BTW, I can address my #1, Akron.

I drove by once on my way to Michigan, and got out and walked around (cheap thrill, as it was during summer. didn't even need to worry about parking).

It is a very beautiful stadium. Very well thought out, laid out, etc. Love the press box and suites.

(07-09-2018 10:11 PM)inductchuck16 Wrote:  Top 3

1 - Toledo This picture pretty much solidifies the top spot for the Rockets. The Glass Bowl showcases a historic side along with recent modern renovations. Only stadium in the MAC with 2 video boards. And look at the enormous press box (rumor has it renovations are on the horizon to redo the inside all 3 levels).


2 - Akron Newest stadium in the MAC and they've set the standard. Never been yet but from what I've heard of others, it has a P5 feeling to it, especially the huge press box. If only they could get a decent crowd once in a while...


3 - Miami The new end zone football complex sets it apart from others. The stands make for a big time stadium feel. Press box is really small though.




Bottom 3

10 - Central Michigan Old and has a small-time vibe. The end zone football complex is really bad (but I hear they're going to be building a brand new one). You can't even tell the NFL's best wide receiver is an alum there. If I'm CMU, I'm plastering Antonio Brown pictures/graphics over the entire stadium.


11 - Kent State ... what is this? How did a Division 1 FBS athletic program settle for high school stands?


12 - Bowling Green Just a dreary looking campus/town in general. Not much life to the stadium.



Rest of the bunch

4. WMU - Pretty nice overall. The non press box side doesn't impress me though.

5. Ohio - Most historic stadium in the MAC but definitely needs upgrades to the concourse level, stadium seating, and press box. The new end zone facility should be very nice.

6. NIU - Has a big time feel to it. End zone complex with the indoor facility right behind is really nice. A big negative is that you can't walk freely from side to side inside the stadium. If your ticket is on one side, you're restricted to that one side the entire game. It's a weird rule and not fan friendly.

7. Buffalo - Nice stadium but the track really brings it down.

8. Eastern Michigan - Been to many games here and it's an impressive stadium situated beautifully alongside the basketball arena. Game day atmosphere and tarp covering half the stands brings this down the list. Looking forward to that new end zone complex, when will construction begin?

9. Ball State - Contemplated between them and CMU for the first spot in my Bottom 3. Their press box is nicer and they have better end zone areas. I like the unique structure that stretches along the entire end zone. The non press box side is horrible. Definitely in need of an upgrade there.

This was a terrible rule that has luckily been changed over the past couple of seasons. I have no issues travelling back and forth between sides now and haven't since about 2014-2015.

(07-10-2018 09:29 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(07-09-2018 10:11 PM)inductchuck16 Wrote:  Top 3

1 - Toledo This picture pretty much solidifies the top spot for the Rockets. The Glass Bowl showcases a historic side along with recent modern renovations. Only stadium in the MAC with 2 video boards. And look at the enormous press box (rumor has it renovations are on the horizon to redo the inside all 3 levels).


2 - Akron Newest stadium in the MAC and they've set the standard. Never been yet but from what I've heard of others, it has a P5 feeling to it, especially the huge press box. If only they could get a decent crowd once in a while...


3 - Miami The new end zone football complex sets it apart from others. The stands make for a big time stadium feel. Press box is really small though.




Bottom 3

10 - Central Michigan Old and has a small-time vibe. The end zone football complex is really bad (but I hear they're going to be building a brand new one). You can't even tell the NFL's best wide receiver is an alum there. If I'm CMU, I'm plastering Antonio Brown pictures/graphics over the entire stadium.


11 - Kent State ... what is this? How did a Division 1 FBS athletic program settle for high school stands?


12 - Bowling Green Just a dreary looking campus/town in general. Not much life to the stadium.



Rest of the bunch

4. WMU - Pretty nice overall. The non press box side doesn't impress me though.

5. Ohio - Most historic stadium in the MAC but definitely needs upgrades to the concourse level, stadium seating, and press box. The new end zone facility should be very nice.

6. NIU - Has a big time feel to it. End zone complex with the indoor facility right behind is really nice. A big negative is that you can't walk freely from side to side inside the stadium. If your ticket is on one side, you're restricted to that one side the entire game. It's a weird rule and not fan friendly.

7. Buffalo - Nice stadium but the track really brings it down.

8. Eastern Michigan - Been to many games here and it's an impressive stadium situated beautifully alongside the basketball arena. Game day atmosphere and tarp covering half the stands brings this down the list. Looking forward to that new end zone complex, when will construction begin?

9. Ball State - Contemplated between them and CMU for the first spot in my Bottom 3. Their press box is nicer and they have better end zone areas. I like the unique structure that stretches along the entire end zone. The non press box side is horrible. Definitely in need of an upgrade there.

I can address EMU:

Word is that they have put a fence around the football building in the (north) end zone. The football building is coming down this month.

Rynearson is showing its age, BUT the way they built the Convo in the (south) end zone was a stroke of good architecture and vision.

The big thing for EMU is butts in seats. I went to two games in 1995 and the crowds were large and very impressive. They were honest 20K+ crowds. I also went to the dedication game (1991 or 2, I forget) and the stadium was nearly full.

If we could get an honest 15K in there it would be quite a sight to see. Just put 12K on the home side and 3K on the opposite side and it would look very impressive.

EMU should get a few pluses for intangibles: Easy access. I think the easiest stadium to find in the MAC?? (From U.S. 23 take Washtenaw Ave. East and make a left by the Walgreen drug store and drive say a half mile and the stadium hits you in the face. Parking is on the left side; stadium on the right. Pretty simple!!!).

BGSU is visible from I75. Get off on Wooster and the stadium is on the right. Don't let that fool you though. Those access streets to parking are closed before games...

EMU has a lot of potential. The press tower is outdated and small but the stadium is built pretty cool architecturally and the Convo on the one end looks good. The banners covering parts of the stands actually make the stadium look better, but it's still a part of the stadium that makes it feel small time... "Look at EMU, you have so few fans you need to cover up your bleachers". I'd say grabbing fans is and has always been the problem. The 2016 homecoming game against Toledo looked good on TV.... but ya'll should really move the TV camera's to the other side and point it at your band and home fans. No other place in college football, is the entire other side of the stadium reserved for visiting fans.

Kent State seems to be easily #12 in the rankings with that HS away side.

BG I think is one of the better stadiums in the MAC. Its not a beautiful stadium but the updates have maintained architectural consistency.

Ohio is small but unique and with a lot of charm. Close to the middle of campus and not out in the boonies like some stadiums.

Toledo and Akron have to be given high marks for its press boxes.

Miami is too sparse for my tastes but has a great football ops building which puts it ahead of a lot of MAC and G5 facilities.

Its hard to formulate a clear ranking IMO.

Who keeps voting for Kent?? Lol

That HS stadium is an embarrassment to the MAC.

Depends, whichever team's stadium that puts at least 20,000 people in the stands on a particular gameday is the best. All others appear highschoolish.

(07-10-2018 12:23 PM)GRBRONCO Wrote:  Depends, whichever team's stadium that puts at least 20,000 people in the stands on a particular gameday is the best. All others appear highschoolish.

The OP asked for the best stadium, not game atmosphere. The latter undoubtedly is associated with the first, but even if Kent sold out every game while Toledo drew D2 crowds most of us would probably acknowledge the raw aesthetic differences.

(07-10-2018 09:29 AM)emu steve Wrote:  I can address EMU:

Word is that they have put a fence around the football building in the (north) end zone. The football building is coming down this month.

Rynearson is showing its age, BUT the way they built the Convo in the (south) end zone was a stroke of good architecture and vision.

The big thing for EMU is butts in seats. I went to two games in 1995 and the crowds were large and very impressive. They were honest 20K+ crowds. I also went to the dedication game (1991 or 2, I forget) and the stadium was nearly full.

If we could get an honest 15K in there it would be quite a sight to see. Just put 12K on the home side and 3K on the opposite side and it would look very impressive.

EMU should get a few pluses for intangibles: Easy access. I think the easiest stadium to find in the MAC?? (From U.S. 23 take Washtenaw Ave. East and make a left by the Walgreen drug store and drive say a half mile and the stadium hits you in the face. Parking is on the left side; stadium on the right. Pretty simple!!!).

Agreed. The last UT/EMU game in Ypsi was the best attended game there I've ever been to by far and the tailgating scene was pretty active, so it seems like you're headed in the right direction.

In terms of easy access stadiums, you have to go with BG and OU whose stadiums are visible right off the highway as you enter campus.

(07-10-2018 09:57 AM)RedandBlackAttack Wrote:  

(07-09-2018 10:11 PM)inductchuck16 Wrote:  6. NIU - Has a big time feel to it. End zone complex with the indoor facility right behind is really nice. A big negative is that you can't walk freely from side to side inside the stadium. If your ticket is on one side, you're restricted to that one side the entire game. It's a weird rule and not fan friendly.

This was a terrible rule that has luckily been changed over the past couple of seasons. I have no issues travelling back and forth between sides now and haven't since about 2014-2015.

Okay good to know. I was there in 2014 when we were down to playing a WR at QB to only lose by 3. We were the only Rocket fans on the one side and couldn't move....I also went to the game at White Sox stadium in '16, which was a really special experience.

I only voted for 2. Toledo and WMU. WMU just has a feel that i like. Maybe since its built into a hillside. idk. On second thought maybe i should have given my third vote to Akron or Ohio.

I guess I'll give it a go ranking them.
Ive been to all 12, at least twice per stadium now if that gives me any extra credibility.

Toledo. (I dont think I'm being a homer, but maybe I am)

WMU

Ohio
Akron (Just because it is new)

Miami

NIU
Ball State
CMU
EMU
Buffalo
Bowling Green

Kent State

(07-09-2018 10:11 PM)inductchuck16 Wrote:  Top 3

1 - Toledo This picture pretty much solidifies the top spot for the Rockets. The Glass Bowl showcases a historic side along with recent modern renovations. Only stadium in the MAC with 2 video boards. And look at the enormous press box (rumor has it renovations are on the horizon to redo the inside all 3 levels).


2 - Akron Newest stadium in the MAC and they've set the standard. Never been yet but from what I've heard of others, it has a P5 feeling to it, especially the huge press box. If only they could get a decent crowd once in a while...


3 - Miami The new end zone football complex sets it apart from others. The stands make for a big time stadium feel. Press box is really small though.




Bottom 3

10 - Central Michigan Old and has a small-time vibe. The end zone football complex is really bad (but I hear they're going to be building a brand new one). You can't even tell the NFL's best wide receiver is an alum there. If I'm CMU, I'm plastering Antonio Brown pictures/graphics over the entire stadium.


11 - Kent State ... what is this? How did a Division 1 FBS athletic program settle for high school stands?


12 - Bowling Green Just a dreary looking campus/town in general. Not much life to the stadium.



Rest of the bunch

4. WMU - Pretty nice overall. The non press box side doesn't impress me though.

5. Ohio - Most historic stadium in the MAC but definitely needs upgrades to the concourse level, stadium seating, and press box. The new end zone facility should be very nice.

6. NIU - Has a big time feel to it. End zone complex with the indoor facility right behind is really nice. A big negative is that you can't walk freely from side to side inside the stadium. If your ticket is on one side, you're restricted to that one side the entire game. It's a weird rule and not fan friendly.

7. Buffalo - Nice stadium but the track really brings it down.

8. Eastern Michigan - Been to many games here and it's an impressive stadium situated beautifully alongside the basketball arena. Game day atmosphere and tarp covering half the stands brings this down the list. Looking forward to that new end zone complex, when will construction begin?

9. Ball State - Contemplated between them and CMU for the first spot in my Bottom 3. Their press box is nicer and they have better end zone areas. I like the unique structure that stretches along the entire end zone. The non press box side is horrible. Definitely in need of an upgrade there.

Tracks enhance stadiums, football fields drag down track stadiums.

So in conclusion, the consensus favorite MAC stadiums in the opinion of 30 MAC fans on this board are—

1. Toledo
2. Ohio
3. (tie) WMU
3. Akron
5. (tie) KSU
5. CMU
5. NIU
8. EMU
9. (tie) BG
9. Miami
11. Ball St.
12. Buffalo

To put Kent State's stadium ahead of BG that is not really being honest.

1. Akron-Newest stadium has top notch amenities
2. Toledo-P5 level press box, stone decoration, deck, complete bowl
3. WMU-A true 30,000 seats. Nice Seely center addition.
4. Ohio-Nice football operation facilities and brick charm.
5. Ball State-Recent renovation of press facilities.


Kent with HS stands, Buffalo and EMU with the tracks I'd say round out the bottom 3.

Most of the stadiums in the MAC are G5 minimum 20k-22k seater type stadiums with a couple of bells and whistles.

Western Michigan sits at 30,200 which is right at the average G5 capacity but they SRO that takes it to 36k-37k as the record crowd is over 36,000.

(07-11-2018 07:47 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  Most of the stadiums in the MAC are G5 minimum 20k-22k seater type stadiums with a couple of bells and whistles.

Western Michigan sits at 30,200 which is right at the average G5 capacity but they SRO that takes it to 36k-37k as the record crowd is over 36,000.

Not anymore. Fire marshall severely limits SRO crowds, they were turning people away at the WMU-MSU game. We might have been able to squeeze in 40K if the rules would have been the same as in the early 00s.

(07-11-2018 08:11 AM)Bronc33 Wrote:  

(07-11-2018 07:47 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  Most of the stadiums in the MAC are G5 minimum 20k-22k seater type stadiums with a couple of bells and whistles.

Western Michigan sits at 30,200 which is right at the average G5 capacity but they SRO that takes it to 36k-37k as the record crowd is over 36,000.

Not anymore. Fire marshall severely limits SRO crowds, they were turning people away at the WMU-MSU game. We might have been able to squeeze in 40K if the rules would have been the same as in the early 00s.

Same thing goes for the Glass Bowl for the SRO crowds.

(07-11-2018 07:47 AM)Kittonhead Wrote:  Most of the stadiums in the MAC are G5 minimum 20k-22k seater type stadiums with a couple of bells and whistles.

Western Michigan sits at 30,200 which is right at the average G5 capacity but they SRO that takes it to 36k-37k as the record crowd is over 36,000.

Toledo's capacity is around 26k and we hold 12??? crowds above 30,000 and one of 36,000+ against Navy in 2001. The fire Marshall has kept us from seating that much since. Hosting BG and Miami, the GB will hold over 30k two more times this season.

The MAC average for stadium size is about 24 or 25k. The smallest being Scheuman at 22k. Infocision, Waldo and Rynearson eclipse 30k. UB is a few hundred short.

One thing about Kent State that I do like is their cheap hot hot dogs, and nice press boxes. It's basically the away side which holds them down and projects as high schoolish.

I wonder how many 25,000 capacity high school football stadiums are in the MAC footprint?

(07-10-2018 11:02 PM)H2Oville Rocket Wrote:  Tracks enhance stadiums, football fields drag down track stadiums.

See I like what Toledo has done by building their own track stadium right next to the football stadium. Both deserve their own home.

(07-11-2018 08:37 AM)axeme Wrote:  I wonder how many 25,000 capacity high school football stadiums are in the MAC footprint?

Massillon Washington is big right? Thats the only one in Ohio that's even close I assume.