Doyt L. Perry Stadium Review: A Fun-Filled Football Experience in Bowling Green

Doyt L. Perry Stadium is a special place for football fans in Bowling Green, Ohio. I’ve been to many games there, and it’s always a fun experience. The stadium is named after a legendary coach and has been home to the Bowling Green Falcons since 1966.

The stadium can hold up to 23,724 fans and has a cool design that lets them add more seats in the future. I love how the stadium feels both big and cozy at the same time. It’s not the biggest in the MAC, but it’s got plenty of room for excited fans.

When I go to games at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, I always have a great time. The fans are festive, and the food is pretty good. Plus, the Falcons’ band puts on an awesome show. It’s more than just a football game – it’s a fun day out for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Doyt L. Perry Stadium offers a mix of history and modern amenities for football fans.
• The stadium’s design allows for future expansion to welcome even more Falcons supporters.
• Attending a game here provides a full entertainment experience beyond just watching football.

Overview of Doyt L. Perry Stadium

I love visiting Doyt L. Perry Stadium! It’s the home field of the Bowling Green Falcons football team. The stadium sits right on the campus of Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

When I walk in, I’m always impressed by its size. It can hold 24,000 fans, which creates an exciting atmosphere on game days.

The stadium opened back in 1966. It’s named after Doyt Perry, a famous Falcons coach from the 1950s and 60s. I think that’s a nice tribute to the team’s history.

One thing I really like is the FieldTurf they installed in 2007. It gives the field a fresh, modern look.

The stadium got lights in 2001, which I think is great. Now they can play night games, which are always fun to attend.

I’m also a fan of the video board they added in 2004. They even upgraded it in 2012, making it easier to follow the action.

For me, Doyt L. Perry Stadium is more than just a football field. It’s a place where the community comes together to cheer on the Falcons!

History and Background

Doyt L. Perry Stadium has been home to Bowling Green State University football for over 50 years. It’s named after a legendary coach and has seen many exciting moments. Let me tell you about how it came to be and some big events in its history.

Stadium Origins and Naming

In 1966, Bowling Green State University opened Doyt L. Perry Stadium to replace the aging University Stadium. I was excited to learn the new venue kicked off with a 13-0 win over Dayton on October 1 that year.

The stadium got its name from Doyt Perry, a coach who led the Falcons to great success. Perry had an amazing .855 winning percentage in the 1950s and 60s. That’s one of the best records in football history!

Before Doyt Perry Stadium, the team played at University Stadium for almost 40 years. But by the mid-1960s, it was time for an upgrade.

Major Milestones

One big event at the stadium was the Poe Ditch Music Festival in 1975. I bet that was a fun day!

The stadium has changed over time. It used to hold over 30,000 fans. Now it fits about 23,724 people after some renovations. They took out some stands to build the Sebo Athletic Center and add suites for boosters.

I think it’s cool that the stadium was designed to add an upper deck if needed. That shows the school was thinking ahead!

Football Team and Athletic Department

Doyt L. Perry Stadium is the heart of BGSU football. It’s where the team plays and where athletics are run. I’ll tell you about the Falcons and the offices here.

Home of the Bowling Green Falcons

The Bowling Green Falcons football team calls this stadium home. I love watching them play here! The team has a long history dating back to 1919.

They compete in the Mid-American Conference. The Falcons have won 12 conference titles over the years.

Some great NFL players got their start here. I’m talking about guys like:

• Kory Lichtensteiger
• Scott Mruczkowski
• Tyler Sheehan

The stadium seats 24,000 fans. On game days, it gets loud! The atmosphere is electric when the Falcons score.

Management and Staff Offices

The Athletic Department offices are right in the stadium. I think it’s cool how everything is in one place. The east side of Doyt Perry houses:

• Locker rooms
• Equipment rooms
• Training facilities
• Staff offices

The Athletic Director works here too. They oversee all BGSU sports programs.

I’ve heard the offices got updated a while back. They seem modern and functional now. Having everything centralized makes running the athletic programs easier.

Stadium Features

Doyt L. Perry Stadium has some nice features for fans. The seating, field, and amenities offer a good game day experience. Let me tell you about what I saw when I visited.

Seating and Viewing Areas

The stadium has metal bleacher seats on both sides of the field. I found them okay for sitting, but not super comfy. There’s a thin strip of chair back seats a few rows up, which looked nicer.

The stadium holds 24,000 fans. It’s not huge, but it felt cozy to me. I liked how close I felt to the action from my seat.

There’s no upper deck, so all the seats are pretty close to the field. I had a good view from where I sat. The stands are single-tier on both sides.

Field and Surface

The Falcons play on FieldTurf, which replaced the grass field in 2007. It looked nice and green when I visited.

The turf seemed to be in good shape. I watched the players run on it during warm-ups, and they moved well.

The field runs north-south. I noticed the stadium is open on both ends, which lets in a nice breeze on hot days.

Sebo Athletic Center and Stadium Club

The Sebo Athletic Center sits at the north end of the stadium. It houses team facilities and offices.

I got a peek inside the Stadium Club on the second floor. It has big windows overlooking the field. Looks like a cool spot to watch the game if you can get in.

The center adds a modern touch to the stadium. Its brick exterior matches the campus buildings nearby.

Fan Experience

I found the fan experience at Doyt L. Perry Stadium to be lively and enjoyable. The atmosphere was electric on game day, with passionate fans and an impressive marching band. The facilities were decent, though some areas could use updating.

Game Day Atmosphere

When I arrived at the stadium, I was greeted by a sea of orange and brown. Falcon fans were out in full force, tailgating and getting pumped for the game. The energy was contagious!

I loved watching the BGSU marching band perform. Their halftime show was a highlight for me. The music and choreography were top-notch.

Throughout the game, I noticed the crowd stayed engaged. They cheered loudly on big plays and booed the refs when calls didn’t go our way. It felt like a true college football experience.

Facilities and Accessibility

Getting into the stadium was pretty smooth. I didn’t have to wait in line too long. Once inside, I found my way around easily enough.

The concourses were a bit narrow in spots, which made it tricky to navigate during halftime when everyone was up and about. I wish they were a bit wider.

Seating was okay, but not great. Most seats are bleacher-style without backs. If you want a seat with a back, you’ll need to ask when buying tickets.

I didn’t see any elevators, which could be an issue for some fans. The bathrooms were clean but nothing special. Overall, the facilities felt a bit dated to me.

Events and Usage

Doyt L. Perry Stadium hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year. I’ve seen it come alive with football games, community gatherings, and university celebrations.

Football and Sports Schedules

The stadium really shines during Bowling Green Falcons football games. I love watching the team take the field for their home games each season. The atmosphere is electric!

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) schedule fills much of the fall. I’ve noticed big rivalry matchups draw the largest crowds. The annual game against Toledo is always a highlight.

Sometimes, I get to see high school football played here too. It’s great that local teams can experience the thrill of a college stadium.

Community and University Events

Beyond sports, I’ve attended some amazing events at the Doyt. The stadium hosted the Great American Eclipse viewing in April 2024. It was incredible to share that moment with thousands of people.

Graduation ceremonies often take place here. I’ve seen proud families fill the stands to cheer on new graduates.

The stadium has even hosted concerts. Back in 1975, there was a big music festival called the Poe Ditch Music Festival. While that was before my time, I’ve heard stories about how wild it was.

Visitor Information

Going to a game at Doyt L. Perry Stadium is a fun experience. I’ve put together some key info to help you plan your visit. Here’s what you need to know about tickets, parking, and food options.

Ticketing and Admission

I always buy my tickets online before gameday. It’s quick and easy. Tickets for Bowling Green games are available through the school’s website. Prices are pretty reasonable compared to bigger schools.

Students get in free with their ID. For everyone else, tickets usually run $20-$30 for most games. Big rivalry games might cost a bit more.

I’ve used StubHub a few times when games were sold out. You can often find good deals there, especially last-minute.

Parking and Transportation

Parking at Doyt Perry Stadium is pretty straightforward. I like to get there early to snag a good spot. There are lots right next to the stadium that cost about $10-$15.

If those fill up, there’s more parking across Mercer Road. It’s a short walk to the stadium from there.

For big games, I sometimes take the shuttle from downtown. It’s free and saves the hassle of parking.

Concessions and Nearby Amenities

The food inside Doyt L. Perry Stadium is your typical stadium fare. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn – that kind of stuff. Prices are about what you’d expect at a college game.

I often grab a bite before the game at one of the restaurants on Wooster Street. There are some good pizza places and sports bars within walking distance.

If you’re staying overnight, there are a few hotels near campus. Nothing fancy, but they’re clean and convenient.

Additional Information

I’ve gathered some extra details about Doyt L. Perry Stadium that fans might find helpful. Here’s info on stadium rules and upcoming changes to improve the game day experience.

Stadium Policies and Procedures

When I visit the Doyt L. Perry Stadium, I always check the latest policies. Bags larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ aren’t allowed inside. I make sure to bring only small clutches or clear bags.

Tailgating is a big part of game day. I love arriving early to set up in the parking lots. The stadium opens 90 minutes before kickoff, giving me time to find my seat and grab some food.

I’ve noticed the sidelines can get crowded, so I try to stay in my assigned seat. The grandstands offer great views, but I bring a seat cushion for extra comfort during long games.

Renovations and Future Plans

I’m excited about the changes coming to the Doyt. There are plans to upgrade the premium seating areas, including new luxury suites and a club section.

The stadium was built to allow for expansion. I’ve heard talks about adding an upper deck to boost capacity. This could really improve game attendance, which has been a focus in recent years.

Improvements to concessions and restrooms are also in the works. I’m looking forward to shorter lines and more food options on game days.

Local and Regional Impact

Doyt L. Perry Stadium has a big effect on Bowling Green and the surrounding area. It brings money, brings people together, and creates exciting rivalries. Let’s look at how this stadium shapes our community.

Economic Contributions

The stadium brings in a lot of cash to our area. When there’s a game, fans flock to Bowling Green. They eat at local restaurants, stay in hotels, and shop in our stores. This means more jobs and money for our community.

I’ve seen how busy it gets on game days. The streets are full of people wearing orange and brown. Local businesses put up “Go Falcons!” signs and offer special deals. It’s like a big party for the whole town.

The Bowling Green Falcons games also bring in money from TV deals and sponsorships. This helps fund other sports and programs at the university.

Community Engagement

Doyt L. Perry Stadium is more than just a place for football. It’s a hub for community events. I’ve been to concerts, festivals, and even graduations here.

The stadium hosts youth sports camps too. Kids get to play on the same field as their Falcon heroes. It’s a great way to inspire the next generation of athletes.

BGSU also uses the stadium for charity events. I’ve taken part in fundraising walks around the track. It’s amazing to see how sports can bring people together for good causes.

Rivalries and Partnerships

The biggest rivalry is the Battle of I-75 against Toledo. When this game comes to town, the energy is electric. Fans from both sides pack the stadium. It’s a friendly rivalry that brings out the best in both teams.

Our stadium also hosts other MAC games. These matchups create partnerships between schools. Fans travel to support their teams, boosting local economies.

I love seeing how these games create a sense of pride in our region. Whether you’re a Falcon fan or not, there’s something special about Midwest football. Doyt L. Perry Stadium is at the heart of this tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gathered some common questions about Doyt L. Perry Stadium. These cover seating, suites, parking, and details about Bowling Green State University and its football team.

How many people can Doyt L. Perry Stadium seat?

Doyt L. Perry Stadium can hold 23,724 people. This makes it one of the smaller stadiums in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

The stadium’s capacity has changed over time. When it first opened in 1966, it could seat 23,232 fans.

Are there suites available at Doyt L. Perry Stadium, and how can one book them?

I’m afraid I don’t have specific information about suites at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. For the most up-to-date info on suite availability and booking, I suggest contacting the BGSU Athletics department directly.

They’ll be able to provide details on any premium seating options that might be available.

What are the parking options when attending a game at Doyt L. Perry Stadium?

I don’t have exact details on parking for Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Your best bet is to check the BGSU Athletics website for current parking info.

They should have maps and guidelines for game day parking. I recommend arriving early to secure a good spot.

What is the home stadium of the Bowling Green Falcons football team?

The Bowling Green Falcons football team calls Doyt L. Perry Stadium their home. It’s been their home field since the stadium opened in 1966.

The stadium is named after Doyt L. Perry, a legendary Falcons coach from the 1950s and 1960s.

Where is Bowling Green State University located?

Bowling Green State University is located in Bowling Green, Ohio. It’s in the northwest part of the state.

The city of Bowling Green is about 20 miles south of Toledo and roughly 120 miles west of Cleveland.

How can I find the Bowling Green football team’s schedule for the current season?

To find the current Bowling Green football schedule, I recommend visiting the official BGSU Athletics website.

They’ll have the most up-to-date schedule info, including game times and opponents. You can also usually find ticket info there.