Ranking Football Stadiums in the Mountains

**phs1986** · 08-05-2009, 12:17 AM

Deathstar 80 Wrote:Just curious, why would teams use turf? It looks good and it's easy to manage, but I read a quote from Howie Long (Hall of Fame defensive end) that he hated turf. Players were always getting turf burns and other injuries from the turf.

Would you rather have some turf burn or a rock in your side that would require some stitches??? There are pro's and con's to both types of fields... Turf is impressive looking though isn't it!! Smile

~~BatCat11~~ · 08-05-2009, 12:20 AM

Sheldon Clark has a pretty nice place.

**C.Clair** · 08-05-2009, 12:49 AM

Breathitt has been looking into getting turf for about a year or so, not sure why they havent pulled the trigger yet though. Ive heard some chatter around town that the school board are wanting to fill in the riverbank and make more seating for the visitors, plus the addition for more parking.

Blue-N-Gold · 08-05-2009, 01:27 AM

Hazard's Field...
[Image: http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/45888/...425Q85.jpg]

[Image: http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/42493/...425Q85.jpg]

[Image: http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/43692/...425Q85.jpg]

killerb · 08-05-2009, 08:07 AM

Knott Central has a very nice natural turf field! This year it is the best it has ever looked!

mrsportsfan · 08-05-2009, 08:21 AM

Deathstar 80 Wrote:Just curious, why would teams use turf? It looks good and it's easy to manage, but I read a quote from Howie Long (Hall of Fame defensive end) that he hated turf. Players were always getting turf burns and other injuries from the turf.

Everybody groans and moans about why the Steelers won't change to turf, and this is the exact reason. The injuries are more significant because the turf doesn't give at all. They have put it up to a vote many times and the answer is always no. The reason the field sometimes gets in the mess it does, is because Pitt uses it for their games, and then the high school playoffs are held there. Throw in rain and you have a complete mess. But usually the field is fine.

**EKUAlum05** · 08-05-2009, 09:17 AM

Deathstar 80 Wrote:Just curious, why would teams use turf? It looks good and it's easy to manage, but I read a quote from Howie Long (Hall of Fame defensive end) that he hated turf. Players were always getting turf burns and other injuries from the turf.

You do realize when Howie Long played they didn't have the same type of turf that they have today?

There have been studies done that actually prove with these new rubber filled surfaces, that injuries are LESS frequent than with natural grass.

Pond creek nation · 08-05-2009, 01:31 PM

mrsportsfan Wrote:Everybody groans and moans about why the Steelers won't change to turf, and this is the exact reason. The injuries are more significant because the turf doesn't give at all. They have put it up to a vote many times and the answer is always no. The reason the field sometimes gets in the mess it does, is because Pitt uses it for their games, and then the high school playoffs are held there. Throw in rain and you have a complete mess. But usually the field is fine.

Turf is awsome and looks great. But don't you love watching those REAL muddy football games where the field is just a HUGE mudpitt, and the players look like boys playing in an old fashion football brawl?

Keepnitreal · 08-05-2009, 01:57 PM

I'm a JC fan and love our new stadium and think its as good as any in the state. But, I love the bowl feel of the Cam and no track separating the bleachers from the playing surface.

FootballFreak · 08-05-2009, 02:24 PM

Pond creek nation Wrote:The cam is awsome, but theres something about old vipperman that made pirate football games amzing

Amen my friend!

BobcatStuckInPowell · 08-05-2009, 11:03 PM

C.Clair Wrote:Breathitt has been looking into getting turf for about a year or so, not sure why they havent pulled the trigger yet though. Ive heard some chatter around town that the school board are wanting to fill in the riverbank and make more seating for the visitors, plus the addition for more parking.

We are doing the "riverbank" project first then a track and turf.The visitors seating is in the riverbank project.We are working on it.:Thumbs:

**Real Badman** · 08-06-2009, 12:37 AM

East Ridge has some pretty nice and new facilities. The only thing its missing is Turf. The stadium structure holds a great number of people. Seating is just like the bleachers at Belfry. There are plenty of places to park. Bathrooms are in good shape and are kept clean even during the offseason. The locker rooms are in great shape. Maybe a tad bit small for some of the larger teams who come in to play at the ridge but thay are nice and clean always. Im not saying East Ridge has the best facilities but should be considered for one of them.

mrfootball03 · 08-06-2009, 05:04 AM

I believe Belfry has the overall best facility..

But here is how I would rank the top 5

1. Belfry
2. Letcher Central
3. Johnson Central
4. Shelby Valley
5. Hazard

Honorable Mention would be Sheldon Clark..

It really awesome that we have this many nice facilities in Eastern Kentucky, that would even be nice stadium for a small college.

**Midee1** · 08-06-2009, 07:30 AM

cougarpride08 Wrote:http://dwwilburn.com/UserFiles/Image/dwwi%20projects%20fugi%20(18).jpg

http://dwwilburn.com/UserFiles/Image/Projects/Belfry%20Pics/dwwi%20projects%20fugi%20(33).jpg

http://www.bluegrassrivals.com/forum/att...1222303104 <---That looks like some good tailgating.

Enjoy!

I've been to that tailgate and it certainly is a good one. They even still spoke to me after Russell beat them in 05. :blabbermo

mrsportsfan · 08-06-2009, 12:12 PM

99PIRATEFAN Wrote:BELFRY no one stadium comes close
THE CAM

I despise going to a football game at Belfry, they have a little trailer for concession for the opposing team on their side, but having a person with limitations or disabilities, the bathrooms are in ten buck too. There is no way to get your car and take them up there. Heck if you don't have a difficulty, it takes a long time to get to the bathroom. They should have some facilities on the other side of the field. So on the matter of that I don't like Belfry's stadium.
Plus the time it take's for all their fan's to get on and off the field makes the game run way over.

**phs1986** · 08-06-2009, 04:17 PM

mrsportsfan Wrote:I despise going to a football game at Belfry, they have a little trailer for concession for the opposing team on their side, but having a person with limitations or disabilities, the bathrooms are in ten buck too. There is no way to get your car and take them up there. Heck if you don't have a difficulty, it takes a long time to get to the bathroom. They should have some facilities on the other side of the field. So on the matter of that I don't like Belfry's stadium.
Plus the time it take's for all their fan's to get on and off the field makes the game run way over.

First off I do agree that people who have a handicap should have access to everything anyone else does but I also have to say that I have yet to attend a game be it football, baseball, basketball, soccer, or whatever that they have home and away restrooms. The restrooms on the side of the concession area are very well equipped to meet the needs of a person in a wheelchair.

Secondly, the reason the small concession is put on the other side of the field is as a courtesy only. The concession building has 3 operable windows to serve people and the "trailer" as you call it is put there so that fans on the away side do not have to walk all the way over just for a water or something to drink.

Finally, Belfry fans ALWAYS take the field and do tunnel time. It's a part of tradition and I'd say that it will continue to be that way so, be prepared to wait for a while when you come and play. As for the games going longer than planned.... I have NO clue where that is coming from unless it's a playoff game and it was close. Most of our games last year were finished out by freshmen and sophomores so I'd say they went by pretty quick!

Belfry has one of the top (if not the top) facilities in Eastern, KY. Just because you find a few faults personally with it does not make it a bad place to play or enjoy a game of football. Try to look at it with an open mind and ask for assistance if you need any. I'm sure anyone that is working with the Belfry program would be glad to help out in anyway they could to make you more comfortable!

**phs1986** · 08-06-2009, 04:19 PM

Midee1 Wrote:I've been to that tailgate and it certainly is a good one. They even still spoke to me after Russell beat them in 05. :blabbermo

Yep, and we're still on speakin terms!! LOL.... You should have gotten your butt there quicker last year and you would have had some great eatin boy!!!

**BlackcatAlum** · 08-06-2009, 05:19 PM

Lots of people are only mentioning stadiums with turf fields. The original maker of this thread asked for who had the best all-around stadium (parking, concession, restroom, etc.) not just who had the best looking field.

**phs1986** · 08-06-2009, 05:22 PM

Old Vipperman stadium has "rock" bleachers and was one of the muddiest fields I have ever seen when raining!!! Hard core football!!!!

**C.Clair** · 08-06-2009, 06:27 PM

When Breathitt finially fills the riverbank in, and gets more visitor seating, along with turf, it will be one of the best. Its already pretty nice, but those improvements will send it over the top.

**BlackcatAlum** · 08-06-2009, 06:31 PM

C.Clair Wrote:When Breathitt finially fills the riverbank in, and gets more visitor seating, along with turf, it will be one of the best. Its already pretty nice, but those improvements will send it over the top.

Also build a parking lot.

**C.Clair** · 08-06-2009, 06:42 PM

When it happens, the parking will be expanded also Blackcat. I beleive that plans have already been drawn up, and when they start work on the new road, they are going to fill in the bank. So we will see when that happens.

**BlackcatAlum** · 08-06-2009, 06:43 PM

C.Clair Wrote:When it happens, the parking will be expanded also Blackcat. I beleive that plans have already been drawn up, and when they start work on the new road, they are going to fill in the bank. So we will see when that happens.

When's this supposed to begin?

**C.Clair** · 08-06-2009, 06:48 PM

They are putting a new road in from vancleve to hazard. Its like a 4 step project. The first is done, the second that comes threw jackon is supposed to have started during the summer, but the state doesnt have the funding at the moment so its on hold. Once the second part of the road begins, I dont see it being long at all for Breathitt to start to fill in.

**EKUAlum05** · 08-06-2009, 07:39 PM

mrsportsfan Wrote:I despise going to a football game at Belfry, they have a little trailer for concession for the opposing team on their side, but having a person with limitations or disabilities, the bathrooms are in ten buck too. There is no way to get your car and take them up there. Heck if you don't have a difficulty, it takes a long time to get to the bathroom. They should have some facilities on the other side of the field. So on the matter of that I don't like Belfry's stadium.
Plus the time it take's for all their fan's to get on and off the field makes the game run way over.

On the Belfry side there are several handicap only seats on the main aisleway. They are the best seats in the house and they are there for those with disabilities whether they are from Belfry or not. Belfry is one of the very few schools who offer this.

I can understand wanting to sit on the same side as your fellow fans, but I can't think of hardly any stadiums who have visitor seating that is specific for those with disabilities.

**EKUAlum05** · 08-06-2009, 07:41 PM

C.Clair Wrote:They are putting a new road in from vancleve to hazard. Its like a 4 step project. The first is done, the second that comes threw jackon is supposed to have started during the summer, but the state doesnt have the funding at the moment so its on hold. Once the second part of the road begins, I dont see it being long at all for Breathitt to start to fill in.

This si really good to hear. Parking and visiting seating are the only things keeping Breathitt from having elite facilities. The atmosphere and crowds are fantastic, and the covered bleachers are awesome as well, but the above mentioned problems single handidly eliminate Breathitt from being one of the best stadiums IMO.

mrsportsfan · 08-07-2009, 04:35 AM

phs1986 Wrote:First off I do agree that people who have a handicap should have access to everything anyone else does but I also have to say that I have yet to attend a game be it football, baseball, basketball, soccer, or whatever that they have home and away restrooms. The restrooms on the side of the concession area are very well equipped to meet the needs of a person in a wheelchair.

Secondly, the reason the small concession is put on the other side of the field is as a courtesy only. The concession building has 3 operable windows to serve people and the "trailer" as you call it is put there so that fans on the away side do not have to walk all the way over just for a water or something to drink.

Finally, Belfry fans ALWAYS take the field and do tunnel time. It's a part of tradition and I'd say that it will continue to be that way so, be prepared to wait for a while when you come and play. As for the games going longer than planned.... I have NO clue where that is coming from unless it's a playoff game and it was close. Most of our games last year were finished out by freshmen and sophomores so I'd say they went by pretty quick!

Belfry has one of the top (if not the top) facilities in Eastern, KY. Just because you find a few faults personally with it does not make it a bad place to play or enjoy a game of football. Try to look at it with an open mind and ask for assistance if you need any. I'm sure anyone that is working with the Belfry program would be glad to help out in anyway they could to make you more comfortable!

I never said anything about a person who has difficulties getting food, and call it what you want it, is a pull trailer that is used for concession, such as for hillbilly days. Your tunnel as you call it, is what makes the game longer, it takes I'd say 30 minutes for that to take place. I will hand the tailgating to you though.

mrsportsfan · 08-07-2009, 04:38 AM

mrsportsfan Wrote:I never said anything about a person who has difficulties getting food, and call it what you want it, is a pull trailer that is used for concession, such as for hillbilly days. Your tunnel as you call it, is what makes the game longer, it takes I'd say 30 minutes for that to take place. I will hand the tailgating to you though.

If there is now a concession building, such as in a wooden structure, they've changed it since I was there a couple a years of go. But that was the set up then.

**Midee1** · 08-07-2009, 07:14 AM

phs1986 Wrote:Yep, and we're still on speakin terms!! LOL.... You should have gotten your butt there quicker last year and you would have had some great eatin boy!!!

If I recall correctly it was FBALL that held us up or we would have made it in plenty of time. Confused

hh:

**phs1986** · 08-07-2009, 08:13 AM

Midee1 Wrote:If I recall correctly it was FBALL that held us up or we would have made it in plenty of time. hh:

Yep that would be how I remember it also!! LOL.... Ah, you know you'll get food when you come to Belfry..... We like to feed people!! Smile