Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Physical Activities Center 120 Tams Street Staunton, VA 24401
Fight On, Squirrels
Located in Staunton, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, Mary Baldwin University has one of the most unique nicknames in all of college athletics - the Fighting Squirrels. While most people would not associate squirrels with fighting, the nickname honors the family crest of the school's namesake, Mary Julia Baldwin.
MBU plays their home basketball games in the campus gym, the Physical Activities Center, which also contains weight rooms, classrooms, and other facilities. They compete in the USA South Conference of the NCAA's Division III.
Food & Beverage 2
There is a small table in the lobby of the PAC which offers only the most basic options. Candy, chips, soft drinks, and water are just about all you can find here. Prices are quite reasonable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars, but we suggest eating before or after the game.
Atmosphere 3
There is a small set of bleachers at the Physical Activities Center, with only a few rows of seats. All of them are very close to the action, practically right off the court. In fact, you may not be able to walk to or from the bleachers while play is ongoing, because you are too close to the court and risk getting in the way.
A Mary Baldwin Fighting Squirrels game is a pretty basic experience. The scoreboard shows just the basic information, and there is not a lot going on here besides the game itself.
Unfortunately, Mary Baldwin does not do much to capitalize on their wacky Fighting Squirrels nickname. There is supposedly a costumed mascot according to their website, but none was seen at the game we visited. Other than the logo on the court, you wouldn't even know that was their nickname. This seems like an opportunity for improvement.
Neighborhood 3
Staunton is a small city nestled in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Downtown Staunton is just a short drive away from the MBU campus and includes several options such as Queen City Brewing, and restaurants ranging from classic southern eateries to taco restaurants and even a pupuseria. There are a couple of unique museums in Staunton, the Jumbo Antique Fire Engine Museum and the Camera Heritage Museum. If you are interested in the history of fire engines or photography, it will be well worth visiting. Although Staunton doesn’t have all the glitz and glamor of a major city or even a suburb, it does have some small town charm.
Fans 5
Fighting Squirrels fans fill the small bleachers at the PAC and are quite passionate about their team. Despite their small size, they are loud, raucous, and passionate. They cheer on their team, and will let the refs know when they feel they have made a bad call. The bleachers will be quite full here, and with the small size of the gym, the volume can be electric. While you would not expect large crowds at a Division III level, the Physical Activities Center is just the right size for the crowds Mary Baldwin draws, which helps the fans contribute to the experience here.
Access 2
Mary Baldwin University's campus is located a view miles off of Interstate 81. Once you are on campus, there is a small lot next to the arena and a larger one on the other side of the soccer field. Despite the signs saying permit only, you should be able to park in either lot for basketball games. Once inside, you will be in a small, cramped lobby that also has the concession and merchandise tables. The doors to the gymnasium will be on your left.
The bleachers are also crowded and cramped, and as mentioned above, it is difficult to get to or from your seat while game action is underway since you are walking so close to the court. You should be fine getting up during timeouts.
Restrooms are located on the second floor, up a staircase, and are small, single person facilities, so you may need to wait. Fortunately there is a glass window in that area that overlooks the court, so you can watch the game while you wait for everyone else to finish. There is also a trophy case there - it is a neat little room, actually.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to Mary Baldwin basketball games is free, excluding possible postseason events. Concessions are affordable as well. This makes a Fighting Squirrels game an excellent value.
Extras 3
One star for the trophy case on the second floor honoring MBU athletics achievements.
Look for the merchandise table in the lobby next to the concessions table selling Fighting Squirrels merchandise.
A third and final star for the banners in the gym honoring Mary Baldwin conference championships not just in basketball but in all sports.
Final Thoughts
The Physical Activities Center at Mary Baldwin University certainly has its charm. It is a small gym for a small school with loyal, passionate, rowdy fans. The Fighting Squirrels nickname is unique and wacky, although the team does not do much to capitalize on it. College basketball fans in the Staunton area may want to head down here to check out some small college basketball.
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