Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Jayne Stadium 111 Playforth Place Morehead, KY 40351
Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 10,000
Scenic Views and Simple Pleasures
Jayne Stadium is home to the Morehead State University Eagles football team. Opened in 1964, the multi-purpose facility also serves as home to the school's women's soccer program. The stadium was named in honor of W.L. Jayne, former administrator, and faculty member.
The facility resembles a high school football field, but when in attendance, its location near Poppy Mountain makes the stadium view stand out among voluminous facilities across the country.
Food & Beverage 2
In regards to menu options, there is not a copious amount to choose from. However, with the size of the football stadium, you might already be aware of this. What it lacks in diversity, it greatly makes up for in pricing. All items, with the exception of the $8 bag of beef jerky, are priced between $1-$4. You may not even find these prices at a high school football game.
The standards are all here: candy, chips, a tub of popcorn, hot dogs, pizza, and walking tacos. The higher premium of selections include brats, Angus works dogs, and barbecue sandwiches. All of the food is served underneath the grandstand at the lone concession stand by individuals who seem as if they are volunteering, just like your parents did when you played high school or little league sports.
Atmosphere 4
You cannot blame Morehead State for its surroundings, nestled at the foot of Poppy Mountain. It is an outdoorsman's paradise and it is not hard to view in delight at the many hills that encircle the football stadium. The best time may be in late October or early November when the weather starts to cool off and the leaves are turning crisp yellow and rutilant.
The size of the stadium also adds its own piquancy in that it feels like a minor league baseball stadium. Once you enter the stadium there is a small ticket window and souvenir stand that features an array of Morehead paraphernalia. The school's colors of blue and yellow are predominantly featured and former player's jerseys are honored in the rafters. A gentleman I grew up watching, Phil Simms, is one of those men.
The seating in the main grandstand is metal bleachers that are painted yellow and blue. The visitors' section on the opposite side stands out sharply with a strong blue hue and larger-than-life yellow M painted in the stands. The team's official mascot does an admirable job of entertaining fans young and old during the game.
Neighborhood 3
The Sawstone Brewing Company is less than half a mile from the ballpark and has a great selection of beer and outside, and patio seating. There are also food trucks and Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta across the street. Customers can bring a pizza or sandwich into the bar and enjoy it with a Kentucky Common or Pale Ale.
Eastern Kentucky has many opportunities for outdoor recreation that includes: tubing, skiing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Daniel Boone National Forest, Cave Run Lake, and Amburgey Rock are worth exploring when in the area. There can be more found on the county’s official website.
The school's baseball stadium Allen Field and basketball arena Johnson Arena are adjacent to Jayne Stadium. It is possible to see a football and basketball game during a visit to campus.
Fans 3
The feeling of high school football is also evident in the crowd at the game. It is a crowd that is friendly and laid back. It is quite easy to strike up a conversation with a few friends and learn a little bit about the football program. Homecoming games bring out large numbers, but when rivals come into town like Eastern Kentucky, the Eagles see their largest numbers at Jayne Stadium.
Access 3
Jayne Stadium is a few miles off I-64, but you get to drive through a few rolling hills and enjoy a little scenery on your way to the stadium. Parking is $5 at the stadium's lot, which may seem a tad on the high side in this neck of the woods. However, a short walk from campus, and there are a few places on campus to park for free.
Return on Investment 3
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $3 for ages 2-12 for every seat in the house. It is a very easy and practical way to sell your product and cheaper than a movie on a weekend night, plus the popcorn is half the price at an Eagles game.
Extras 2
What makes a visit to Jayne Stadium are the vivid images that exist from the drive off the interstate and the foothills that envelop the stadium. I had a somewhat limited view before arriving in town, but attending a football game at Morehead State University is a pleasant experience to enjoy if you are in the neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
Jayne Stadium reminded me somewhat of a high school atmosphere from its single main grandstand to its gameday atmosphere. The highlight is the surrounding hills and the fall colors of the leaves that light up the blue skies with red, yellow, and brown. A nice way to enjoy college football during the season.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
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