Should the Stagg Bowl find a better site or stay in Salem, Va.

[theaprof]

This Stagg Bowl will not be exceeded. The weather was unbelievable! The field was not perfect...but new turf will be in place next year. I taped the game at home and was disappointed to find the start of the game was missed because they interviewed Bobby Knight after a BBALL game and ran over a little. I find that a little disrespectful myself. Negative Karma for ESPN.

As I walked the parking lot during the pregame tailgating session, I noticed a few guys toting firearms in the parking lot. And they werent cops either. Seems there was a gun show at the Civic Center at the same time. I wonder which event was better attended.  Do you think there is tailgating at gun shows?

From talking to the locals at the mall, Salem wants to retain the STAGG BOWL very badly. But surprisingly not that many locals seem to attend themselves. A group of about 5 young ladies sat right behind us, and my wife turned to speak to them, just to be friendly. She asked them which team they were rooting for. These girls thought it was the local highschool team playing that night and replied, "Salem of course." ........Oh Boy!    They left after the first quarter too.

The effort is there. No real real reason to take the game away from them at this point. Maybe someday, not just yet.

I sat next to a local--did so last year as well--and the year before that--although I think that the interest in the game in Salem is somewhat limited, I have always found the local fans of football to be excited that the game is in the Valley--of course the year we played a valley team the interest was much higher--maybe next year we can take on Bridgewater again--how about Emory and Henry? or maybe JMU 

[allsky7]

This Stagg Bowl will not be exceeded. The weather was unbelievable! The field was not perfect...but new turf will be in place next year. I taped the game at home and was disappointed to find the start of the game was missed because they interviewed Bobby Knight after a BBALL game and ran over a little. I find that a little disrespectful myself. Negative Karma for ESPN.

As I walked the parking lot during the pregame tailgating session, I noticed a few guys toting firearms in the parking lot. And they werent cops either. Seems there was a gun show at the Civic Center at the same time. I wonder which event was better attended.  Do you think there is tailgating at gun shows?

From talking to the locals at the mall, Salem wants to retain the STAGG BOWL very badly. But surprisingly not that many locals seem to attend themselves. A group of about 5 young ladies sat right behind us, and my wife turned to speak to them, just to be friendly. She asked them which team they were rooting for. These girls thought it was the local highschool team playing that night and replied, "Salem of course." ........Oh Boy!    They left after the first quarter too.

The effort is there. No real real reason to take the game away from them at this point. Maybe someday, not just yet.

I sat next to a local--did so last year as well--and the year before that--although I think that the interest in the game in Salem is somewhat limited, I have always found the local fans of football to be excited that the game is in the Valley--of course the year we played a valley team the interest was much higher--maybe next year we can take on Bridgewater again--how about Emory and Henry? or maybe JMU 

     JMU huh......then maybe flush could get his 31 points spread prediction right.  As good as JMU has been in recent years...not sure I still wouldn't take MU and 31 points.   

[Ralph Turner]

Sorry that I cannot find any internet pictures of the Coppell Stadium.

The Coppell Independent School District does not have pictures of their facilties (that I can find).

[repete]

RT:

Are these what you're looking for?

outside:
http://www.shwsports.com/big/coppell1.jpg

and the inside:

http://www.shwsports.com/big/coppell2.jpg

[Ralph Turner]

RT:

Are these what you're looking for?

outside:
http://www.shwsports.com/big/coppell1.jpg

and the inside:

http://www.shwsports.com/big/coppell2.jpg

Thanks repete!  +1!  Those are they.  You are looking at the West (Home) stands from the northwest on the outside, and across the field to the home stands from the northeast on the inside.

[ADL70]

Use the link I posted and click on "Satelite" for an aerial view.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=185+West+Parkway+Blvd+-+Coppell,+Texas+75019&ie=UTF8&ll=32.976628,-96.995888&spn=0.020233,0.053558&om=1

[Llamaguy]

RT:

Are these what you're looking for?

outside:
http://www.shwsports.com/big/coppell1.jpg

and the inside:

http://www.shwsports.com/big/coppell2.jpg

Stadium looks great! Hmmm..... But,,,, wouldn't this location require an extra flight for Mt. Union every year? (he,he,) 

This also brings up a good question, when was the last time Mt. Union had to fly somewhere? They are the John Maddens of D3 Football! 

[Ralph Turner]

Use the link I posted and click on "Satelite" for an aerial view.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=185+West+Parkway+Blvd+-+Coppell,+Texas+75019&ie=UTF8&ll=32.976628,-96.995888&spn=0.020233,0.053558&om=1

Thanks cwru70!  Just like it appears out the left window as you are landing on the Southbound runway (Is that runway "18"?) flying into DFW!

[Jonny Utah]

Something tells me that the d3 powers within the NCAA have a huge east coast bias.  I dont see them putting a chamionship game in Texas anytime soon (or california for that matter)

[HScoach]

I was on the field in pre-game warm-ups and want to add my 2 cents to the comments about the Salem turf this year.  It was in great PLAYING shape.  It might have not LOOKED pretty with a few bare spots, but it was dry and tight.  A very fast track. 

Now if it would have been raining then it would have been a complete mesh, but this was one of the best playing surface conditions MUC has ever had in Salem.

And for those of you who want the Stagg Bowl moved, you obviously haven't ever been to Salem for a Stagg Bowl.  The City does a great job in all facets and that stadium tucked up in the mountains is a perfect setting for small college football.  The town of Salem and the stadium itself reminds me of the best small college towns I've traveled to.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Something tells me that the d3 powers within the NCAA have a huge east coast bias.  I dont see them putting a chamionship game in Texas anytime soon (or california for that matter)

I wouldn't call it a bias - that's just where the teams are!

I haven't actually counted, but I'd imagine something around 85% of d3 schools are east of the Mississippi (and if you add the St. Louis schools, Iowa and Minnesota, it's probably over 90%).

[Jonny Utah]

Something tells me that the d3 powers within the NCAA have a huge east coast bias.  I dont see them putting a chamionship game in Texas anytime soon (or california for that matter)

I wouldn't call it a bias - that's just where the teams are!

I haven't actually counted, but I'd imagine something around 85% of d3 schools are east of the Mississippi (and if you add the St. Louis schools, Iowa and Minnesota, it's probably over 90%).

Right, but I think you could still call that a bias....

[Mr. Ypsi]

As you're no doubt aware, a MAJOR consideration is $$$.  The NCAA hates to fly in bball teams, much less fball teams!  They're gonna go with the best location that still minimizes the likelihood of air travel.  SW PA or SE OH might be even better for the air travel, but probably not by enough to overcome the advantages of Salem.

[Jonny Utah]

Yea, I see that 1-AA game was sold out.  I wonder how much they made there off of ticket sales and concessions inside the stadium.  (plus all those t-shirts they always try to sell at NCAA playoff games)

[ADL70]

Given the NCAA's seeming reluctance to send any team to Texas, the Texas bid seems doomed.