Photo By Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Dunn-Oliver Acadome 1595 Robert C. Hatch Dr Montgomery, AL 36104
Year Opened: 1992
Capacity: 7,400
The Hornets’ Nest
The city of Montgomery is home to the campus of Alabama State University, one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the nation. Alabama State’s athletics are known as the Hornets and they play in Division One’s Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
The venue is named for Charles Johnson “C.J.” Dunn and James Oliver, two of the Hornets’ most prominent coaches. The Hornets have called the venue home since 1992. Alabama State has made four NCAA Tournaments at the Division One level, last making the big dance in 2011.
Food & Beverage 2
The concession stands have a limited menu that includes nachos ($9), hot dogs ($4), popcorn ($4), candy ($2), chips ($2), and Coca-Cola brand bottled beverages ($4). Alcohol is not sold at the Acadome.
Atmosphere 4
When entering the Dunn-Oliver Acadome you first see trophy cases showing off the athletic successes of the Hornets sports programs over the years. Once you walk into the seating bowl you might imagine that you are walking into a hornet's nest. The ceiling looks like a honeycomb of a bee hive and the three-point arcs also have the pattern on the floor.
There is a lot of black and gold throughout the arena with the seats alternating between those colors, the out-of-bounds area of the court is black, the free-throw lane is gold, and the banners that are displayed on the walls are also gold. There is a hornet at center court of the playing floor. You know instantly it’s the home of the Alabama State Hornets basketball program.
The walls have banners showing postseason successes and the numbers of retired players. There is a modern scoreboard on one end of the arena. Alabama State’s cheerleaders, dance team, and band do an amazing job of keeping the energy up during a game. Stinger, the Alabama State mascot, walks around the arena keeping families entertained.
Neighborhood 3
The campus of Alabama State University is located in Montgomery which is the capital of Alabama. The capitol building is located less than two miles north of the university. Other landmarks worth checking out in Montgomery include the Rosa Parks Museum, the Freedom Rides Museum, the Civil Rights Memorial, and the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum.
Dining options include Wintzell’s Oyster House, Dreamland BBQ, and Bibb Street Pizza Company. Chain hotels such as Embassy Suites, SpringHill Suites, and Hampton Inn are located in downtown Montgomery.
Fans 3
Alabama State fans are passionate about the Hornet's athletic teams and are appreciative of the athlete's efforts. Helped by the atmosphere created by the band, cheerleaders, dance team, and Stinger, the fans are engaged throughout the game.
Access 4
Coming from I-65, turn onto I-85 and get off exit 1 onto Arba Street. Turn right on S Decatur Street and make a left on Carter Hill Road. The Acadome will be on your left and is hard to miss.
From I-85 westbound, get off at exit 1 and turn left onto S Union Street. Make a left on Carter Hill Road and look for the Acadome.
Parking is free and there is plenty of room to walk around once inside the building.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets are only $10 for a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader. Even if you drop $10 on concessions you will only spend $20 for a day of SWACtion as well as hear performances from an amazing marching band.
Extras 2
There are plenty of museums around Montgomery to visit if you have some time to check them out. The venue hosted high school basketball regionals for several years but stopped hosting a few years ago.
Final Thoughts
You will not go wrong with spending a day at the Acadome as you will get to see competitive Division One basketball with an amazing band and not break the bank while doing so.
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