comes alive on gameday, but what really sets this college football atmosphere is that the stadium comes to life on the night before games with yell practice. The 82,600-seat stadium contains 3 seating levels and a grass playing surface. This venerable stadium fits in well with this tradition-rich football program.
Kyle Field, Texas A&M University
Visual Appeal: 7
Fan Friendly: 7
Settings and Surroundings: 6
Quirks: 9
Blend of Classic and Modern: 8
Total: 37
Kyle Field is an impressive structure that is sure to intimidate opponents. 3 tiers of grandstands surround 3 sides of the field, while the south endzone is bordered by bleachers, a giant scoreboard, and a glimmering field house. The shear size of this venue is impressive, and few stadiums have blended a massive addition such as the one done behind the north end zone into the existing stadium as well as was done at Kyle Field. Not simply a three-tiered bowl, the three distinct sides of the stadium create a wall of maroon on game days. The outside of the stadium leaves no doubt as to where you are...Kyle Field is written in large letters outside the concrete structure. Little has been done to pretty-up the outside of the stadium except for the new area and plaza behind the north end zone addition.
The steep seating area puts fans on top of the action. One might question how easy it would be for 82,000+ fans to get in and out of the stadium considering the dated look to the concourses. The view from the seats while sitting with so many other folks, however, is impressive. For those seeking a bit more luxury, club seats in the new addition plus numerous suites provide more comfortable accommodations.
The surroundings of the stadium are about as good as could be expected in a small college town. Some parking lots surround the stadium to allow for good tailgating, and the campus abuts rather close to the stadium to provide a bucolic college atmostphere. No other distinguishing feature, good or bad, exists in the surroundings. One would expect that, on gameday, it's all about Aggie Football.
I like the quirkiness of this stadium....few stadiums have 3 tiers, including such a massive endzone section of seats. The plaza behind the other end zone along with the Texas-sized scoreboard help make this stadium very distinctive. The stadium, constructed of classic concrete, has nevertheless brought in modern amenities with the new addition. These amenties have not taken away from the classic feel of this arena.
Overall, this stadium typifies college football. The massive structure must provide an incredible football atmosphere, with fans' attentions focused on the field. A visit to Kyle Field would be near the top of my list of places in which to see a college football game.
Kyle Field, Texas A&M UniversityVisual Appeal: 7
Fan Friendly: 7
Settings and Surroundings: 6
Quirks: 9
Blend of Classic and Modern: 8
Total: 37
Kyle Field is an impressive structure that is sure to intimidate opponents. 3 tiers of grandstands surround 3 sides of the field, while the south endzone is bordered by bleachers, a giant scoreboard, and a glimmering field house. The shear size of this venue is impressive, and few stadiums have blended a massive addition such as the one done behind the north end zone into the existing stadium as well as was done at Kyle Field. Not simply a three-tiered bowl, the three distinct sides of the stadium create a wall of maroon on game days. The outside of the stadium leaves no doubt as to where you are...Kyle Field is written in large letters outside the concrete structure. Little has been done to pretty-up the outside of the stadium except for the new area and plaza behind the north end zone addition.
The steep seating area puts fans on top of the action. One might question how easy it would be for 82,000+ fans to get in and out of the stadium considering the dated look to the concourses. The view from the seats while sitting with so many other folks, however, is impressive. For those seeking a bit more luxury, club seats in the new addition plus numerous suites provide more comfortable accommodations.
The surroundings of the stadium are about as good as could be expected in a small college town. Some parking lots surround the stadium to allow for good tailgating, and the campus abuts rather close to the stadium to provide a bucolic college atmostphere. No other distinguishing feature, good or bad, exists in the surroundings. One would expect that, on gameday, it's all about Aggie Football.
I like the quirkiness of this stadium....few stadiums have 3 tiers, including such a massive endzone section of seats. The plaza behind the other end zone along with the Texas-sized scoreboard help make this stadium very distinctive. The stadium, constructed of classic concrete, has nevertheless brought in modern amenities with the new addition. These amenties have not taken away from the classic feel of this arena.
Overall, this stadium typifies college football. The massive structure must provide an incredible football atmosphere, with fans' attentions focused on the field. A visit to Kyle Field would be near the top of my list of places in which to see a college football game.
Florida International Stadium Expansion
Chalk up another college football stadium with plans for major upgrades. Florida International announced an expansion plan that would raise the permanent seating capacity of the on-campus stadium in Miami from 7500 to 18,000, with eventual plans calling for a 45,000 seat stadium. Groundbreaking on the new stadium took place on May 25, and final renovations should be complete by the beginning of the 2008 season. In addition to the increased seating capacity, the stadium will also include 1400 club seats and 19 suites.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
New Soccer Stadiums
Significant activity is occurring in North America towards building stadiums for MLS soccer teams. News in USA Today discusses problems with the new stadium for the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, NJ. Despite these problems, new stadiums have been built or are planned for LA, Dallas, Columbus, Chicago, Toronto, Colorado, New York, DC, and Salt Lake. These stadiums are smaller than those used for american football and provide a more appropriately sized venue for the matches. The design for the Red Bulls Stadium aims to replicate that of European venues by having an overhang above the seating bowl.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Gerald J. Ford Stadium
"Hey, if President Ford made his name in college football at the University of Michigan, why does his name adorn the stadium at Southern Methodist University?" That questions seems quite reasonable, except for the fact that SMU's football stadium is named after donor Gerald J. Ford and not President Gerald R. Ford. Ford Stadium, situated on the SMU campus just north of downtown Dallas in the tony city of University of Park is a relatively new venue (opened in 2000) that seats 32,000 and has an artificial turf playing surface.
Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Southern Methodist University
Visual Appeal: 8
Fan Friendly: 7
Settings and Surroundings: 7
Quirks: 5
Blend of Classic and Modern: 5
Total: 32
Ford Stadium is a modern venue for the Mustangs football stadium. Situated on the south end of the SMU campus adjacent to a residential neighborhood, the stadium is composed of a single tier in a horseshoe pattern around the playing field. The open end of the horseshoe is the location for a large scoreboard and gives drivers passing through the neighborhood a view of the seating bowl. The field is sunk below the surrounding ground level, leading to a stadium structure that blends in very well with its surroundings and does not dominate the local skyline. The red and blue seats along with the glistening press box create an extremely clean look. The facade of brick adds to this cleanliness. No extraneous or distracting areas surround the field that take away from this tight architecture.
The relatively small size make this an excellent place in which to see a football game. A concourse surrounding the stadium provides a view of the game even from the open end of the stadium. The plazas leading up to the stadium make the best use of the limited space that was available to construct the stadium. This limited amount of space must make parking on game days somewhat of a nightmare. Parking is limited on just about every college campus, but I would imagine that the gameday tailgating experience is more difficult at SMU than at other colleges. Since it is situated in a densely populated area, traffic into and out of games must be difficult, and parking is quite limited on the campus. That being said, the location of the stadium on a pretty campus and in the midst of a residential area create a pleasant setting for this attractive stadium. Fans can easily walk to an assortment of shopping and eating options adjacent to campus, and the attractions of Dallas are nearby.
Being a new venue, Ford Stadium has not yet had the chance to develop many quirks. Designers stuck to a classic design that works well in the area. As mentioned previously, the bright red and blue seats are a signature look for this stadium. The large structure on the West side of the stadium houses 24 luxury boxes, and nearly 600 club level seats provide added comfort for Mustang fans. Designers did a nice job creating a tight venue that still captures classic features, namely the brick structure surrounding the stadium. The venue brings college football back to the SMU campus from Texas Stadium, and fans of the Mustangs must surely be happy to sacrifice automobile access for a traditional college atmosphere.
Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Southern Methodist University
Visual Appeal: 8
Fan Friendly: 7
Settings and Surroundings: 7
Quirks: 5
Blend of Classic and Modern: 5
Total: 32
Ford Stadium is a modern venue for the Mustangs football stadium. Situated on the south end of the SMU campus adjacent to a residential neighborhood, the stadium is composed of a single tier in a horseshoe pattern around the playing field. The open end of the horseshoe is the location for a large scoreboard and gives drivers passing through the neighborhood a view of the seating bowl. The field is sunk below the surrounding ground level, leading to a stadium structure that blends in very well with its surroundings and does not dominate the local skyline. The red and blue seats along with the glistening press box create an extremely clean look. The facade of brick adds to this cleanliness. No extraneous or distracting areas surround the field that take away from this tight architecture.
The relatively small size make this an excellent place in which to see a football game. A concourse surrounding the stadium provides a view of the game even from the open end of the stadium. The plazas leading up to the stadium make the best use of the limited space that was available to construct the stadium. This limited amount of space must make parking on game days somewhat of a nightmare. Parking is limited on just about every college campus, but I would imagine that the gameday tailgating experience is more difficult at SMU than at other colleges. Since it is situated in a densely populated area, traffic into and out of games must be difficult, and parking is quite limited on the campus. That being said, the location of the stadium on a pretty campus and in the midst of a residential area create a pleasant setting for this attractive stadium. Fans can easily walk to an assortment of shopping and eating options adjacent to campus, and the attractions of Dallas are nearby.
Being a new venue, Ford Stadium has not yet had the chance to develop many quirks. Designers stuck to a classic design that works well in the area. As mentioned previously, the bright red and blue seats are a signature look for this stadium. The large structure on the West side of the stadium houses 24 luxury boxes, and nearly 600 club level seats provide added comfort for Mustang fans. Designers did a nice job creating a tight venue that still captures classic features, namely the brick structure surrounding the stadium. The venue brings college football back to the SMU campus from Texas Stadium, and fans of the Mustangs must surely be happy to sacrifice automobile access for a traditional college atmosphere.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Amon G. Carter Stadium
A recent trip to Dallas took me to three college football stadiums. This entry will review the home of the Horned Frogs from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Located on the TCU campus south of downtown Ft. Worth, Amon Carter Stadium was originally opened in 1929, making it one of the older stadiums in the NCAA. The stadium holds 44,000 spectators and the playing surface is natural grass.
Amon G. Carter Stadium, Texas Christian University
Visual Appeal: 8
Fan Friendly: 7
Settings and Surroundings: 5
Quirks: 8
Blend of Classic and Modern: 7
Total: 35
Amon Carter Stadium possesses a classic look but does not feel outdated. As people look with fondness at old baseball parks such as Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, so will college football fans look with fondness at this stadium. The seating bowl wraps completely around the field, and an upper deck sits atop the West Stands. This upper deck is supported with columns that obstruct the view of some fans in the lower deck but which allow for upper deck seating that is close to the field. The impressive structure fits in well with the entire stadium, a contrast to some other upper decks that appear to be an ill-fated attempt at boosting stadium capacity. The press box on top of the upper deck must make announcers feel as though they are in the clouds, as this upper deck is extremely steep (see picture below). This stadium possesses an intimacy that is a product of its old-time design and features.
These classic features, however, are balanced by a concourse on the south side of the stadium that separates the stadium from the football offices. These new buildings possess the weight training facilities for the Horned Frogs and make one realize that this is a football program that is not fading away, a feeling that may be brought about by the age of its stadium.
This stadium gets high grades from me for many of the categories. Its quirky use of an upper deck on only one side of the stadium does not lead to an awkward asymmetry, and the closeness of the seats to the playing field make for excellent viewing. Fans in some parts of the lower deck face an obstructed view from the upper deck, while fans with a fear of heights will have trouble sitting in that upper deck. The stadium is situated on campus, and there is nothing of note in the surroundings beside the houses adjacent the campus. Overall, the uniqueness brought about by the classic architecture and imposing upper deck make this a memorable stadium.
Steep upper deck at Amon Carter Stadium.
Steep upper deck at Amon Carter Stadium.College Stadium Visits
An update of the college football stadiums that I have visited:
Stadiums at which I have seen a college football game (14):
Alumni Stadium, Boston College
Bobby Dodd Stadium, Georgia Tech
Byrd Stadium, University of Maryland
Carter-Finley Stadium, NC State University
Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State University
Groves Stadium, Wake Forest University
Kenan Stadium, University of North Carolina
Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech
Lincoln Financial Field, Temple University
Memorial Stadium, Clemson University
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Naval Academy
Rutgers Stadium, Rutgers University
Scott Stadium, University of Virginia
Wallace Wade Stadium, Duke University
Stadiums that I have visited but at which I have not attended a game (34):
Aloha Stadium, University of Hawaii
Amon Carter Stadium, Texas Christian University
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, University of Florida
Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Kansas State University
Boone Pickens Stadium, Oklahoma State University
Carrier Dome, Syracuse University
Falcon Stadium, Air Force Academy
Folsom Field, University of Colorado
Fouts Field, University of North Texas
Gerald R. Ford Stadium, Southern Methodist University
Hughes Stadium, Colorado State University
Husky Stadium, University of Washington
Kyle Field, Texas A&M University
Lavell Edwards Stadium, Brigham Young University
Memorial Stadium, Kansas University
Memorial Stadium, University of California
Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska
Metrodome, University of Minnesota
Michie Stadium, Army
Orange Bowl, University of Miami
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego State University
Raymond James Stadium, University of South Florida
Rice Stadium, Rice University
Rice-Eccles Stadium, University of Utah
Robertson Stadium, University of Houston
Ryan Field, Northwestern University
Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia
Spartan Stadium, San Jose State University
Stanford Stadium (old one), Stanford University
Sun Devil Stadium, Arizona State University
Trice Stadium, Iowa State University
University Stadium, New Mexico State University
Vanderbilt Stadium, Vanderbilt University
War Memorial Stadium, University of Wyoming
Stadiums at which I have seen a college football game (14):
Alumni Stadium, Boston College
Bobby Dodd Stadium, Georgia Tech
Byrd Stadium, University of Maryland
Carter-Finley Stadium, NC State University
Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State University
Groves Stadium, Wake Forest University
Kenan Stadium, University of North Carolina
Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech
Lincoln Financial Field, Temple University
Memorial Stadium, Clemson University
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Naval Academy
Rutgers Stadium, Rutgers University
Scott Stadium, University of Virginia
Wallace Wade Stadium, Duke University
Stadiums that I have visited but at which I have not attended a game (34):
Aloha Stadium, University of Hawaii
Amon Carter Stadium, Texas Christian University
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, University of Florida
Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Kansas State University
Boone Pickens Stadium, Oklahoma State University
Carrier Dome, Syracuse University
Falcon Stadium, Air Force Academy
Folsom Field, University of Colorado
Fouts Field, University of North Texas
Gerald R. Ford Stadium, Southern Methodist University
Hughes Stadium, Colorado State University
Husky Stadium, University of Washington
Kyle Field, Texas A&M University
Lavell Edwards Stadium, Brigham Young University
Memorial Stadium, Kansas University
Memorial Stadium, University of California
Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska
Metrodome, University of Minnesota
Michie Stadium, Army
Orange Bowl, University of Miami
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego State University
Raymond James Stadium, University of South Florida
Rice Stadium, Rice University
Rice-Eccles Stadium, University of Utah
Robertson Stadium, University of Houston
Ryan Field, Northwestern University
Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia
Spartan Stadium, San Jose State University
Stanford Stadium (old one), Stanford University
Sun Devil Stadium, Arizona State University
Trice Stadium, Iowa State University
University Stadium, New Mexico State University
Vanderbilt Stadium, Vanderbilt University
War Memorial Stadium, University of Wyoming
Back in Business
Wow, it's been a while since I've posted anything on this blog. Fortunately, I now have more free time with which I can discuss various issues related to stadiums and review some that I have recently visited. I visited 3 stadiums in Houston in March and will have reviews and pictures of those. A review of Gerald R. Ford Stadium in Dallas also awaits.
Stadium news these days has focused on a few issues. First, the San Diego Chargers continue to search for a suitable site for their new stadium. Another stadium issue constantly in the news is the funding situation for the Minnesota Twins new stadium in downtown along with the recent unveiling of final designs. Numerous MLS teams are in the search for new stadiums, including the Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake, and DC United.
More details to follow.
Stadium news these days has focused on a few issues. First, the San Diego Chargers continue to search for a suitable site for their new stadium. Another stadium issue constantly in the news is the funding situation for the Minnesota Twins new stadium in downtown along with the recent unveiling of final designs. Numerous MLS teams are in the search for new stadiums, including the Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake, and DC United.
More details to follow.
