For a lot of, faculty soccer is a sacred expertise. Sitting within the stands, cheering on your staff, storming the sector if you win the massive rivalry recreation… these moments are particular, and so they all begin within the stadium stands.
Not each stadium is made with the fan expertise in thoughts, although. From the shortage of upgrades to Vanderbilt’s stadium to Harvard’s questionable residence, many faculty soccer stadiums did not convert on fourth down. These are the worst faculty soccer stadiums nonetheless getting used right now.
CEFCU Stadium – San Jose State College
Each couple of seasons, San Jose State College makes an enormous splash through the faculty soccer season. The David Fales period led to a brand new resurgence for the staff within the final decade, however did not result in an improved stadium expertise.
In 2019, about 9 thousand seats had been eliminated, which dropped the capability to 21,520 (The Mercury Information). In 2023, a second section of the east-side constructing and renovation challenge remained within the starting stage.
Simmons Financial institution Liberty Stadium – College Of Memphis
Simmons Financial institution Liberty Stadium was inbuilt 1965, and whereas it could have seemed futuristic on the time, it now seems like a relic caught prior to now. Followers have been brutal reviewing the stadium on Google, with one writing, “It is a harmful, understaffed facility, recklessly near a really lively main practice line.”
One other fan wrote, “Followers weren’t allowed to go to their seats attributable to lightning and had been compelled to compact themselves within the concession areas. Emergency personnel weren’t capable of freely transfer by way of the dense crowds of individuals.”
FirstBank Stadium – Vanderbilt College
Vanderbilt College is without doubt one of the costliest universities in the US to attend with a median value of $63,946 (U.S. Information & World Report). The truth that extra of that cash hasn’t gone to enhancing FirstBank Stadium is questionable.
In-built 1922, one Google on-line reviewer wrote that it is a “unhappy excuse for a stadium.” One other reviewer complained that main highschool applications have extra spectacular stadiums than one of the prestigious universities on this planet.
Martin Stadium – Washington State College
Martin Stadium is the house area for the Washington State College Cougars. It nearly holds 33,000 followers and it is the smallest stadium within the Pac 12 faculty soccer convention (Washington State Athletics). Even after fashionable upgrades, the stadium nonetheless feels left behind.
Extra renovations are deliberate for Martin Stadium. Hopefully, these upgrades will repair this reviewer’s greatest subject as described on Journey Advisor: “The seating bowl is totally antiquated. Many of the seats are steel. Steel, in cold-weather stadiums? Seems like a horrible concept.”
David Sales space Kansas Memorial Stadium – College Of Kansas
Positioned in Lawrence, Kansas and inbuilt 1921, David Sales space Kansas Memorial Stadium is the home of the College of Kansas soccer staff. As historic because the stadium is perhaps, it might positively use a significant renovation. Plans had been introduced for a whole rebuild in 2023 (KUAthletics.com).
When followers are complaining about how unhealthy the loos are, you recognize you might have an issue, “Very previous stadium that badly wants an improve. The loos weren’t even air-conditioned. Uncomfortable bench seating.”
Lincoln Monetary Discipline – Temple College
Temple College’s Lincoln Monetary Discipline has a capability of 67, 594 and has been open since August of 2003. In line with Tripadvisor, followers did not thoughts the stadium, however had been lower than enthusiastic concerning the followers.
Some followers have discovered the silver lining within the common vacancy, although, “What’s to not love? Watching Temple College soccer in an NFL stadium with a seating capability of 70,000. Stretch out, occupy a whole part and seize some rays.”
Warfare Memorial Stadium – College Of Arkansas
The one motive the College of Arkansas Razorbacks nonetheless often play residence video games at Warfare Memorial Stadium is due to its historic significance to the varsity. Most residence video games are performed on the way more fan-friendly Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Described by followers as a “massive highschool stadium,” Warfare Memorial Stadium is greatest left prior to now at this level. It has develop into the house stadium for the Catholic Excessive College Rockets and the Parkview Magnet Excessive College Patriots, in response to the excessive colleges’ official web sites.
SDCCU – San Diego State College (Closed)
The previous residence area of the San Diego Chargers, SDCCU Stadium was the house for San Diego State College. The huge stadium, which was initially opened in 1967, held 70,000 screaming followers (ESPN).
Famous for its lack of recent options, one reviewer on Yelp wrote, “Worst venue I’ve ever been to. Dated, run-down. Restricted choices at concessions — it is laughable. RadioShack from 1982 supplied the sound system and ‘jumbo’-tron.” SDSU’s new stadium is the Snapdragon Stadium, which opened in August of 2022.
Folsom Discipline – College Of Colorado
One stadium with complaints concerning the toilet scenario is Folsom Discipline, the house of the College of Colorado Buffaloes.
Folsom Discipline was opened in 1924, and whereas it hasn’t fallen aside as badly as different stadiums, it’s nonetheless thought-about “meh” by most followers. It isn’t precisely an expertise most would need to attend. Nonetheless, in 2008, it grew to become the primary “zero-waste” stadium within the NCAA with a rigorous recycling and composting program, in response to the college web site.
Memorial Stadium – Indiana College
Memorial Stadium was given a giant renovation in 2016, however nonetheless falls flat as a stadium. As good because the stadium is perhaps, the Hoosiers soccer program was abysmal for years, turning the in-stadium expertise right into a dud.
Nonetheless, in 2021 the typical attendance rose to 89.1 % capability, with the very best being 84.6 % in 2012, in response to the college’s official web site. Whereas their numbers might have dwindled a bit within the following years, they’re nonetheless doing higher than earlier than the surge.
Wallace Wade Stadium – Duke College
A cavalcade of renovations to the house of Duke College soccer was simply sufficient to raise Wallace Wade Stadium to being satisfactory. In line with the college’s official wesbite, upgrades included 5 tales of luxurious suites in addition to a model new LED video board.
Typically all of the upgrades on this planet aren’t sufficient to cover what you actually are. As one Google reviewer wrote, “It seems and seems like an outsized highschool stadium. I imply, it appeared good and all, however it did not really feel like faculty soccer.”
Ryan Discipline – Northwestern
The Northwestern College Wildcats play at Ryan Discipline, a 47,130 seat stadium that hasn’t seen a single renovation since 1996. Regardless of enjoying some excessive profile NCAA opponents, the stadium, it is not often featured on nationwide tv.
One of many greatest flaws with Ryan Discipline, unsurprisingly, is the shortage of recent facilities and concessions. In 2021, Northwestern was given their largest donation of $480 million with attainable plans of renovation for the stadium (nusports.com).
Rose Bowl Stadium – UCLA
The Rose Bowl is without doubt one of the most iconic stadiums in all of school sports activities. Not solely does UCLA play their video games there, however the venue additionally hosts concert events and the Rose Bowl soccer recreation on the finish of each season (TheScore.com).
In-built 1921, the historic stadium desperately wants repairs and higher parking for followers. If you happen to plan to go to a recreation, you would possibly as properly plan to get up earlier than the break of day to get in earlier than kickoff.
SECU Stadium – College Of Maryland
The College of Maryland has performed in SECU Stadium lengthy sufficient that they should determine whether or not it is value renovating or tearing down altogether. For the final twenty years, the stadium has wanted main repairs that it’s but to obtain.
The scenario is so unhealthy that one Google reviewer wrote, “The sphere itself wanted work as numerous gamers slipped and fell on the rubber crumb field-turf… This stadium wants a full renovation — or simply higher facility administration.”
Joan C. Edwards Stadium – Marshall College
One NCAA soccer program that was in want of a stadium improve is Marshall. The staff performed at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, a 30,475 seat bare-bones stadium crammed each Saturday with faculty soccer followers.
Bleacher Report did not maintain again of their overview of the venue, “It’s good to be a troublesome hombre sporting visiting gear coming into Edwards Stadium on fall Saturdays, as when you’re not with the Thundering Herd, likelihood is you’re going to hear about it after which some.” In 2023, the college started demolition of the South Endzone seating to make room for a brand new videoboard and concourse space (The Herald-Dispatch).
Dix Stadium – Kent State College
In-built 1969 utilizing components of older stadiums, there’s not quite a bit good to say concerning the fashionable model of Dix Stadium. Kent State is not recognized for his or her soccer program. In 2023, the stadium expanded with chairback seating, suite upgrades, and extra (KSUBuildingCompanions.com).
For historical past majors, the stadium is perhaps thrilling to go to. At the least that is how one Google reviewer appears to really feel, “The stadium is a really serviceable Seventies period stadium that undergoes fixed revision.”
Yale Bowl – Yale College
Opened in 1914, the architect who designed Yale Bowl for Yale College was a graduate of the varsity’s class of 1871. The stadium was constructed with out locker rooms for both staff, and restrooms weren’t put in till 1930.
For followers, the stadium presents little greater than historic significance. Meals and concession choices are restricted, and toilet services are questionable at greatest. As one optimistic Google reviewer wrote, “This place is a dump, however nonetheless value a go to.”
Welcome Stadium – College Of Dayton
A real faculty stadium that seems like a highschool stadium is the house of the College of Dayton — Welcome Stadium. In-built 1949, it was initially constructed for Dayton’s many highschool soccer groups.
The stadium, which solely holds 11,000 followers, acquired a minor renovation in 2008, however nonetheless feels outdated to followers. If there’s a plus it is that Welcome Stadium is surrounded by parking heaps, so attending to and from video games isn’t a difficulty. Fortunately, the stadium was renovated in 2023 with a press field, turf area, and extra (WHIOTV7).
Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Advanced – College Of Hawaii
Over 40-years-old, Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Advanced in Honolulu was lengthy overdue for an improve. Even with a multi-million greenback renovation in 2016, followers complain they do not see a lot enchancment within the stands. Not even a profitable season might soothe their upset souls.
College of Hawaii followers will not have to remain indignant for much longer. In 2023, the school introduced a plan to develop to a 17,000-seat stadium, with new stands and observe fields (KHON2).
Harvard Stadium – Harvard College
Harvard Stadium opened in 1903 and has remained largely unchanged since. Thought-about a magnificence again within the day, right now the previous stadium is falling aside whereas the college’s soccer staff struggles to win video games.
Reviewers on Yelp did not maintain again their contempt, “This stadium is falling round itself, I am certain Harvard realizes that 40,000 squeezed in there for the Yale recreation. I am stunned it did not burst into tears and simply hand over and collapse.” Nonetheless, the stadium went by way of a $210 million renovation in 2022, in response to the college’s official web site.
College Stadium – College Of New Mexico
Positioned a mile above sea stage, College Stadium is the house to the College of New Mexico soccer program and was initially inbuilt 1960. That decade was additionally one of many final this system was a “winner.”
Bench type seating and a scarcity of facilities are the most important knocks towards the stadium. If you happen to do go, be sure to get a seat excessive up as a result of the views of the encircling space are unbelievable. In line with KRQE, the town deliberate to place $10 million in direction of upgrades in 2023.
UB Stadium – College Of Buffalo
UB Stadium was inbuilt 1993 with a capability of a bit of underneath 30,000. Typically, the College of Buffalo does not come near filling that quantity as profitable seasons have been few and much between.
It does not assist that the stands are separated from the sector of play by a protracted monitor. In line with The Buffalo Information, building on the sports activities efficiency middle for $7.5 million is about to be completed by the 2024-25 season.
Sam Boyd Stadium – College Of Las Vegas (Closed)
A stadium situated in Las Vegas ought to in all probability strive more durable to offer followers an amazing expertise, however that did not occur with Sam Boyd Stadium.
On Journey Advisor, one disgruntled reviewer complained, “The traces [for] meals had been 20-40 minutes, and for a chilly $6 scorching canine… I’d by no means attend one other occasion at this stadium except I might arrive by helicopter and eat earlier than I arrived.” The stadium closed in 2020, so the college switched to the Allegiant Stadium, which opened the identical 12 months.
Huskie Stadium – College Of Northern Illinois
Fortunately for College of Northern Illinois soccer followers the staff does not stink, as a result of the stadium does. A profitable staff means the stadium expertise will not be a complete catastrophe, however it doesn’t suggest will probably be an amazing one both.
On the finish of the day, Huskie Stadium is simply outdated, “Has that previous stadium really feel. Concessions do not take playing cards and the ATM was out of cash… General a great time,” stated a reviewer on Google. The stadium hasn’t been renovated for the reason that 2000s, in response to the college’s official web site.
McGuirk Alumni Stadium – College Of Massachusetts
McGuirk Alumni Stadium is small in comparison with different faculty soccer stadiums. In-built 1965, it will possibly solely maintain 17,000 followers, which continues to be typically greater than sufficient seats for the College of Massachusetts gameday turnout.
Open to all climate circumstances, this out of doors stadium might use some defenses for when the tough winter on the East Coast begins. The stadium acquired a $5.58 million pledge for brand new renovations in 2018, in response to the college’s official web site.
Jerry Richardson Stadium – College Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Opened in 2013, this 15,314 stadium is completely effective for highschool soccer. For the College of North Carolina at Charlotte, it leaves greater than little to be desired. Not like different stadiums, this one has renovation plans that ought to flip round its public notion.
The largest enchancment within the works for the stadium is a capability enlargement. Luxurious packing containers that might maintain an additional 25,000 followers would improve total capability to 40,000 roaring followers. In 2023, the stadium acquired $50 million for a stadium enlargement challenge (charlotte.axios.com).
Scheumann Stadium – Ball State
Opened in 1967 with a seating capability of twenty-two,500, Scheumann Stadium is the house of Ball State. Forty years after first opening, the stadium went by way of a radical renovation, however the identical cannot be stated for the varsity’s soccer program.
Scheumann Stadium stands as one which may very well be good if extra followers confirmed up on gameday. In line with Ball State College Athletics, the stadium has not been renovated since 2007.
InfoCision Stadium – College Of Akron
The negativity round InfoCision Stadium by guests is directed nearly fully on the College of Akron’s lack of followers. The varsity went by way of a brutal three-year stretch from 2010-12 the place they solely received three video games.
Their attendance has considerably dwindled during the last couple of many years, “I’d actually love going there if they really had a fan base. Virtually each time I went there it was me and the marching band being the one folks within the stands,” stated a Google reviewer.
ASUI-Kibbie Exercise Middle – College Of Idaho
ASUI-Kibbie Exercise Middle, the house of the College of Idaho soccer program, just isn’t a fairly sight to behold. An opposing coach as soon as known as the stadium with a domed roof made from wooden a “Campbell’s soup can lower in half.”
Followers aren’t a lot nicer of their critiques, “It is a large indoor soccer area. Very attention-grabbing each due to measurement, and the truth that they felt that our native faculty staff wanted this so they might observe.” In 2022, the stadium began to function a brand new LED lighting bundle and different gameday enhancements in response to College of Idaho Athletics.
