Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14
Klöckner Stadium
Massie Road
Charlottesville, VA 2290
Year Opened: 1992
Capacity: 8,000
Hoos Ready for Soccer?
Klöckner Stadium is located on the campus of the University of Virginia and is home to the Cavaliers’ soccer program as well as their lacrosse teams. The stadium opened in 1992 and has received several updates since then including lighting and increased seating. It is part of a complex which also includes Davenport Field, home to Cavaliers baseball, as well as field hockey, track and field, and softball facilities.
The Cavaliers, affectionately known as the Wahoos or just the Hoos, are one of the most successful men’s soccer programs in the country. They have seven national championships, most recently in 2014, and have made the College Cup, college soccer’s version of the Final Four, 12 times.
Food & Beverage 4
There are two concession stands on the concourse behind the bleachers. Both serve the same basic items such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, popcorn, chips, and pretzels, but have different specialty items. The stand closest to the entrance sells pulled pork nachos and barbecue sandwiches, while the other one serves Papa John’s pizza. Pepsi products, bottled water, and hot chocolate are available to drink. The most expensive item is a souvenir soda for $9, but this comes with unlimited refills. If you don’t want the refills, you can buy a standard souvenir soda for $6 or a regular soda for $4. Nothing else costs more than $8.
Atmosphere 5
Klöckner Stadium has one set of traditional seats, which are almost all standard bleachers. There are a few reserved chair backs at the top, mainly for season ticket holders. On the other side of the field is a hill which is also used for seating. Many fans will sit on blankets or lawn chairs over here. Everything except the chair backs is general admission, so if you want an actual seat, be sure to get here early. There is a video board located behind one of the goals which also shows shots, shots on goal, and saves for each team.
Like at most soccer stadiums at any level anywhere in the world, most of the atmosphere comes from the fans rather than the team, and here at Klöckner Stadium, the home fans do a great job of bringing the atmosphere. It can get very loud here at big moments as fans stomp on the bleachers with their feet to try to bring as much noise as possible. There are few other college soccer teams in the country with this kind of electric atmosphere.
Being that this is soccer, there are no breaks in the action to do promotions except halftime, but that doesn’t seem to dampen the atmosphere here. If anything, it enhances it as it leads to more focus on the game and less on sideshows.
Neighborhood 4
Klöckner Stadium is located on the campus of the University of Virginia, which is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Once you get off campus and into the city of Charlottesville, there is plenty else to do. Boylan Heights is a popular bar just off campus and serves up good food as well. It is just one of many places to eat, drink, or have fun along University Avenue ranging from bagel bakeries to bars to sushi restaurants. History buffs may also want to check out Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.
Fans 5
UVA soccer fans are among the most passionate in the country. They are loud, and proud, and cheer on their team for the whole game. At big moments they will bang on the bleachers with their feet to generate as much noise as they can. No matter when in the game it is, they are not afraid to get on the case of the opponent or the referee. The fans are the main reason the atmosphere here at Klöckner Stadium is so great, and this cannot be stressed enough.
Access 3
If coming to Charlottesville from the east or west, you will likely take Interstate 64. If coming from the north or south, you will take U.S. Route 29. Although both are major roads, Route 29 has a few traffic lights along the way, so you won’t make as good time as you would on the highway. Still, you should be able to make reasonably good time if you head that way – the lights are for the most part few and far between.
Once you get onto campus, ample parking is available in lots in between the stadium and John Paul Jones Arena, although there may be more limited availability if there is a basketball game the same day. If going to a game in November, it is best to check the UVA athletic website beforehand to make sure of the situation.
Once you get in the stadium, you have to walk up a hill across a fairly narrow path to get to the concourse. Although not too far, it is longer than you would expect it to take to get from a stadium gate to the concourse. Additionally, the path can get crowded after games when everyone is heading out at the same time.
There are restrooms inside the stadium of ample size to handle the crowd, although concession stands can get pretty long at halftime. We recommend you eat before the game starts if possible to avoid this.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets are $5 for general admission seats, which get you anywhere in the stadium except a few rows of $8 reserved chair backs at the top, which are mainly for season ticket holders but may be available in limited number for single games. Tickets are $2 more expensive if you wait until game day and order at the ticket window, so we recommend buying in advance if possible. This is a pretty good deal when you consider the Cavaliers are one of the best college soccer teams in the country. Just keep in mind the general admission ticket does not guarantee you a bleacher seat. If you do not want to sit on the hill, arrive early to make sure you get in the bleachers, especially if you have a group that wants to sit together.
Extras 3
There are free programs available which show the rosters and information for both teams.
There is a plaza between the goal and the entrance which has banners highlighting the Cavaliers’ seven national championships.
A third and final star for the great energy the fans bring, as they are among the best in the country.
Final Thoughts
At most colleges, soccer is not a significant sport. Sure, they may draw a few hundred fans a game, maybe even a thousand, but nobody really cares. Virginia is not one of those schools. The Cavaliers’ soccer program is one of the best in the country, and it has a stadium and fan base befitting such success. Klöckner Stadium is one of the best college soccer stadiums in the country, and a visit here is a must for any fan of the sport.
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