Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
Kiesel Field At Key Stadium 3850 S State Ave Indianapolis, IN 46227
Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 5,500
Greyhound Football at Key Stadium
Key Stadium is the home to the University of Indianapolis Greyhounds football team. The stadium opened in 1970 and has a capacity of 5,500 people. The stadium was named in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon A. Key. Sheldon Key was a businessman whose children and relatives attended Indiana Central University.
In October 2008, the field was dedicated in honor of William R. Kiesel, a school alumni and a steadfast supporter of school athletics. The New CrossFlex HP turf was installed in the summer of 2015.
The stadium features a concrete grandstand, a club area loge behind the north endzone, and bleacher seating behind the south endzone. A running track wraps around the football field and is open for spectators to walk around for closer views of the playing field.
The Indianapolis Greyhounds compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) of the NCAA Division II.
Food & Atmosphere 3
There is a small concession stand near the main entrance offering typical food and beverages. The items include pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, pretzel sticks, chips, candy, and soda pop. Pepsi products are sold at the stadium.
Atmosphere 3
The Greyhounds offer a variety of excitement for Division II football games. There are trailers in the parking lot for tailgaters. Tables, television sets, and food are visible before the big game. Once inside, the grandstand is filled on most weekends.
There is additional endzone seating, but the north end is a VIP section with tables, additional food options, and alcoholic beverages. A plastic fence separates the field and the track and provides a standing-room-only view for fans.
Key Stadium also features a small souvenir shop, a scoreboard in the endzone, a large section for cheerleaders and the dance team, and an old train car. The indoor track and field bubble can be seen in the distance, along with the changing leaves of the trees that hover near the exterior fencing.
Neighborhood 3
The 65-acre campus is located south of downtown Indianapolis and is home to 4,063 students. There isn’t much within proximity of the university except fast-food restaurants, but less than 5 miles north of campus is Fountain Square.
The eclectic and funky neighborhood features some of the city’s best restaurants and sports to grab a drink. Kuma’s Corner, Bluebeard, Chilly Water Brewing Company, Hotel Whiskey Tango, Siam Square, Three Carrots, and World Famous Hot Boys are among your choices for dining. There is also duckpin bowling in either authentic 1940 or 1950s decor at Atomic Bowl Duckpin.
Fans 4
The Greyhound fans offer a nice backdrop to the college football festivities at Key Stadium. It begins with the tailgating in the parking lot to the packed grandstand and the standing room sections along the fencing.
Access 3
The small stadium packs in quite a bit and leads to areas where the access is a bit tight along the 50-yard-line area in front of the grandstand. The area becomes congested with the cheerleaders, main concourse, and fans walking around. However, the access is improved near the endzone seating area. On another note, the grandstand is very steep.
Return on Investment 3
The cost of a ticket is $10 for adults, and students/seniors are $5. If you are with a child who is three and under, they are admitted for free. Concession prices are on the cheaper end of the price range, but grab something to eat before or after the game. Parking is free for all games.
Extras 2
Greyhound football games offer great tailgating and a VIP section for alcoholic beverages.
Final Thoughts
A Greyhounds football game is a very affordable and nice alternative for football in Indianapolis. If you are in town during the football season, it is a fantastic way to spend a fall afternoon.
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