Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia is a special place. As a long-time fan of college football, I’ve visited many stadiums, but this one stands out. It’s not just a stadium – it’s the Carl Smith Center, home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium. The stadium combines stunning natural beauty with top-notch facilities, making it one of the finest college football settings in the nation.
I love how Scott Stadium sits on the University of Virginia’s grounds. It’s nestled between dorms and colleges, right in the heart of campus life. The backdrop is breathtaking – you can see Monticello Mountain and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. It’s been the home of Virginia Cavaliers football for over 80 years, and it just keeps getting better.
When I visited, I was struck by how well the stadium honors its history while offering modern amenities. The unique architectural design catches your eye right away. Inside, the sight lines are great no matter where you sit. It’s clear why both fans and players love this place.
Key Takeaways
- Scott Stadium offers a mix of natural beauty and top-notch facilities
- The stadium has been home to Virginia Cavaliers football for over 80 years
- Its design blends historic charm with modern amenities for an excellent fan experience
History of Carl Smith Center
The Carl Smith Center has a rich history tied to the University of Virginia. It’s gone through many changes over the years, growing along with the school’s football program.
Origins and Construction
I remember when Scott Stadium first opened back in 1931. It started as a simple concrete structure with just 22,000 seats. The University of Virginia built it on a hillside east of first-year dorms. They chose a scenic spot with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
At first, the field was just natural grass. But in 1974, they put in artificial turf. I thought that was a big deal at the time! It changed how the games felt.
Renovations and Expansions
The stadium kept growing over the years. In 1981, they added upper decks on the sides. That bumped up the seats to 40,000.
The biggest change came in 2000. Heery International and VMDO Architects led a huge renovation. They added luxury suites and a new video scoreboard. The seating went up to 61,500!
I was happy when they switched back to natural grass in 1995. It just feels more like real football to me.
Important Events and Milestones
In 1995, they named the field after David A. Harrison III. He gave a big gift to the school. Five years later, the whole place became the Carl Smith Center.
The biggest crowd I’ve seen was 64,947 in 2008. Virginia played USC that day. It was electric!
I love how the stadium sits on the university grounds. It’s right between the dorms and academic buildings. You can feel the school spirit on game days.
Stadium Specifications
Scott Stadium is an impressive facility with lots of cool features. I’ll tell you about the seating, field, and design that make it special for Virginia football.
Seating and Capacity
Scott Stadium can hold a ton of fans! The total capacity is 61,500, which creates an awesome atmosphere on game days. I love how the seats wrap around in a horseshoe shape. Most of the seating is aluminum bleacher-style, which keeps things simple and classic.
There are also some fancier chair-back seats in prime viewing areas. The student section is right behind the end zone, letting students cheer on the team up close. For big rivalry games, it gets super loud when it’s packed full!
Field and Surface Type
The playing surface at Scott Stadium is top-notch. It’s natural grass, which I think gives it that authentic football feel. The grass is meticulously maintained to stay lush and green throughout the season.
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Before games, the field is painted with bright white lines and Virginia logos. It looks beautiful, especially with the mountains in the background. The natural grass provides good footing for players while reducing injuries compared to artificial turf.
Architectural Design
I’m always impressed by Scott Stadium’s unique look. Its horseshoe shape opens up to scenic views of Monticello Mountain. The exterior has a cool mix of brick and white columns that fits right in with UVA’s historic campus architecture.
Inside, there are wide concourses that make it easy to move around. The stadium has permanent lighting for night games. My favorite part is how the upper deck hangs over the lower bowl, which makes the crowd noise really intense. It’s a great blend of classic college stadium vibes with modern amenities.
Events at David A. Harrison III Field
David A. Harrison III Field hosts exciting games and performances year-round. I’ve seen some amazing football matchups, rocking concerts, and intense lacrosse championships here over the years.
Football Games
I love cheering on the Virginia Cavaliers football team at Scott Stadium. The atmosphere is electric, especially for night games and ACC matchups. Some of my favorite events are:
- The South’s Oldest Rivalry against North Carolina
- Thursday night games under the lights
- The Commonwealth Cup battle with Virginia Tech
The stadium really comes alive for big games. I’ve seen over 60,000 fans pack the stands, creating an incredible home-field advantage for the Cavaliers.
Concerts and Performances
Scott Stadium isn’t just for sports – I’ve attended some unforgettable concerts here too. The venue has hosted major acts like:
- The Rolling Stones
- Dave Matthews Band
- U2
These shows transform the field into a massive outdoor concert venue. The sound quality is surprisingly good for a stadium. I love how the music echoes off the surrounding mountains as the sun sets.
Lacrosse Championships
As a lacrosse fan, I’m thrilled that Scott Stadium hosts major championships. I’ve watched both men’s and women’s teams compete at the highest levels here. Some key events include:
- NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship
- ACC Women’s Lacrosse Tournament
The fast-paced action of lacrosse fits perfectly in this venue. I enjoy seeing the field configured for lacrosse and watching the skilled athletes compete for titles.
Fan Experience at Scott Stadium
I’ve found Scott Stadium to offer a fantastic gameday atmosphere. The traditions, facilities, and location all contribute to making it a special place to watch Virginia football.
Gameday Traditions
When I attend games at Scott Stadium, I love joining in the pregame festivities. The “Cavalier Walk” lets fans cheer on the team as they enter the stadium. Once inside, I always get chills hearing the crowd sing the “Good Old Song” after touchdowns.
The student section, known as the “Hoo Crew,” brings amazing energy. Their chants and cheers really pump up the team and crowd. At halftime, I enjoy watching the Cavalier Marching Band’s performance. They put on quite a show!
Facilities and Amenities
Scott Stadium’s facilities impress me every time I visit. The giant video board called ‘Hoo Vision gives great replays and stats. I appreciate the wide concourses that make it easy to grab food or use the restroom without missing much action.
For seating, I have a few favorite spots. The lower bowl offers great views close to the field. On hot days, I like the shaded upper deck. The luxury suites look amazing too, though I’ve never splurged for one myself.
The food options satisfy my gameday cravings. From classic hot dogs to local specialties, I always find something tasty.
Accessibility and Location
I find Scott Stadium very easy to access. It sits right on the University of Virginia’s Grounds, making it convenient for students and locals. Plenty of parking lots surround the stadium for those driving in.
The stadium’s setting is beautiful. I love seeing Monticello Mountain as a backdrop while watching the game. The Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon add to the picturesque scene.
Public transportation options help me avoid gameday traffic when I don’t want to drive. Overall, the location adds to the college football atmosphere I enjoy so much at Scott Stadium.
Cultural and Academic Significance
The Carl Smith Center holds a special place in the heart of the University of Virginia community. I’ve noticed how it blends sports tradition with the school’s rich academic heritage. Let’s explore its deeper meaning beyond just football.
University of Virginia’s Heritage
The stadium sits near UVA’s historic Academical Village, which tells me a lot about its importance. I love how it connects to Thomas Jefferson’s vision for the school. The Lawn, a central part of campus life, isn’t far away either.
When I attend games, I feel the link between UVA’s past and present. The Virginia High School League often holds events here too. This brings in students from all over the state, spreading UVA’s influence.
Stadium and University Landmarks
I’ve always been struck by how the stadium fits into UVA’s landscape. It’s close to Brown College and Hereford College, two key parts of student life. This placement makes game days feel like a true campus event.
The stadium replaced Lambeth Field years ago, but kept the spirit of UVA sports alive. From certain spots, I can see Monticello Mountain in the distance. This view reminds me of UVA’s deep roots in Virginia history.
What I find really cool is how the stadium design matches UVA’s style. It uses similar bricks and architecture, making it feel like a natural part of the school.
Notable Figures
I’ve learned about some amazing people connected to this stadium. They’ve made big impacts on Virginia football and the university. Let’s look at who they are and why they matter.
Influential Personalities
I’m excited to tell you about Carl W. Smith. He’s a big name here! The stadium’s full name includes “Carl Smith Center” because of him. He gave lots of money to make the place better.
David A. Harrison III is another key person. The field is named after him. He loved UVA and helped the school a lot.
J.C. Herbert Bryant is cool too. There’s a special hall named for him – Bryant Hall. It’s where football players study and train.
Al Groh was a famous coach here. He led the team from 2001 to 2009. Many fans still talk about his time as coach.
Commemorated Legends
I think it’s neat how the stadium honors old UVA heroes. Elisabeth Strother Scott and Frederic William Scott are two big names. The stadium is called “Scott Stadium” because of their family.
Captain Norton Pritchett is another legend. He played here long ago and later became a war hero.
The Virginia Football Hall of Fame is inside the stadium. It’s full of great players and coaches from UVA’s past.
Frederic W. Scott (different from the earlier one) helped build the first version of the stadium way back in 1931. I love how his gift still helps fans enjoy games today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let me answer some common questions about Scott Stadium at the University of Virginia. I’ll cover the basics like seating and field type, plus some fun facts about views and traditions.
What’s the seating capacity at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville?
Scott Stadium can hold 61,500 fans. That’s a lot of cheering Cavaliers! The stadium often gets packed for big games against rivals.
Can visitors get a view of Monticello from within the stadium?
Yes! One of my favorite things about Scott Stadium is the beautiful view of Monticello Mountain in the background. You can see Thomas Jefferson’s historic home while watching the game.
What is the official name of the University of Virginia’s football stadium?
The full name is quite a mouthful. It’s officially called The Carl Smith Center, home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium. Most people just call it Scott Stadium for short.
Does Scott Stadium have a natural grass playing field or is it artificial turf?
Scott Stadium uses natural grass. The players love the feel of real grass under their feet during games.
What are the best seating options for experiencing a game at Scott Stadium?
I think the best seats are in the lower bowl near the 50-yard line. You get a great view of the action. The upper deck also offers nice views of the field and surrounding mountains.
Are there any unique traditions to look out for during a game at the Carl Smith Center?
One fun tradition is the Cavalier on horseback. Before each game, a rider dressed as a Cavalier gallops across the field with a sword. It really gets the crowd excited for kickoff!
