Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Pucillo Gymnasium 105 Pucillo Drive Millersville, PA 17551
Year Opened: 1910
Capacity: 3,000
Marauding In PA
Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University or MU) was founded in 1855 as one of Pennsylvania's normal/teaching schools. One of its biggest programs is meteorology. Malik B and Black Thought of The Roots are two of the university's most well-known alumni. The Roots are best known by many people as the house band of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Pucillo Gymnasium opened in 1970 for a cost of two million dollars. It also underwent renovations in 2008 and a new floor and locker rooms were installed in 2015. The gymnasium is named in honor of Dr. John A. Pucillo, who served with distinction as coach, athletic director, and administrator at Millersville from 1925 to 1957.
Millersville participates in varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II. Their sports teams are known as the Marauders. The Marauders compete as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In lacrosse, the school was the 1982 AIAW Division III national champion.
Food & Beverage 3
There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby. Prices are incredibly cheap. I don’t think I saw a single menu item over $5. You won’t want to make the limited options your main meal, but at the same time, your wallet will be happy.
Atmosphere 3
The venue is a pretty basic small college gym with seats on both sides of the court and a few on the sides, especially at the second level which also seems to serve as a running track.
Many of the games, such as the one we attended, are doubleheaders with the women's teams so you may see many fans come and go.
When students are in session, especially during weekday games, there will be much more of a student presence which will make for a better atmosphere.
Neighborhood 3
Millersville is a nice little town located just to the west of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. Although it is not the most exciting place, I tend to go to the Sugar Bowl just down the street. They have simple pizza slices and sub sandwiches at a good value. Wayback Burger is another local option.
Some great food options exist in the nearby Lancaster area.
A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space.
Fans 3
The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend.
The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, and Shippensburg. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance.
Access 4
Lancaster and Millersville are easy areas to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with.
The university is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia.
Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free but watch for any regulations during weekday games.
Return on Investment 4
Attending a Millersville game is about on the same price level as high school athletics. Tickets can be had for under $10 at the door.
Parking is free.
Extras 2
The lobby cases also hold information about the members of the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame.
Following extensive renovations to the lobby in 2017, it was renamed the Anttonen Lobby in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph (Doc) and Judith Anttonen.
Final Thoughts
Millersville University plays a good level of basketball and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.
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