UAC Stadiums
I figured since I did one on Texas, I'd do one on the UAC.
7) Estes, Central Arkansas - Plain and simple, I hate that field. It makes watching on TV hard and I can't imagine fighting through that in person. At 10,000, it is also one of three stadiums to tie for smallest capacity. It's got one of the best curb appeals of any stadium on the list though. It's just not good enough to overcome the visual pollution for me.
6) Kidd, Eastern Kentucky - Every stadium here on out, I would be okay with on my school. Unlike many, I do not hate that the stands are the roof of a building. It does create a heavily tilted appearance where the home side far outweighs the other. Amenities are improving but, especially on the fan side, need some more. Concourse improvements came for the east side, which already has good sightlines. The list of ten largest crowds are all from 1980's or earlier, save one. That was against a now-FBS school in 2004. A big stadium that is not filled tempers game day atmosphere for sure.
5.1) Maverick, UT Arlington - It is a football first venue, so for grins, I'll add it here. Plus it will host a different type of football team. What it lacks in width, it makes up for in height. I find it more visually appealing than 4th and fifth on this list. But, those two have greater fans and player amenities. The press box is good, for the press and coaches. It offers nothing for fans in terms of suites. When it was a UTA venue, the 1800 chairback seats were for Maverick Club members and there was a meeting room for them at the base level. Speaking of, that design is what I'd like. It's a concrete stadium with room for expansion. The first level is the locker rooms, training space, weight room, admin, etc. is on the first level, the concourse sits just above with sizable restrooms, aisles and concessions. Third level is a three-level press box. Other than adding suites, adding features would be incredibly easy. Small to moderate renovations could add amenities and/or overcome obstacles created by bare maintenace and move up the list.
5) Memorial Stadium, Tarleton State - I'm sure I'll get roasted again by a certain poster, but the grandstands are on the smaller end and the endzone seating has the erector set feel to it by not matching the existing stands with the exposed aluminum. Game day atmosphere is the biggest pro to this venue. Many player amenities are off site and the fans have options. The historical aspect also appeals to me as well. After visiting in person on Sept. 19, 2026, the game day atmosphere seen on television matches the vibe in person. Engaged crowd, good PA and quality presentations. One big drawback was each of the three sections are segregated from the other. I've seen barriers between sections at some stadiums, especially if they are used by high schools, but never have I seen a stadium design that requires separate entry/exit and fan support features. I would have loved see the student section and the vibe there. The concession lines were longer than I anticipated and the concourse was smaller. Also, I don't know why, but I thought there were TV's or speakers to keep up with the game if you were on the concourse. The end zone seating was an obvious addition visually, but what surprised me is the view at the top, some 40 rows up. Were it my choice as a season ticket holder with every option available, I think that's where I'd like to be.
4) University, West Georgia - It is one of the newer on the list, and while it is pleasing, it's size gives me DII vibes. Amenities are on the higher end of this list and curb appeal on the home side is pretty good. The lower end of the stands extend past the end zones while the middle portion, which is a little taller, extends to the 5-10 yard line. The press box is around the 30, which gives the overall look a blocky feel. There's not much that distinguishes third place through first on the list for me, so that does stand out.
3) Fortera, Austin Peay - There is real good visual appeal here in and out. Good use of school colors create a unique look. For one of the oldest on the list, the school has done a great job keeping it fresh. Amenities have been upgraded and the players have some good options. Despite its size, tied with the other two schools for smallest in the conference, it does a great job of balance.
t1) Bank Independent, North Alabama - "Next year will be different with a new stadium," was how I phrased the old stadium. That statement certainly wasn't hyperbole. The $53 million venue looks clean and classic in the limited visuals I have seen. The renderings bear out the visual appeal while the site offers a bit of the amenities.
t1) Wildcat Stadium, ACU - There is a real chance for bias, as Wildcat is the only one of the three that I have actually visited in person. From the other thread it has a great look, mixing traditional with the modern. I like the fact that expansion is easy if they decide to do so. As it is, this is probably going to suit ACU for a good long while. I have seen it in person, though not for a game, and really like it. Biggest complaint is I can see the top of the east stands on TV broadcasts, giving it a smaller feel.
I can only see a visit to each venue was a way to break the tie
|
