FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[lumbercat]

Thanks Nescacman
Not aware of any of those nuances about Steuben Field.
Benches on same side, no stands on visiting side......yikes.

[gridiron]

Lumbercat--nice summary of the venues.  Couple of minor differences of opinion.  I would have Middlebury higher, even without separate visitor stands.  Also, Tufts would be lower in my list.  Very average field and setting for a school that size.  Hard for fans to see field.  Agree Amherst could have done better with their new set-up, especially for the visitor's tailgate.  I think Bates is absolutely the best viewing field. Hamilton did have stands on the visitors side a few years back before removing them.

Have not seen what has been done at Bowdoin but look forward to checking it out.  It was in dire need of an upgrade from its "HS field" feel.

[lumbercat]

Grid
Your'e right- I do have Middlebury too low- it's a nice facility. Just venting a bit I guess about everybody sitting on the same side. That flaw aside its a great venue.

[ColbyFootball]

Thanks Nescacman
Not aware of any of those nuances about Steuben Field.
Benches on same side, no stands on visiting side......yikes.

Benches are not on the same sideline at Hamilton. A few years ago they had tiny stands for the visitors, but they were useless and have since been removed. The stands are now shared. As for the tailgating, while it may get soggy, most venues do. Both tailgate areas are beyond the end zone fence and literally about 100 feet from the stands. Overall, Hamilton is a very friendly place to tailgate and watch a game. I'd say I've watched at least 6-7 games there. And the campus is a beautiful place where you can actually rent a room on campus in the Bristol Center if you're staying overnight.

[Nescacman]

Grid
Your'e right- I do have Middlebury too low- it's a nice facility. Just venting a bit I guess about everybody sitting on the same side. That flaw aside its a great venue.

The setting at MID is second to none, especially once the leaves start to change. The stands, despite having no visitor stands, are large enough to accommodate both teams fans. However, one huge negative at MID which was not mentioned...If we are factoring in tailgating, despite the tailgating area having a nice view and adequate parking, we would give MID a D- bordering on an F for overall game day experience. The anti-fun police are definitely ruining the MID tailgate experience with the zero tolerance alcohol policy. Not only do they search your car and check your coolers upon entering the tailgate area but they have an "alcohol patrol" actively walking the area looking for contraband and culprits. Our understanding is that this stems from an incident several years ago when visiting Hartford State parents were a bit over served and got a little unruly causing some issues with their counter parts from MID. We heard this entirely second hand and have not independently verified the facts. What we do know is this creates a situation whereby those of us who have been known to quaff a few adult beverages pre and post game to find creative work arounds at MID. Even TTUN who had a similar policy years ago, has reversed course and has embraced alcohol as being part of the experience to the point where the College actually sells the stuff directly.

[Nescacman]

Thanks Nescacman
Not aware of any of those nuances about Steuben Field.
Benches on same side, no stands on visiting side......yikes.

Benches are not on the same sideline at Hamilton. A few years ago they had tiny stands for the visitors, but they were useless and have since been removed. The stands are now shared. As for the tailgating, while it may get soggy, most venues do. Both tailgate areas are beyond the end zone fence and literally about 100 feet from the stands. Overall, Hamilton is a very friendly place to tailgate and watch a game. I'd say I've watched at least 6-7 games there. And the campus is a beautiful place where you can actually rent a room on campus in the Bristol Center if you're staying overnight.

Just for clarity and accuracy, NESCACMAN said "stands" are on the same side at HAM, not "benches"...I believe we were misquoted in a later post and LUMBER meant to say, stands, not benches...

Forgot to add one other thing that does make HAM a pleasant place for visitors...they usually win...

[lumbercat]

Nescacman-
Yes, totally my error. I misinterpreted your post thinking you were saying that both benches were on the same side. (Like the old Boston Patriots setup at Fenway Park).

You said that the visiting bench is on the same side as the home stands- I misunderstood. Sorry if I mislead anyone.

[PB1918]

I had a conversation with the Hamilton AD a couple of years ago and he told me the plan was to cut down the trees at the parking lot side end zone and move the entire field that way and reposition it.  New stands and new press box.  But I think the press box would still be able to look over the soccer field behind it so it serves as a dual purpose press box.  Not sure of time frame.

[lumbercat]

Grid
Your'e right- I do have Middlebury too low- it's a nice facility. Just venting a bit I guess about everybody sitting on the same side. That flaw aside its a great venue.

The setting at MID is second to none, especially once the leaves start to change. The stands, despite having no visitor stands, are large enough to accommodate both teams fans. However, one huge negative at MID which was not mentioned...If we are factoring in tailgating, despite the tailgating area having a nice view and adequate parking, we would give MID a D- bordering on an F for overall game day experience. The anti-fun police are definitely ruining the MID tailgate experience with the zero tolerance alcohol policy. Not only do they search your car and check your coolers upon entering the tailgate area but they have an "alcohol patrol" actively walking the area looking for contraband and culprits. Our understanding is that this stems from an incident several years ago when visiting Hartford State parents were a bit over served and got a little unruly causing some issues with their counter parts from MID. We heard this entirely second hand and have not independently verified the facts. What we do know is this creates a situation whereby those of us who have been known to quaff a few adult beverages pre and post game to find creative work arounds at MID. Even TTUN who had a similar policy years ago, has reversed course and has embraced alcohol as being part of the experience to the point where the College actually sells the stuff directly.

It's water under bridge but that Trinity incident a few years back is surely a reason for the Middlebury tailgate stringency.

I got a totally different account of that incident from close friends who were Trinity football parents and part of the Trinity tailgate that day. Their account was a little different........A group of inebriated Middlebury students pilfered the unattended Trinity tailgate setup during the game and made off with food and liquor while pretty much trashing the whole setup.

Just another side of the story for the record.

[Nescacman]

Grid
Your'e right- I do have Middlebury too low- it's a nice facility. Just venting a bit I guess about everybody sitting on the same side. That flaw aside its a great venue.

The setting at MID is second to none, especially once the leaves start to change. The stands, despite having no visitor stands, are large enough to accommodate both teams fans. However, one huge negative at MID which was not mentioned...If we are factoring in tailgating, despite the tailgating area having a nice view and adequate parking, we would give MID a D- bordering on an F for overall game day experience. The anti-fun police are definitely ruining the MID tailgate experience with the zero tolerance alcohol policy. Not only do they search your car and check your coolers upon entering the tailgate area but they have an "alcohol patrol" actively walking the area looking for contraband and culprits. Our understanding is that this stems from an incident several years ago when visiting Hartford State parents were a bit over served and got a little unruly causing some issues with their counter parts from MID. We heard this entirely second hand and have not independently verified the facts. What we do know is this creates a situation whereby those of us who have been known to quaff a few adult beverages pre and post game to find creative work arounds at MID. Even TTUN who had a similar policy years ago, has reversed course and has embraced alcohol as being part of the experience to the point where the College actually sells the stuff directly.

It's water under bridge but that Trinity incident a few years back is surely a reason for the Middlebury tailgate stringency.

I got a totally different account of that incident from close friends who were Trinity football parents and part of the Trinity tailgate that day. Their account was a little different........A group of inebriated Middlebury students pilfered the unattended Trinity tailgate setup during the game and made off with food and liquor while pretty much trashing the whole setup.

Just another side of the story for the record.

Two sides to every story, fer sure (that's for Al Davis)...it's a shame a few bad apples have to ruin it for the rest of us...

[Nescacman]

I had a conversation with the Hamilton AD a couple of years ago and he told me the plan was to cut down the trees at the parking lot side end zone and move the entire field that way and reposition it.  New stands and new press box.  But I think the press box would still be able to look over the soccer field behind it so it serves as a dual purpose press box.  Not sure of time frame.

That would be a shame it they addressed the problem in that manner...those trees add character to the setting and we would hate to see them go...

[amh63]

Time on my hands...so will join the venue discussion.  Been  to the village of Clinton....smaller than a town so in NY state there are towns and there are villages.  My daughter lives in the village of Groton vice the town of Groton....both just a short ride outside of Ithaca NY and Cortland NY that was the home of the NY Jets training camp for a number of years.  In Mass, Williamstown would be classified as a village . 
Back to the topic on hand.  A critical factor in rating football venues is the distance to the restrooms.  The track to the rest rooms from the seating area is quite long for the public.  Eating/dining places should be a consideration.  Wesleyan has added a nice dining place next to the playing fields.  Better than the previous place next to the field.  Do not remember if beer could be bought there....I gave up the stuff a long time ago before this era of craft brew.  Have been to Golden Colorado...Coors hometown.  Their claim of mountain water and iced beer trucks is just show biz.  I am digressing again.  So the Ephs are selling the stuff at games...what is the limit? .

[Nescacman]

Time on my hands...so will join the venue discussion.  Been  to the village of Clinton....smaller than a town so in NY state there are towns and there are villages.  My daughter lives in the village of Groton vice the town of Groton....both just a short ride outside of Ithaca NY and Cortland NY that was the home of the NY Jets training camp for a number of years.  In Mass, Williamstown would be classified as a village . 
Back to the topic on hand.  A critical factor in rating football venues is the distance to the restrooms.  The track to the rest rooms from the seating area is quite long for the public.  Eating/dining places should be a consideration.  Wesleyan has added a nice dining place next to the playing fields.  Better than the previous place next to the field.  Do not remember if beer could be bought there....I gave up the stuff a long time ago before this era of craft brew.  Have been to Golden Colorado...Coors hometown.  Their claim of mountain water and iced beer trucks is just show biz.  I am digressing again.  So the Ephs are selling the stuff at games...what is the limit? .

Your age is showing amh63 with the rest room comment  BTW, the for the record, Tufts has the hardest restrooms to find in the NESCAC but we digress...

To our knowledge, the Ephs are the only ones progressive enough to sell beer on site in the 'CAC...not sure of any limits since we typically show up with our own supplies...perhaps the Ephs will be selling other recreational intoxicants in the future given the Commonwealth's new laws...

BTW, no comments on the picks or interesting nuggets of info??? We know you love those tidbits like the stuff on HCOF Ritter and Civetti...

[PolarCat]

A couple observations:

At Ellis Oval (Tufts) and at Colby, you're not only dealing with the track, but there is an incredible crown to the field.  So much so that if you are standing ground level at Tufts, or sitting in the bottom couple of rows of the Colby visiting stands, you cannot see the ground on the opposing sideline.  (Here's a pro tip: the best way to watch a game on Mayflower Hill is to show up with at least one camera body, at least one telephoto lens, and a laminated card on a lanyard that says "Press Pool" or "Photo Pool".  From ground level, inside the track, the view is pretty darn good, and unless you are totally incompetent, you will get some great photos to boot).

In Clinton, the Southwest sideline (with the bleachers) is bordered by a 30 (?) foot hill with a line of trees at the top.  You can actually exit the bleachers by walking UP them, and stepping off on level ground.  The Southern end of the Northeast sideline abuts Bristol Swimming pool, a good sized brick building.  The Northwest end zone is sheltered by trees, the Southeast end zone is wide open.  If there is any sort of wind, you can get some pretty crazy venturi effects, which makes the kicking game a challenge.  Look for more missed PAT's and missed FG's at Steuben Field than anywhere else.

An important consideration is the quantity and variety of lodging nearby.  Middlebury is a lovely town, but the lack of lodging is its Achilles heel.  Unless you're able to get into the Inn or the Courtyard, you're stuck in Burlington, Stowe, Killington or White River Junction, an hour's drive away.  Which puts a damper on the tailgating.

Williams has a similar issue.  And with all the other colleges in Western MA and Southern VT, it's hard to find anywhere within an hour's drive, unless you book far in advance.

Steuben Field is the third-worst venue in this regard.  There are some nice newer properties in New Hartford that help, but if multiple Hamilton and Colgate teams are playing on the same weekend (football, fockey, soccer, etc.) they sell out quickly.  When our son and daughter were upperclassmen, we took to staying at a nice hotel in Albany the night before their game, doing our serious tailgating before kickoff, and making the long drive home, sober, afterwards.

And Nescacmen, lay off the prostate jokes.  You'll be right there with us, soon enough. 

[Nescacman]

And Nescacmen, lay off the prostate jokes.  You'll be right there with us, soon enough. 

Polar...some of us are there...and we practice good prostate health...