[AgentOrange]

it seems like every year I go and watch regional championships, state semis, and then it gets down to the state championship and I’m just slightly disappointed… not the quality of the game… but the quality of the atmosphere. 

I think having the state championships in such large venues, like UK & UL takes away from a special part of what makes high school football so fun… The crowds and environment. I don’t think the crowds are ever big enough in those stadiums for it to have the same feeling/energy as some regional/semi final games leading up to the finals. 


I know that there’s a special allure to playing at those fields because they are the most prestigious schools in the state when it comes to athletics, but I believe the experience could be even better if there was a smaller venue in a town that was capable of hosting while still providing adequate amenities for spectators.  


I’m sure having it in a smaller venue would also come with its challenges/problems but I would also think it would be much more cost effective for the KHSAA & other as too. 


My proposed site would be Roy Kidd Stadium. 

Had AI generate a list of why “The Kidd” would be “better” than Kroger Field. 

Does anyone else feel this way… or have any other places that would be a good fit for the state championships? 



 • EKU’s Roy Kidd Stadium has a more intimate and cozy atmosphere than Kroger stadium, which is larger and more impersonal. Roy Kidd Stadium seats 20,000 fans, while Kroger stadium seats 61,000 fans1 (https://ekusports.com/sports/2019/3/30/n...football)2 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kroger_Field). This means that the high school players and their supporters would feel more connected and engaged at EKU, rather than being lost in a sea of empty seats at Kroger stadium.
• EKU’s Roy Kidd Stadium has a more modern and updated facility than Kroger stadium, which is older and less equipped. Roy Kidd Stadium underwent a major renovation in 2017, which added new seating, a new team locker room, new LED lights, and a new turf1 (https://ekusports.com/sports/2019/3/30/n...h=football). Kroger stadium also had a renovation in 2015, but it mainly focused on adding luxury suites and club seats, rather than improving the overall quality of the stadium (https://ekusports.com/sports/2019/3/30/n...football)2 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kroger_Field). EKU’s Roy Kidd Stadium offers a better playing and viewing experience for the high school players and their fans, as well as a safer and more comfortable environment.
• EKU’s Roy Kidd Stadium has a more convenient and accessible location than Kroger stadium, which is farther and more crowded. Roy Kidd Stadium is located on the campus of EKU in Richmond, Kentucky, which is about 25 miles south of Lexington, where Kroger stadium is located3 (https://www.eku.edu/)4 (https://ukathletics.com/facilities/kroger-field/)
. This means that the high school teams and their supporters would have less travel time and hassle to get to EKU, rather than dealing with traffic and parking issues at Kroger stadium.
EKU’s Roy Kidd Stadium also has a pedway that leads from the hill beyond the north end zone to the concourse level, making it easier for fans to enter and exit the stadium1 (https://ekusports.com/sports/2019/3/30/n...h=football)
.