Championship venues

[ridge98]

By watching on tv looks like VHSL took a step back on venues. All politics aside liberty looked a whole lot better, and Hampton does not look like a good place to play 5 and 6 a championships. Salem stadium looks better than that. Any opinions from anyone that went? How does traffic, confessions, compare?

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

I was at Williamsburg. Place reminded me of a high school stadium.. Traffic was terrible. Parking was terrible. Concession stand too small, but food was good. Very stupid that 3 of the 4 teams playing drove within 100 yards of Liberty Stadium on way to Williamsburg.

 

[Fearthewing24523]

Parking was terrible. We found one tiny parking lot that was for faculty. The rest was on the side of the road. Which most said 2hr parking. Wonder how many tickets were handed out. Maybe that's how they will make there money.... The route to and from the stadium was terrible. The stadium was nice IMO. Concession situation was terrible.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

I got lucky on parking. I knew it be bad, thus I got there at 8:20. Parked about 75 feet from stadium on Blacksburg side of stadium.

 

[GurskyT]

We were at Hampton for 5A/6A. The biggest disappointment for me, of all things, was the lack of pre-game music from the venue while the teams were warming up (at least for 6A, missed 5A pre-game). This just kind of takes away the vibe prior to kickoff, especially for a state championship, when you don't have any music going on while the teams warm up. Bit too much on the quiet side and most high school stadiums play music for the pre-game.

Our seats and view were alright but the stadium had a crowded feel in the stands, walkways, and in overall appearance. Pretty much the opposite from UVA where your view there can be much higher up and can sit with plenty of room around you. There was an issue with the clock on the scoreboard during the 5A game which caused a short delay.

Parking, arriving and leaving the stadium were all fine. We got in and out pretty quickly. Since it was a smaller venue and a little more crowded that did benefit the atmosphere especially at the end of the 6A game when both sides of the stadium were on their feet.

Overall, I would say holding the title games at Hampton was a step back after having them at UVA and Charlottesville is much preferred. Several Stone Bridge fans around us today seemed to feel the same way.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

At Williamsburg they had upper deck seats blocked off. The crowd there was less than I thought it be. Very few neutral fans showed up.

 

[bowlingref]

Neutral fans chose not to drive within 100 yards of Williams Stadium to go to a game in 30 degree weather 4 hours away for 3 of the teams playing in 3 and 4 A games. VHSL needs to reconsider that horrible decision. Just seeing some of the replays on tv,it looks like a lot of fans chose to stay away from the games.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

Weather was not bad for first game. But I am sure temperature dropped for 2nd game.

 

[OCBoy]

I think the only reason the games were in Williamsburg and Hampton was because the 757 teams were complaining of having to travel so much. I believe Old dominion would have been the best place in the 757 to hold the games. I prefer it return to Richmond or Charlottesville and have all the games at one central location like basketball at vcu

 

[phantom]

We were at Hampton for 5A/6A. The biggest disappointment for me, of all things, was the lack of pre-game music from the venue while the teams were warming up (at least for 6A, missed 5A pre-game). This just kind of takes away the vibe prior to kickoff, especially for a state championship, when you don't have any music going on while the teams warm up. Bit too much on the quiet side and most high school stadiums play music for the pre-game.

Our seats and view were alright but the stadium had a crowded feel in the stands, walkways, and in overall appearance. Pretty much the opposite from UVA where your view there can be much higher up and can sit with plenty of room around you. There was an issue with the clock on the scoreboard during the 5A game which caused a short delay.

Parking, arriving and leaving the stadium were all fine. We got in and out pretty quickly. Since it was a smaller venue and a little more crowded that did benefit the atmosphere especially at the end of the 6A game when both sides of the stadium were on their feet.

Overall, I would say holding the title games at Hampton was a step back after having them at UVA and Charlottesville is much preferred. Several Stone Bridge fans around us today seemed to feel the same way.

I also know a lot of people who thought that playing in front of maybe 10,000 people in a 70,000 seat stadium really hurt the atmosphere.

 

[Stabler1980]

Been to Salem stadium a lot and the last 2 years for appo was very disappointed in the concession , but the stadium is good for the games but surprised it only holds a little over 7000 wouldn't mind seeing it rotate around some

 

[wikki]

Been to Salem stadium a lot and the last 2 years for appo was very disappointed in the concession , but the stadium is good for the games but surprised it only holds a little over 7000 wouldn't mind seeing it rotate around some

I agree

 

[salemfan32]

Been to Salem stadium a lot and the last 2 years for appo was very disappointed in the concession , but the stadium is good for the games but surprised it only holds a little over 7000 wouldn't mind seeing it rotate around some

It holds more the largest ever crowd at Salem Stadium is over 13,000.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

ODU would not be a good site. Hard to get to unless you're coming from the east. and that might be hard. I have only been there once, and I was going there from Hampton, for some All star baseball game, back when coaches clinic was in Hampton.

 

[Center5717]

I was a neutral fan that attended his 17th 3a championship. First want to say way to go s.river. there fans really came out for the game. I've seen d3 stadiums nicer then w.mary. everyone is correct on concession.vhsl is wanting you to wait 2 hrs in freezing cold to watch 2nd game
Forcing you to repay to watch next game. When they had all spring sports 1 admission got u into all event. Softball.baseball etc.. for the day hopefully the vhsl will get it rt in future .

 

[HighestPoint]

I never understood them trying to make people pay for reentry to watch the second game. I understand they are trying to make more money but if people are asked to pay twice, you might as well have all 6 games in different places.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

Now I know why VHSL has so much time between games, they want people to leave after first game and pay again to reenter.

 

[THEGOATFROMJMU]

SALEM will never be moved as the 1A host in my opinion because it's the right size and right location to appease the people from SWVA

 

[OCBoy]

SALEM will never be moved as the 1A host in my opinion because it's the right size and right location to appease the people from SWVA

I can see it going to JMU some to appease the 2A teams up that way

 

[otnorot]

Ideal would be all six games in Charlottesville--it's always a tradeoff between a largely empty "big time" venue or a fuller "small time" venue with more atmosphere but overall I think UVA has the best combo of stadium and location.

There's something in the agenda for the most recent VHSL ExCo meeting about state championship sites becoming more difficult to secure in terms of cost and availability and suggesting they might scale back some of the venues in the future. The don't say whether they're referring to any specific sports in particular.

 

[OCBoy]

Ideal would be all six games in Charlottesville--it's always a tradeoff between a largely empty "big time" venue or a fuller "small time" venue with more atmosphere but overall I think UVA has the best combo of stadium and location.

There's something in the agenda for the most recent VHSL ExCo meeting about state championship sites becoming more difficult to secure in terms of cost and availability and suggesting they might scale back some of the venues in the future. The don't say whether they're referring to any specific sports in particular.

UVA took their price way up from my understanding....

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

Colleges should not charge VHSL to use facilities.. That's just being $$$ hungry.

 

[cutnjump]

Colleges should not charge VHSL to use facilities.. That's just being $$$ hungry.

You've lost your mind. Colleges should not price gouge, however, it is not being $$$ hungry to recover cost associated with using the facility and some charge for normal wear/tear/repair from use. Your opinion here, just like your stance on VCU and your incessant chirping about the spread offense, is just DEAD WRONG.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

Allowing VHSL to use facilities is a good recruiting tool. It brings thousands of people onto campus who otherwise would not be there. If a college was smart they would pay the VHSL to come.

 

[cutnjump]

Allowing VHSL to use facilities is a good recruiting tool. It brings thousands of people onto campus who otherwise would not be there. If a college was smart they would pay the VHSL to come.

Who do you believe the venue is a good recruiting tool for? Athletes? Students? How exactly do you see a state championship game being a recruiting tool? Colleges have far more effective recruiting tools than giving the venue away much less paying the VHSL to come and people attending the game are far more focused on the game than considering a location as a future school. That is before you even consider that the majority of people there are probably already generally familiar with the school.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

: Saturday was the first time in my life I had ever been to William and Mary.College. I have lived in Virginia over 50 years. If the state championship game had not been there, probably would have gone another 50 years without going there.

LU signed a recruit a few years back who had zero offers out of high school. LU coach saw him in state championship game. Made offer. .Player started every game all 4 years.

 

[cutnjump]

: Saturday was the first time in my life I had ever been to William and Mary.College. I have lived in Virginia over 50 years. If the state championship game had not been there, probably would have gone another 50 years without going there.

LU signed a recruit a few years back who had zero offers out of high school. LU coach saw him in state championship game. Made offer. .Player started every game all 4 years.

Your personal anecdote makes you the exception to the rule in all likelihood and certainly not the target as far as recruits go. You have lived in this state for a long time and, if you actually had kids capable of being admitted to William and Mary, then you probably did them a disservice if you did not at least take them to the campus. Virginia has many fine schools with most capable of a day trip to tour and certainly not needing a state championship to attract visitors/prospects. As far as the recruit goes, 1 a year would not even be justification for giving the venue away, much less one every blue moon and that is before we get to the discussion of FCS versus FBS. Your opinion is going to require more substantial support than you have provided so far before I can be convinced it has merit.

 

[phantom]

: Saturday was the first time in my life I had ever been to William and Mary.College. I have lived in Virginia over 50 years. If the state championship game had not been there, probably would have gone another 50 years without going there.

LU signed a recruit a few years back who had zero offers out of high school. LU coach saw him in state championship game. Made offer. .Player started every game all 4 years.

Wait a minute.. You've never been to Williamsburg?

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

No, I did stop off I 64 on way back from Coaches Clinic in Hampton in year to get gas in my truck. Took about 30 minutes to get back on 64. That was enough of Williamsburg for me. Had never been near W&M until Saturday. I went down Route 5 rather than get stuck in traffic.

 

[shauntclair]

: Saturday was the first time in my life I had ever been to William and Mary.College. I have lived in Virginia over 50 years. If the state championship game had not been there, probably would have gone another 50 years without going there.

LU signed a recruit a few years back who had zero offers out of high school. LU coach saw him in state championship game. Made offer. .Player started every game all 4 years.

And the LU record was?

 

[wikki]

Who do you believe the venue is a good recruiting tool for? Athletes? Students? How exactly do you see a state championship game being a recruiting tool? Colleges have far more effective recruiting tools than giving the venue away much less paying the VHSL to come and people attending the game are far more focused on the game than considering a location as a future school. That is before you even consider that the majority of people there are probably already generally familiar with the school.

They have to charge something. LU used lots of their staff to manage the facility, concessions and control use of the suites, tickets etc.

 

[otnorot]

Do they ever publish the attendances for these games anywhere? I know I saw the basketball attendances reported a few years ago but that was an unusual thing. Someone has to know the actual numbers though.

Saw that the Pennsylvania finals, where they play all six games at a fairly central location, drew just 15,421, for an average of 2,570 per game. Ohio did a lot better with an average of about 7,900 for seven games in Columbus. Curious how Virginia stacks up, and obviously it's a crucial factor in discussing suitable championship venues.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

2,570 for a state championship game is bad. I have seen more than that at a regular season game

 

[HighestPoint]

2,570 for a state championship game is bad. I have seen more than that at a regular season game

Really bad. I'd bet at least half of the 1A playoff games had that many fans.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

VHSL loves money, yet they set up championship games that seem designed to limit attendance.

 

[shauntclair]

Let's see. Zable completed a $27 million dollar renovation of their stadium in July of 2016. The Stadium capacity is easily and comfortably 11,000. The Championship games did not approach half that. That renovation includes bathrooms, concessions, parking, Press Box, new turf and private suites.

But you guys sit here and whine. Many, for no other reason, than an easier ride or blind, mindless loyalty to LU. Insanity.

Parking Is fine but requires half a brain and looking at a map. Contrary to many posts. Legs are also an asset. Use them. There are plenty of bathrooms at Zable. Learn how to read a sign. Why do people talk about concessions? Even professional teams sell mostly crap there and charge an exorbitant amount but the incredibly stupid still stand in line to get ripped off. Your choice.

The track was too wide for good sight lines? WTF is wrong with you?

The Championship games were played at a good facility. That's why the VHSL picked it. And there are others available in the future.

LU will not get the games back. They dug their own hole with the VHSL. No amount of distortions or manipulation on this board will change that.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

shauntclair: Did you go to one or both of games at W&M Saturday ?
Have you been to a game at LU in previous year ?

What part of state do you reside ?

 

[vahsfootball]

Let's see. Zable completed a $27 million dollar renovation of their stadium in July of 2016. The Stadium capacity is easily and comfortably 11,000. The Championship games did not approach half that. That renovation includes bathrooms, concessions, parking, Press Box, new turf and private suites.

But you guys sit here and whine. Many, for no other reason, than an easier ride or blind, mindless loyalty to LU. Insanity.

Parking Is fine but requires half a brain and looking at a map. Contrary to many posts. Legs are also an asset. Use them. There are plenty of bathrooms at Zable. Learn how to read a sign. Why do people talk about concessions? Even professional teams sell mostly crap there and charge an exorbitant amount but the incredibly stupid still stand in line to get ripped off. Your choice.

The track was too wide for good sight lines? WTF is wrong with you?

The Championship games were played at a good facility. That's why the VHSL picked it. And there are others available in the future.

LU will not get the games back. They dug their own hole with the VHSL. No amount of distortions or manipulation on this board will change that.

They only renovated the home side. Visitors side is a dump. Attendance for the 4A game was 7000. I'd say it was slightly more than that depending on how many stayed for both. I was one that attended both games.

Site lines are hindered due to the slope of the stands. They are made worse by that godforsaken track. These are facts effectively proven by Pythagora's theorem.

The home side is nice. That's where I sat. I did venture over to the visitors side to have a look around. The bathrooms are old and inadequate. The visitors locker room is a travesty. I'll agree that concessions are generally garbage but it is nice to get a bottle of water. Heck, I saw the line in the visitors concession line stretch to the 30 yard line. To hear you say it, concessions shouldn't be available at any sporting event. You'd make one hell of a business manager.

I thought you were leaving this forum?

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

At the Blacksburg-SR game, I was on Home side for first half and Visitors side for second half. Home side was better, but that's not saying much. Entire stadium has the feel of some high school stadiums. Actually I have been to better high school stadiums. I am glad I never went there before they upgraded the place.

 

[vahsfootball]

I'll add that I don't care if the games return to LU or not.