Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43
Joseph West Jones College Center 4701 Limestone Rd Wilmington, DE 19808
Year Opened: 1998
Capacity: 1,000
Delaware Lightning
Goldey–Beacom College is a private college located in a suburb of Wilmington, Delaware. The college was founded in 1886 as Wilmington Commercial College. A few years later one of the college’s instructors, W.H. Beacom, left to open his school only blocks away.
In 1951, the two institutions merged, and in 1974, the college relocated from its downtown Wilmington location to the present suburban Pike Creek campus.
Goldey–Beacom offers undergraduate degrees in criminal justice, English, and various areas of business, as well as an MBA and Master in Taxation degrees.
The college competes at the NCAA Division II level in all sports as a member of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. Fellow conference teams are located in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Goldey-Beacom’s sports team is named the Lightning.
The gym is located inside the Joseph West Jones College Center, which also houses the college’s library, fitness center, cafe, chapel, and bookstore.
Food & Beverage 2
There is no specific concession area for Lightning games. The venue does get credit for being in the middle of the college’s student center. Depending on the time and day you attend there may be opportunities to get food from the college cafe.
There was also a temporary table set up in the lobby where the softball team was selling hot dogs, sodas, and chips for cheap prices, as a fundraiser for their upcoming Florida trip. I am not sure how often the softball team does this, or if other teams fill in for games. If they are there it is a good place for a cheap snack and the money goes to a worthy cause.
Atmosphere 3
This is a medium size gym that is very reminiscent of a high school gym. Because of the small size, it can get loud pretty quickly depending on the game's action.
There is a small simple grandstand on the main side of the court. There are no seats on the other side of the court, behind the benches. On that side, there is a small stage that must be used for other activities. Some press seating is using the stage for basketball games.
Neighborhood 2
Goldey-Beacom College is in a suburban location and not near any major highways. There is no real town that can be found. That means it will not be an exciting area to visit.
Across the street from the campus is the Pike Creek Shopping Center. Inside the shopping center are a grocery store, many stores, and a couple of restaurants. The Ruby Tuesday chain, Valle Cucina Italiana, Tierra Mexi-Cali Grill, and Soybean Asian Grille are some options here.
The best local food option is Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza at Pike Creek. They are a local food chain serving charred-crust pies, plus wings, subs & Italian plates in a modern setting. They also have a good tap beer selection.
Fans 3
As with most small college gyms, the bulk of the fans tends to be family or friends of both teams. There will be some local fans who just happen to stop by for the game as well.
The fans are very knowledgeable and can be quite loud.
Student attendance at games will always be an issue as the college has so many commuter students. The campus is very busy with students, even on weekends, so luckily many stop in and out of the games.
Access 2
The college suffers from the fact that they are located far from major highways. Delaware State Route 7 runs in front of the campus and goes south towards I-95 and north towards Pennsylvania. The campus itself is small and even though it is a commuter campus, has very few parking spaces. Even on a weekend game parking can get tight. The gym is located as part of the Joseph West Jones College Center and is not a gym from the outside.
Return on Investment 4
You are not going to be watching the highest level of basketball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out.
Extras 1
It is pretty cool to have a gym in the heart of the student center. Make sure to spend some time checking out the Joseph West Jones College Center and get a feel for this campus.
Final Thoughts
Goldey-Beacom College has a very nicely designed gym in the Joseph West Jones College Center. The level of competition is fairly low, but with no cost of admission, a sports fan will want to make some time to visit if in the area.
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