Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
Bulldog Stadium 1 Fleming Dr Seguin, TX 78155
Year Opened: 2014
Capacity: 1,500
Welcome to the Dog Pound
When it comes to college football at the Division III level, few teams have had as much success in recent years as the Texas Lutheran University Bulldogs. Located near the flowing Guadalupe River in Seguin, Texas, Texas Lutheran first fielded a football team in 1912. In the one hundred-plus years since, they have become perennial powers on the gridiron, most recently in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
The Bulldogs won three consecutive conference championships from 2014-2016, and earned a trip to the DIII football playoffs in 2014. They achieved all of this recent success from the confines of their new home, Bulldog Stadium, which opened in 2014. While small by college – and most Texas high school – standards, Bulldog Stadium gives Texas Lutheran a unique home field advantage while playing under the South Texas sun.
Food & Beverage 1
If you are coming to Bulldog Stadium looking for gourmet, over-the-top, or outlandish food offerings, you might need to grab a bite at the tailgate before the game. However, what the facility lacks in frills, it more than makes up for in frugality.
There are two food trailers stationed on opposite ends of the home field stands at the stadium, and these offer your standard food items. These cash-only stations offer hot dogs ($2.50), sausage wraps ($3), bottled water ($2.50) and bottled sodas ($3). However, you can bring in your own food items from outside the stadium – with one exception – alcohol is not allowed in Bulldog Stadium at all.
Atmosphere 3
Bulldog Stadium has a great deal in common with many mid-level high school football stadiums; especially those in Texas. I don’t mean this negatively at all, mind you. The layout is very similar, with bleacher style-seating, much larger on the home field side. The all-weather track surrounds the field and the school’s marching band (which will be touched on later) sits in the stands with the student body – this style of stadium allows for the home-team crowd’s energy to be felt from one end of the home stands to the other.
A great feature of Bulldog Stadium that was built into the field when it opened are the general admission seats that are on two hills, one in each end zone: Burn’s Berm and Church Hill – each named after a generous donor to the athletic program. These give not only a great vantage point for the on-field action, but also are a great overall way to watch a football game.
Neighborhood 3
Located 30 miles northeast of San Antonio, Seguin has become a popular commuter city for those looking to escape from the big-city trappings of the Alamo City. While Seguin has grown – it has a population of just under 28,000 – it still is able to maintain a small-town vibe. The Texas Lutheran University campus is one of the most beautiful in the area, set among sprawling native pecan trees, and not too far from the Guadalupe River.
This part of Texas is full of history, especially concerning the Texas Revolution (the city changed its name in 1838 to honor Texas hero Juan Seguin). Driving around the city, you’ll find numerous markers denoting some of the legends and historical events that took place in the area.
For nature lovers, Walnut Springs Park is truly something special. It has been revitalized in the past decade, and is now recognized as one of the best small-town urban parks in the state. It is perfect for hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or just enjoying a day in the outdoors.
If you’re looking for something with a little more adrenaline, look no further than ZDT’s Amusement Park. Roller coasters and other thrill-seeking rides abound – and the park is very reasonably priced for families.
For dining options, the Dixie Grill has been a favorite of locals for many years, and is located right off Interstate 10; you can’t miss it as you head into Seguin from either the East or the West. Another popular spot is the Powerplant Texas Grill; built on the grounds of an old utility plant on the Guadalupe, this is a popular spot for all kinds of local fare – plus, you can hit the river either before or after your meal.
When it comes to hotels, all the usual chain suspects can be found in Seguin, and all are fairly close (not within walking distance though) of Bulldog Stadium. If you want something a little off the beaten path, check out the Olivia Mansion, a B&B housed in an old Victorian-era mansion. You might also look for the Park Plaza Hotel in downtown Seguin.
Fans 3
While attendance figures for football in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), of which TLU is a member, aren’t available colloquially, I can tell you that Bulldog fans show up to support their team in droves. There is something to be said for being the proverbial only game in town – fans will get behind you and come out, and they are also enthusiastic.
Tailgating can be found before the game for several hours before the gates open, and there is also a special alumni tailgate that stays open the whole game, and allows fans to mingle during halftime. In recent years, the team has given the home fans a lot to cheer about, and the fans have rewarded their squad with their enthusiasm and their support. While there may not be many, they are a vocal bunch.
Access 3
Bulldog Stadium is easily accessible via either Highway 90 or Highway 46. San Antonio is the closest major city to Seguin; Austin is also within shouting distance by traveling the new 130 toll road. From San Antonio, it is just around 30 minutes away; from Austin, a shade under an hour.
Signs clearly mark the way, and you won’t be able to miss Bulldog Stadium as it rises from the Seguin hills. Parking is ample at the stadium and is free. One caveat though, seating tends to fill up fast – especially on the visitor’s side. If you’re not interested in sitting on one of the hills, you might want to get there early.
Return on Investment 3
A single-game, general admission ticket for games at Bulldog Stadium starts at $10 per person; for children 6-18 (younger get in free) and seniors (65 and up) tickets are only $5. This is a great bargain, especially for a program with the history of success that Texas Lutheran has had. With free parking and the low cost for concessions items, you are getting a bargain at these games.
Extras 2
There is not much in the way of extras at Bulldog Stadium; what they do have though is enough to delight the crowd. First, I personally am a sucker for live mascots. The Bulldogs bring out the live version of their mascot, Lucky, before every game to serve as the official greeter for the players as they take the field. The costumed version of Lucky also wins the hearts of fans as he patrols the sidelines, and interacts with kids on the two hills.
Like all great college programs, Texas Lutheran boasts their own band. The “Hounds of Sound” sit in the stands with their fellow students, and they do a great job of firing up the crowd.
Final Thoughts
While Division III action might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I would venture a guess that any attendee will be drawn in by the action, the skill, and the passion of the players. Bulldog Stadium will remind many visitors of a high school facility; however, this is not always a bad thing. Getting the chance to see the action up close in an intimate venue puts all the focus on the players and the game. If you’re in the vicinity during football season, make a visit to Bulldog Stadium in Seguin, TX.
Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.
Comments