Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena University Ave.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 2,000
The Falcons Nest
Messiah University is a private interdenominational evangelical Christian university in Grantham, Pennsylvania, although the mailing address is in nearby Mechanicsburg.
The university began as Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home and was part of the Brethren in Christ Church. The name changed over the years going from Messiah Bible School to Messiah College, and in 2020 Messiah University.
The university is now interdenominational and not part of the Brethren in Christ Church but still is evangelical with an influence in the Anabaptist, the Radical Pietist, and the Wesleyan holiness movements. The Falcons mascot is named Flex, although he was previously known as Fandango.
The Falcons compete in Division III of the NCAA and are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. The Falcons receive some of the biggest support in Division III and boast some of the best attendance of all schools at that level.
The Falcons have been very successful in athletics. The men's and women's soccer teams won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions. Messiah University is the only NCAA college to win the men's and women's soccer national championships in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times.
There also have been national championships in women's softball, and women's field hockey, and numerous individual championships in wrestling and wrestling. The Falcons baseball time are five-time conference champions in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2012.
Jordan Court in Hitchcock Arena opened at the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year after being renovated. Jordan Court is home to Messiah men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and wrestling.
Food & Beverage 3
There are no permanent food stands open for basketball games. The arena is attached to the student center which has a cafe, and there are vending machines all around. There is a sign saying no food or drink in the arena itself.
Atmosphere 4
Hitchcock Arena has a true arena-like feel, more than a normal small college gym. This does make it have a pretty good college basketball experience. Messiah does have a very engaged sports fan base, so expect it to get loud at times. The PA system is also very loud, louder than we usually experience at college events. You can also expect music to have contemporary religious music mixed in with secular music.
Neighborhood 3
There is not much of a neighborhood in Grantham but one can venture into Mechanicsburg and/or Harrisburg for more things to do before or after a game.
There is a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Camp Hill if you are feeling like eating a large meal. Vitality Bowls in Mechanicsburg could be a healthier option.
Fans 4
Messiah has one of the best fan bases around. They support Falcon sports, no matter which one. If visiting on any given weekend, you are likely to find multiple games going on around campus, with each a healthy attendance.
Access 3
Messiah University, itself, is not that hard to access as it is located nearby the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-81, and U.S. Route 15. There should be plenty of parking available on campus but check regulations for weeknight games.
Return on Investment 5
There is no charge for attending a game at Hitchcock Arena. Parking is also free around campus.
Extras 4
The attached student center has a nice cafe and college bookstore which is worth checking out.
Go to the nearby Criste Tennis Courts to find a delightful swinging bridge that crosses Yellow Breeches Creek.
There is a campus fitness trail that offers a great walking trail around a good part of the Messiah campus.
The Climenhaga Homestead is a historic house on campus that was built by the first dean of the college (Asa Climenhaga) as a way to become better connected to the campus and its students. The homestead now houses guest rooms, meeting rooms, and conference facilities.
Final Thoughts
Messiah University is already a great spot to watch sports with some very engaged fans usually in attendence.
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