Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
Villanova Stadium 185 Ithan Ave Philadelphia, PA 19010
Year Opened: 1927
Capacity: 12,500
Football on The Main Line
Although Villanova is most known for its basketball program which is one of the top teams in the country, the school also has a football program that is one of the elite schools in Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Since football was reinstated in 1985, the Wildcats have won seven conference titles and made the playoffs 14 times, including a national championship in 2009.
The Wildcats call Villanova Stadium home. Located on campus in Villanova, PA adjacent to Finneran Pavilion, this stadium was built in 1927 and has undergone several updates since then.
Food & Beverage 3
There are concession stands at both ends of the stadium serving food from local favorite Chickies & Pete’s. The menu is limited but high-quality. Boneless wings are $12 (with buffalo sauce absurdly being $2 extra) and Chickies & Pete’s signature crab fries cost $12. Despite the name, these fries contain no actual crab, but are topped with crab seasoning and served with cheese sauce. The portion is large, and if you want to share or just really like the sauce, you can get an extra thing of cheese sauce for $2. Hot dogs are $7, popcorn is $5, candy is $4, pretzels are $4 (plus an extra $2 to get the cheese sauce with it), and soft drinks and water are $5. While the prices are a bit high, they’re better quality than you get at most stadiums. Still, it is absolutely ridiculous that you have to pay extra to get sauce with your wings.
Atmosphere 3
Villanova Stadium is an old stadium and does not have a layout to befit a top FCS program. Walking inside the stadium, you will walk down a narrow passageway which will put you right at the bleachers. Seating is general admission, although the seats closest to midfield are limited to season ticket holders and other VIPs. Some seats on the north side of the stadium are reserved for students and the band. Your ticket should explain where you are allowed to sit. All seats except for a few small VIP areas are uncomfortable metal bleachers without backs. The field is surrounded by a track, which means the stands are set further back than they otherwise would be and creates weird sightlines. There is a small scoreboard behind one end zone and a larger video board behind the other.
The Wildcats have a small marching band, cheerleaders, and a costumed wildcat mascot. During breaks in the action, there will often be contests going on, although they do not happen on the field but in an area behind the end zone. Villanova has a loud, imposing student section that takes up almost a quarter of the stadium which significantly adds to the atmosphere here but it is still a pretty basic stadium.
Neighborhood 4
Villanova Stadium is located on Lancaster Avenue on the Villanova campus in suburban Philadelphia. There are a few options along that street within walking distance or a short drive away depending on your tolerance for walking. The Refectory is a popular restaurant within easy walking distance, Campus Corner is a popular pizza place with local students, and there are numerous other options a short drive away including Minella’s Diner. There is really no need to deal with traffic and city parking to head into Philadelphia.
Fans 4
Villanova typically averages about 8,000 fans a game although the attendance can range from about half of that to over 12,000 depending on the usual factors. The fans who do show up are passionate, loyal, and knowledgeable about their team. This stadium can get loud at big moments in the game. The student section is especially boisterous. They will stand, cheer, and shout throughout the game and will often sway in unison or wave their towels. They make the stadium an imposing place for visiting teams to play. Although Villanova Stadium will rarely sell out, the crowds here usually are pretty good and help create an electric atmosphere.
Villanova Wildcats Student Section, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Access 2
Villanova Stadium is located just off of I-476. Parking is available at an hourly rate in the I-1 garage across the street from the stadium. Take a ticket as you come in and pay as you leave. If paying with cash, you will need to pay at the station, if paying by credit card, pay the attendant as you go. When arriving, exit the garage on the second level and cross the street to the stadium.
Entering the stadium can take a while, especially as game time approaches, so make sure to leave yourself plenty of time if you want to see the kickoff. Getting around the stadium involves walking through some narrow pathways and can be tricky, especially if there is large attendance. Bathrooms are located under the bleachers by the entrance and are fairly small, so this could be a problem if it gets crowded.
Return on Investment 3
General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth (ages 3-12). Kids two and under get in free, as do Villanova students. As mentioned above, certain sections are excluded from general admission and your ticket will tell you where you can sit. Concessions are a bit pricey but high-quality for the most part. However, as noted in the food section, it is ridiculous that you have to pay extra to get sauce with your boneless wings.
Extras 2
There are free programs available in a box by the entrance.
A second star for the Villanova student section, which adds tremendously to the experience here.
Final Thoughts
Villanova is definitely a basketball school first and foremost. However, their football team has enjoyed considerable success as well and has a loyal fan base and passionate student section. Unfortunately, they do not have a stadium that is befitting of such a strong program. Villanova Stadium is almost 100 years old and while it has undergone some renovations, it is showing its age. That being said, a trip here can still be enjoyable for college football fans in the area.
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