I’m excited to tell you about Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium. This amazing place sits right on the Florida Atlantic University campus in Boca Raton. The stadium opened in 2011 and can fit 30,000 fans, making it a great spot to watch college football.
The field is named after Howard Schnellenberger, a big name in college football. He helped start FAU’s football program and pushed hard to get this stadium built. It’s cool to see his dream come true and his name on the field where the Owls play.
I love how the stadium fits into FAU’s bigger plans. It’s part of something called “Innovation Village” on campus. This shows FAU isn’t just about football – they’re thinking big about the whole school’s future.
Key Takeaways
- FAU Stadium opened in 2011 and holds 30,000 fans on FAU’s main campus.
- The field honors Howard Schnellenberger, who started FAU’s football program and pushed for the stadium.
- The stadium is part of FAU’s larger “Innovation Village” project to improve the campus.
History of the Stadium
I’ve learned some fascinating things about FAU Stadium’s past. It’s a story of vision, determination, and honoring a legendary coach.
Origin and Construction
I’m excited to share that FAU Stadium opened in 2011 on Florida Atlantic University’s main campus in Boca Raton. It was a big step up from the team’s old home at Lockhart Stadium.
The new on-campus stadium was part of FAU’s “Innovation Village” project. I think it’s cool how they planned it as a multi-use development.
Building the stadium cost $70 million. Construction started in 2009, which must have been an exciting time for Owls fans! The FAU Board of Trustees really got behind the project.
Howard Schnellenberger Legacy
I’m truly impressed by Howard Schnellenberger’s impact on FAU football. He wasn’t just the coach – he was the visionary who pushed hard to get this stadium built.
In 2014, FAU honored Coach Schnellenberger in a big way. They named the field after him in a special ceremony before the first home game that season.
Sadly, Coach Schnellenberger passed away in 2021. But his memory lives on at the stadium. FAU held a “Celebration of Life” for him there, which I think was a beautiful tribute.
Stadium Features
FAU Stadium has some cool features that make it a great place to watch football. I’ll tell you about the seats, suites, field, and more. Let’s check out what makes this stadium special.
Seats and Suites
I love how the stadium seats are set up. There’s room for 30,000 fans, and every seat has a good view of the field. The seats are comfy, with plenty of legroom.
For those who want a fancier experience, there are suites available. These have air conditioning, comfy chairs, and great views. I’ve seen 24 luxury suites spread around the stadium.
The stadium is part of FAU’s Innovation Village project. It’s more than just a place to watch football – it’s a hub for student life on campus.
Playing Surface and Field Name
The playing surface is top-notch. It’s made of natural grass, which I think gives the game a more authentic feel. The field is well-maintained and looks great on game days.
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In 2021, FAU named the field after a special person. It’s now called Howard Schnellenberger Field. Schnellenberger was the coach who started FAU’s football program.
At the 50-yard line, there’s a cool center-field mark with Schnellenberger’s name. It’s a nice way to remember the guy who made FAU football possible.
FAU Football Program
The FAU football program has come a long way since its inception. I’ve seen it grow from humble beginnings to a competitive Division I-A team. Let me tell you about the key people, players, and achievements that have shaped FAU football.
Coaching and Staff
Howard Schnellenberger was the driving force behind FAU football. He started the program from scratch in 2001. I remember how he brought his wealth of experience to build a solid foundation.
After Schnellenberger retired in 2011, FAU has had several head coaches. Each brought their own style to the team. The current coaching staff is working hard to keep improving the program.
I’ve noticed how the coaches focus on developing both athletic and academic skills. They’re committed to helping players succeed on and off the field.
Team and Players
FAU’s football team, known as the Owls, competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). I’ve watched them grow stronger each year.
The team has had its share of standout players. Some have gone on to play in the NFL. I’m always excited to see which new talents will emerge each season.
FAU’s roster typically includes a mix of local Florida talent and recruits from across the country. This diversity brings different skills and perspectives to the team.
Notable Achievements
I’m proud of FAU’s accomplishments in football. They’ve come a long way in a short time.
Here are some highlights:
- Moved up to Division I-A (now FBS) in 2005
- Joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2005
- Won the Sun Belt Conference Championship in 2007
- Played in their first bowl game in 2007
- Won multiple bowl games
These achievements show how far the program has come. FAU football continues to grow and improve each year. I’m excited to see what the future holds for the Owls.
Honoring a Legend
FAU Stadium’s field bears the name of a true football icon. Howard Schnellenberger’s impact on the sport and community is celebrated in many ways at the stadium.
The Statue and Celebrations
I’m always in awe when I see the bronze statue of Howard Schnellenberger outside the stadium. It’s a fitting tribute to the man who built FAU’s football program from scratch. The statue shows him in his signature pose – pipe in hand, ready to lead.
On game days, I love watching fans gather around the statue. They often touch it for good luck before heading inside. It’s become a beloved tradition.
Inside, the field itself is named Howard Schnellenberger Field. Seeing his name on the turf always gives me chills. It’s a constant reminder of his legacy.
The Impact on Community
I’ve seen firsthand how Schnellenberger’s influence goes beyond football. His work put FAU and Boca Raton on the map.
The stadium he fought to build has become a hub for the community. It hosts concerts, graduations, and other events that bring people together.
His success with the Miami Dolphins and their Super Bowl win made him a South Florida legend. But it’s his work at FAU that really transformed the area.
I’ve met so many local kids inspired by his story. They see the stadium and field as proof that with hard work, anything is possible. Schnellenberger’s legacy continues to motivate and unite the community in amazing ways.
Game Day Experience
As I walk into Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium, the excitement is palpable. The air buzzes with energy as fans decked out in FAU colors stream in.
The stadium holds 29,571 roaring fans, and I’m always amazed at how many students and alumni show up to cheer on the Owls.
I love the sense of community here. It feels like one big family reunion every game day. Everyone’s friendly and eager to chat about the team’s prospects for the season.
The pregame festivities are a blast. There’s often live music, food trucks, and fun activities for kids. I make sure to grab some snacks before kickoff.
Once the game starts, the atmosphere is electric. The crowd gets loud for big plays, and I find myself high-fiving strangers after touchdowns.
At halftime, I usually take a stroll around the concourse. It’s a great chance to stretch my legs and maybe run into old friends.
Win or lose, I always leave feeling like I’ve been part of something special. FAU football brings people together in a unique way. It’s more than just a game – it’s a celebration of our school spirit.
External Relations
FAU Stadium has built strong connections with sponsors and alumni. These partnerships have helped the stadium grow and thrive. Let’s look at how the stadium works with businesses and former students.
Sponsorship and Partnerships
The FAU Football Program has made deals with many companies. These deals bring in money and help improve the stadium. I’ve seen big name brands advertised all over the place when I visit.
Some sponsors get to name parts of the stadium. It’s cool to see how this helps pay for upgrades. The Board of Trustees works hard to find good partners.
I think these deals are smart. They keep ticket prices lower for fans like me. Plus, the extra cash helps our team compete with bigger schools.
Cultivating Alumni Support
FAU President John Kelly has done a great job getting alumni excited about the stadium. I’ve noticed more former students at games each year.
The school hosts special events for alumni before big games. It’s fun to see old classmates and cheer for our team together.
I love how they honor past players and coaches too. It makes me proud of FAU’s history. The stadium feels like a home for all Owls, past and present.
Alumni donations have helped add new features to the stadium. Their support is key to making it one of the best in college football.
Beyond Football: The Stadium’s Role
Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium is more than just a place for football games. It’s a hub for the university and community that brings people together in exciting ways.
Academic and Athletic Balance
As part of Florida Atlantic University’s Innovation Village, the stadium helps create a well-rounded college experience. I love how it blends academics and athletics. Students can walk from class to a big game in minutes.
The stadium hosts study areas and meeting spaces for student groups. This keeps the facility busy even when there’s no game. I’ve seen students prepping for exams in the skyboxes – what a view!
It’s also used for graduation ceremonies. Imagine getting your diploma on the 50-yard line. Talk about a memorable moment!
Regional Milestone
This stadium is a big deal for all of South Florida. It’s the only Division I football stadium in Palm Beach County. I think that’s pretty cool.
Local high schools use it for championship games. The excitement on those kids’ faces is priceless. Community events and concerts happen here too. It brings people from Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and beyond together.
For me, the stadium represents the vision of Coach Schnellenberger. He saw FAU football as a way to unite the area. Now, on game days, I see fans from all over coming together. It’s exactly what he dreamed of.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAU Stadium has many interesting features and details that fans want to know about. Here are answers to some common questions about the stadium and team.
What is the seating capacity of Howard Schnellenberger Field?
Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium can hold 29,419 fans. This makes it a mid-sized college football stadium.
How can I find a seating chart for FAU Stadium?
I recommend checking the official FAU Athletics website for the most up-to-date seating chart. They usually have detailed maps showing all the sections and seat locations.
What teams call Howard Schnellenberger Field their home field?
The Florida Atlantic Owls football team plays its home games at FAU Stadium. This is the main tenant of the stadium during football season.
When is the FAU football team’s next game scheduled?
I’d suggest looking at FAU’s official athletics website or social media for the most current game schedule. They post updates on upcoming games and kickoff times.
Are there any recent renovations at Howard Schnellenberger Field at FAU Stadium?
I haven’t heard of any major recent renovations to the stadium. It’s a fairly new facility that opened in 2011, so it’s still in good shape.
Who is considered FAU’s biggest rival in football?
FIU (Florida International University) is often seen as FAU’s main rival in football. The two schools compete for the Shula Bowl trophy each year.
