Piggy Backing off the "Top Uniform" thread... shall we continue to hand out some superlatives?

 

The Criteria:

- A Great Stadium has character. Anyone can put a set of aluminum bleachers and throw a field logo down... but the Best of the Best offer a specific ambiance and environment that makes every trip a memorable one.

- A Great Stadium has a winning tradition. Any time someone waxes nostalgic about "their" homefield a bit of bias is involved, but let's face it... the elite stadiums have an air of invincibility.

- A Great Stadium has traditions. When you think of the great college football stadiums the majority have traditions that make them unique. So to do the great High School Stadiums in Kentucky

 

 

 

#5 Harlan County Black Bears

Coal Miner's Memorial Stadium

 

Perhaps the nicest and most modern stadium in Kentucky is Coal Miner's Memorial Stadium. A massive complex with all the amenities... multi-turf, 100 yard long bleachers, a jumbotron, and a picturesque setting that includes a pedestrian bridge over the river. Though short on legacy it is made up for in "cool" factor including the best Pre-Game intro in the State as HC enters the field to the sounds of "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive".

 

 

 

#4 Belfry Pirates

CAM Stadium/Haywood Field

Though not the historical landmark as others on the list, the homefield of the Pirate's is widely considered as one of the most unique and "can't miss" experiences in the State. A stadium built for football without a track, set into a bowl and cradled against the hills. It was one of the first Stadiums in Kentucky to go to turf. Bearing the name of the state's all-time winningest coach, few places have a better ambiance especially as 2001 a space Odyssey blares over tunnel time and the Pirates take the field.

 

 

#3 Highlands Bluebirds

David Cecil Memorial Stadium

 

 

Highlands' homefield isn't the prettiest facility.. in fact by all practical terms it looks like an architect's worst nightmare. Crammed tightly to the point the walls of the school itself seem to form a sideline, the personality though exceeds all boundaries. Perhaps no field in the state offers a better Homefield advantage. The throwback bleachers on only one side and the acoustics make for a long night for visiting teams. Though no longer in use you cannot talk about the legacy of Highlands without mentioning the cannon that still rings in the ears of so many losing teams.

#2 Mayfield Cardinals

War Memorial Stadium

 

In the age of aluminum, FieldTurf, Multi-Level press boxes, and shiny painted logos... sometimes it is refreshing just to see pure Old-School History. War Memorial Stadium has been the home to one of Kentucky's elite programs since 1949 and it looks essentially the same as when it first opened. You have expect nickel popcorn and a student section waving felt pennants as you stare at the almost industrial facade. What you find instead is a homefield that has practically been unwinnable for visiting teams.

 

 

#1 Ashland Tomcats

Putnam Stadium

 

For 77 years Putnam Stadium stood as the home to the Ashland Tomcats until undergoing an extensive remodel. Putnam is the epitome of Tradition. The horseshoe stadium with it's concrete bleachers were the spot many fans witnessed their favorite team take an "L" for decades. The entrance through the gateway and the checkerboard endzone screams legacy from the moment you enter. Even as the newer High School has made Putnam an off-campus venue... it only endears the staple of Bluegrass football even further of being in a class all itself. It is refreshing to see that despite the modernization of the upcoming remodel, careful attention has been taken to assure Putnam keeps the same feel.

Other Top Contenders:

 

Trinity

Montgomery County

Breathitt County

Newport/Newport Central Catholic

Russellville

Hopkinsville/Christian County

Who would you add instead?

 

Where is your favorite place to watch a game that is not your own?

Who would you add instead?

 

Where is your favorite place to watch a game that is not your own?

 

I have to disagree about Highlands- and not just because I'm a fan of Cov Cath (although admittedly, losing there year after year may jade my opinion) The ridiculous proximity of the stands to the visitors sidelines is borderline dangerous- not to mention the danger on the other sideline to the structures over there. Getting to and from the restrooms and concessions stands as a result is terrible. Sorry- not even top (50) IMO.

 

I don't know who goes in their place (although I might put Dixie up there as the layout is fantastic) - but before any Johnson Central people come on hear touting their place, let me be clear- an obnoxiously loud sound system is not the same thing as "great game day atmosphere." Everything else about the setting is really cool- the noise in between plays however- not so cool. Sucks in fact.

I like the big covered stands @Breathitt Co...the sound just reverberates under there and it can be insanely loud for an outdoor football stadium.

 

Corbin reminds me of Mayfields...they are VERY similar.

 

I like also like Danville, Hazard, Pineville (seems smaller than it is) and of course Somerset

Trinity

Saint X

Boyle Co.

Interesting topic. Based on the criteria I suspect the list will be far ranging.

Good list, but they tend to lean towards traditionally good teams and (sometimes) older stadiums with nostalgia. Take War Memorial for example. A lot of history and tradition behind the place, but I never thought it provided an ideal game day experience. Maybe for some of the tailgaters heckling out of the far endzone, but the place is a relic and not the most comfortable of spots.

 

I love the shot of Belfry's stadium. I have to make it to that place.

Ludlow has done a great job renovating their facilities. Atmosphere has always been great, love it when a barge goes by, feels like it's right on the field. Have to disagree with Newport. That stadium has reached "dump" status.

Based upon the criteria, I would think that Rash Stadium would get some consideration.

Good list, but they tend to lean towards traditionally good teams and (sometimes) older stadiums with nostalgia. Take War Memorial for example. A lot of history and tradition behind the place, but I never thought it provided an ideal game day experience. Maybe for some of the tailgaters heckling out of the far endzone, but the place is a relic and not the most comfortable of spots.

 

I love the shot of Belfry's stadium. I have to make it to that place.

 

I agree. Belfry's looks pretty neat.

I have to disagree about Highlands- and not just because I'm a fan of Cov Cath (although admittedly, losing there year after year may jade my opinion) The ridiculous proximity of the stands to the visitors sidelines is borderline dangerous- not to mention the danger on the other sideline to the structures over there. Getting to and from the restrooms and concessions stands as a result is terrible. Sorry- not even top (50) IMO.

 

I don't know who goes in their place (although I might put Dixie up there as the layout is fantastic) - but before any Johnson Central people come on hear touting their place, let me be clear- an obnoxiously loud sound system is not the same thing as "great game day atmosphere." Everything else about the setting is really cool- the noise in between plays however- not so cool. Sucks in fact.

 

But you're not going on the criteria established. Based on that no way Dixie is listed and Highlands would be a candidate. He's not looking for nicest facilities although I do believe we had had that thread before.

I love Pineville. It seems like it's right under the road and its snug. Driving into town on Friday night and seeing the lights is awesome.

Good list, but they tend to lean towards traditionally good teams and (sometimes) older stadiums with nostalgia. Take War Memorial for example. A lot of history and tradition behind the place, but I never thought it provided an ideal game day experience. Maybe for some of the tailgaters heckling out of the far endzone, but the place is a relic and not the most comfortable of spots.

 

I love the shot of Belfry's stadium. I have to make it to that place.

 

Same here.