Friday Night Lights

 

I hope you enjoyed my initial blog entry. I would like to make mention of another Hometown Hero that I omitted. Bob Trimble is a homegrown Ram who has led both the Ram and Lady Ram basketball teams to district championships in his career at Raceland. The lefty also was a star athlete for the Orange and Black. Today I will take a look at three of the best football venues in the area.

 

RAM STADIUM

 

The home of Ram Football just sits off US 23. The community takes great pride in its football and the stadium represents that pride. I think some of its unique qualities make it a great place to watch football. The cars watching the game from 23 is a staple in Ram Land. Are they saving money or just taking advantage of a good view without the hassles of parking and harsh weather at times? The concessions offer the best variety in the area if you don’t care about your arteries or your cholesterol?. You can choose from a Ram Burger, cheese sticks, deep-fried Snickers, or a Funnel cake just to name a few items. The inflatable Ram helmet highlights the pre game introductions for the Ram players. The press box has been updated in the past few years to make it modern and press friendly. Though we miss Bill Farley on the PA, Ram Stadium is the place to be Friday nights in Raceland.

 

HENRY R EVANS STADIUM

 

Affectionately known as “The Hank” this stadium exudes tradition and excellence. The home-side stands are second to none in this area. It boasts the best press box facility as well. The fire-breathing Devil draws raves from football fans all over the Commonwealth. The pre-game introductions with hundreds of kids and adults on the field adds to the excitement. And when the siren goes off, accompanied by ” Here Come Your Devils!!!”, the crowd is at his loudest. The visitors side provides ample space for opposing fans and their bands. I think all fans, players, and coaches will agree Ivan McGlone Field is an excellent place to watch a game.

 

PUTNAM STADIUM

 

The Holy Grail of stadiums if you are a Tomcat fan. This cozy stadium reminds me of Wrigley Field because of how it is located in an actual neighborhood. Tomcat fans can basically walk to the games from their homes. The field is well-manicured and always looks to be in top condition. The tradition of the Tomcats walking down the steps into home end zone highlights the pre-game activities. You always hear tales of the ghosts of Putnam Stadium helping the Tomcats pull off an improbable upset or win. Putnam Stadium is a must see stop for die-hard high school football fans.

 

The common denominators among these stadiums are winning and community support. These two things go hand-in-hand. State championship banners adorn two of these great stadiums. Can a banner be hung at Ram Stadium?

 

#PearlVision

 

Check out my blog at pearlvisionblog.wordpress.com

Good stuff, @Carson Palmer.

 

I'm a bit partial to"The Hank", but Putnam Stadium is just an incredible venue for high school football. There might be bigger, flashier stadiums, but for someone like me who's a sucker for tradition and history, Putnam is unrivaled in our part of the state. It's like Lambeau Field or Notre Dame Stadium.

 

I'm not ashamed to admit, even as a Russell fan, that I've sat in the stands at Putnam and gotten chills thinking about the great teams and players that suited up for the Tomcats on that field. I especially enjoyed taking in an occasional October game when the leaves on the trees in the end zone would change to various shades of orange and red.

 

It might have lost a little of its charm since the renovations, but it's still a special place.

Great stuff CP.

 

Making the trip up to broadcast from "The Hank" later in the year. Looking forward to it.

Great stuff indeed. I enjoyed all the articles on your blog so far. As for stadiums, I like Putnam the best because of the enclosed end zone and the fact that there is no track between the stands and the field. You are literally right on top of the action. Henry R. Evans Stadium is great when there is a big crowd, but the intensity can drop when the fans don't fill the stands. People can seem a lot more spread out there because of the end zone to end zone stands and the upper level.