Veterans Memorial Stadium at Larry Blakeney Field Review: A Welcoming Home for Troy Football Fans

Veterans Memorial Stadium at Larry Blakeney Field is a special place for Troy University football fans. I’ve visited “The Vet” many times over the years and always enjoy the game day atmosphere. The stadium has grown a lot since it was first built in 1950.

Today, Veterans Memorial Stadium seats over 30,000 fans and offers modern amenities for Trojans supporters. I love how the facility honors both veterans and former coach Larry Blakeney, whose name now graces the field. It’s a great tribute to Troy’s history.

When I attend games at The Vet, I’m always impressed by how much it’s improved. The renovations have made it a top-notch venue for college football in Alabama. From the expanded seating to the updated features, it’s clear Troy takes pride in giving fans and players a great experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Veterans Memorial Stadium holds over 30,000 fans for Troy Trojans football games
  • The stadium honors veterans and former coach Larry Blakeney
  • Recent upgrades have improved the fan experience at The Vet

History and Naming Legacy

Veterans Memorial Stadium has a rich history tied to Troy University and its football program. The stadium’s story includes honoring veterans, recognizing a legendary coach, and marking the school’s rise in college football.

Origin of Veterans Memorial Stadium

Veterans Memorial Stadium started as a small venue in 1950. It cost just $65,000 to build and only had 5,000 seats. The name honors those who served in World War II. I find it inspiring that Troy chose to remember veterans this way.

As Troy’s football program grew, so did the stadium. It went through several upgrades over the years. Each expansion made room for more fans to cheer on the Trojans.

Dedication to Larry Blakeney

In 2011, Troy made a big change to honor a special person. They named the field after Larry Blakeney, the most winning coach in school history. I think it’s a great way to recognize his impact.

Blakeney coached Troy for 24 years. He led the team through some big changes. The field naming shows how much he meant to Troy football.

Transition to Division I-A

Under Blakeney’s leadership, Troy made a huge leap. They moved from Division II to Division I-A (now FBS) in 2001. This was a big deal for the school and the stadium.

The move meant Troy joined the Sun Belt Conference. It put them on a bigger stage in college football. The stadium had to grow to meet new standards. Today, it can hold 30,470 fans. That’s a long way from its 5,000-seat start!

Stadium Specifications

Veterans Memorial Stadium at Troy University has some impressive features. Let’s take a closer look at the seating arrangements and special facilities that make this stadium stand out.

Seating and Capacity

When I first visited Veterans Memorial Stadium, I was amazed by its size. The stadium can hold 30,470 fans. That’s a lot of people cheering for the Troy Trojans!

The stadium has grown a lot over the years. It started small in 1950, with just 5,000 seats. But it kept getting bigger. By 1998, it could fit 17,500 people. Now, it’s even larger.

I love how the seats give everyone a good view of the field. The stadium feels big, but not too big. It’s just right for creating an exciting game-day buzz.

Press and Club Facilities

The press and club areas at Veterans Memorial Stadium are really nice. I’ve had the chance to check them out, and they’re top-notch.

The press box is where all the action happens off the field. It’s a great spot for reporters to work and watch the game. The stadium also has fancy sky boxes for VIP guests.

One of my favorite parts is the Trojan Stadium Club. It’s a special area where fans can enjoy the game in style. The club has comfy seats and great food options.

These facilities aren’t just for show. They help make the stadium a modern media hosting facility. It’s perfect for big games and events.

Athletic Amenities

Veterans Memorial Stadium offers top-notch facilities for Troy’s athletes. I’ve been impressed by the comprehensive sports medicine and conditioning areas, as well as the spacious locker rooms and player spaces.

Sports Medicine and Conditioning

The sports medicine center at Veterans Memorial Stadium is state-of-the-art. I’ve seen the treatment tables, rehab equipment, and hydrotherapy pools that help players recover quickly from injuries.

The strength and conditioning area is huge. It’s filled with free weights, machines, and cardio equipment to keep the football team in peak shape year-round.

I love how there’s plenty of open floor space for agility drills and stretching. The staff seems really knowledgeable about creating tailored workout plans for different positions and player needs.

Locker Room and Player Areas

The locker room is a player’s home away from home during the season. At Veterans Memorial Stadium, it’s spacious and well-designed. Each player gets a roomy locker with plenty of storage for gear and personal items.

I’m a fan of the team meeting rooms nearby. They have comfy chairs and big screens for watching game film and strategizing.

The recruiting lounge is another nice touch. It gives potential Troy players a taste of the first-class facilities they’ll enjoy if they join the team. With its stylish decor and great views of the field, it really makes an impression.

Fan Experience

The fan experience at Veterans Memorial Stadium is lively and fun. I love the energetic atmosphere and entertainment options on game days.

Tailgating and Atmosphere

I always enjoy tailgating before Troy Trojans games. The Tailgate Terrace is a great spot to hang out with friends and get pumped for kickoff.

Fans set up tents, grills, and coolers all around the stadium. The smell of barbecue fills the air. You’ll see lots of red and white Trojans gear everywhere.

College students pack the student section. Their energy is contagious. I love hearing them chant and cheer throughout the game.

Music and Entertainment

The Sound of the South marching band gets me fired up. Their pregame and halftime shows are a highlight.

During breaks in play, the stadium blasts upbeat music to keep the crowd engaged. T-shirt tosses and dance cams on the video board are fun too.

Mascot T-Roy roams the sidelines, high-fiving fans and posing for photos. Kids especially love interacting with the friendly Trojan warrior.

Between the band, music, and on-field contests, there’s rarely a dull moment. The lively atmosphere makes attending games a blast.

Technological Features

Veterans Memorial Stadium has some cool tech that makes game day awesome. Let’s check out the high-tech scoreboards and impressive sound and lighting.

Scoreboards and Displays

I love the giant Daktronics replay board at Veterans Memorial Stadium. It’s huge and shows crystal-clear video. I can see every play up close, even from the nosebleed seats.

The stadium also has ribbon boards that wrap around the field. These long digital screens show stats, ads, and pump up the crowd. It’s like being in a video game!

I always keep an eye on the main scoreboard too. It’s easy to read and tells me everything I need to know about the game at a glance.

Sound and Lighting Systems

The sound system at Veterans Memorial Stadium is top-notch. I can hear every announcement loud and clear, no matter where I’m sitting. The speakers are spread out perfectly, so the sound is even throughout the stadium.

The lighting is super bright, making night games feel like daytime. LED lights make the colors pop on the field. It’s great for seeing all the action and taking photos.

I love how the lighting can change colors for special effects. It adds to the excitement during big plays and celebrations.

Community Engagement

Veterans Memorial Stadium at Larry Blakeney Field brings people together. It’s more than just a place for Troy football games. The stadium plays a big role in the community.

Local Impact

I’ve seen how the stadium affects Troy. It brings in visitors on game days. These folks spend money at local shops and restaurants. This helps our economy grow.

The stadium also creates jobs. People work as ticket takers, security, and concession workers. These jobs help local families.

I love how the stadium showcases Troy to people from all over. When visitors come, they see our beautiful town. This can lead to more interest in Troy as a place to live or do business.

High School and Community Events

The stadium isn’t just for college games. I’ve attended high school football games here too. It’s exciting for local teens to play on the same field as the Trojans.

Community events happen at the stadium year-round. I’ve been to concerts, graduations, and charity walks here. It’s a great space for big gatherings.

The stadium hosts youth sports clinics. Kids get to learn from college athletes. This inspires the next generation of players.

I think it’s wonderful how the stadium brings different parts of our community together. It’s a place where memories are made for people of all ages.

Recent Upgrades and Improvements

Veterans Memorial Stadium has seen big changes lately. The playing field got a makeover and more seats were added. These upgrades make the stadium better for players and fans.

Playing Surface Innovations

I was amazed by the new playing surface at Veterans Memorial Stadium. They switched from natural grass to AstroPlay artificial turf. This change helps the field stay in great shape all season.

Later, they put in Matrix Helix RealFill turf. It feels more like real grass and is safer for players. I love how the new surface looks on game days. The bright green field really pops on TV!

Stadium Expansion

I’ve watched the stadium grow over the years. It started small, but now it’s huge! In 1998, they added seats to fit 17,500 fans. That was just the start.

A big upgrade happened in 2002. They built more seats to hold 30,000 people. The North End Zone facility was part of this project. It added a fancy new look to the stadium.

These changes cost about $18 million. But it was worth it! Now more fans can come to games. The stadium looks great and feels more exciting on game days.

Teams and Events Hosted

Veterans Memorial Stadium at Larry Blakeney Field is home to some exciting football action. I’ve seen countless thrilling games and memorable moments here over the years. Let me tell you about the teams that call this stadium home and some of the big matchups I’ve witnessed.

Home Team Triumphs

The Troy University Trojans are the stars of the show at this stadium. I’ve watched them rack up wins and dominate their conference. The Trojans have had many winning seasons here.

In recent years, I’ve seen them claim several Sun Belt league titles. The team’s success has really energized the fans. We pack the stands for every home game to cheer on our Trojans.

Notable Games and Rivalries

I always look forward to the rivalry games at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The matchups against Middle Tennessee and South Alabama are my favorites. The energy in the stadium is electric when these teams clash.

I’ll never forget when Troy upset Missouri here a few years back. It was one of the biggest wins in program history. The stadium was rocking that day!

Southern Miss is another big rival that brings out the competitive spirit. When they come to town, I know I’m in for an intense battle on the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Veterans Memorial Stadium at Larry Blakeney Field is a unique venue with an interesting history. I’ll answer some common questions about its capacity, location, and features.

How many fans can Veterans Memorial Stadium at Larry Blakeney Field accommodate?

Veterans Memorial Stadium at Larry Blakeney Field can hold 30,402 spectators. This capacity makes it a sizable venue for college football games and other events.

Where exactly is Veterans Memorial Stadium located?

The stadium is located at 5000 Veterans Stadium Drive in Troy, Alabama 36082. It’s on the campus of Troy University, making it easily accessible for students and visitors.

Can you tell me about the history of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Philadelphia?

I apologize, but I don’t have accurate information about a Veterans Memorial Stadium in Philadelphia. The stadium we’re discussing is in Troy, Alabama, not Philadelphia.

Who holds the ownership of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi?

I’m sorry, but there’s a mix-up here. The Veterans Memorial Stadium we’re talking about is in Troy, Alabama, not Jackson, Mississippi. Troy University owns this stadium.

What is the historical significance of Veterans Memorial Stadium at Larry Blakeney Field to the city of Troy?

Veterans Memorial Stadium has been a part of Troy since 1950. It’s named to honor military veterans. In 2011, the field was named after Larry Blakeney, a successful Troy football coach.

What are the notable features of Veterans Memorial Stadium at Larry Blakeney Field that enhance the game day experience?

The stadium has seen many upgrades over the years. It now has modern amenities like improved seating and updated facilities. These changes have made it a better place to watch football games and other events.

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