Amherst, Massachusetts lies about 100 miles west of Boston in the northeast’s open country. Founded in 1863, UMass identifies a bit more as a basketball school than a football school. Action between the endzones began in 1879, and they joined the FBS in 2012. While not widely known as a football school, the Minutemen did capture a national title in 1998 while members of the FCS, and the flag commemorating that title flies proudly atop McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Despite a history deprived of consistent football glory, one thing stands out: Whether hardwood or gridiron, the fan base for UMass is an enthusiastic bunch.
Continue reading “UMASS – MCGUIRK ALUMNI STADIUM”LIBERTY – WILLIAMS STADIUM
For a university that wasn’t in existence when Bo and Woody began their ten-year war in 1969, Liberty has the gameday experience figured out. It’s an atmosphere that is uniquely their own and embodies traditions that have taken strong roots. Its prosperous run as an FCS member in The Big South Conference has transitioned them smoothly into their current position as a budding force in the FBS.
Continue reading “LIBERTY – WILLIAMS STADIUM”NEW MEXICO STATE – AGGIE MEMORIAL STADIUM
One of college football’s hidden gems lies in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The setting alone is special. The high peaked mountains that rise above outside of Aggie Memorial Stadium are stunning. A lot of losing seasons have kept the fan base from being energized, but when they are on, it is considerably fierce.
Continue reading “NEW MEXICO STATE – AGGIE MEMORIAL STADIUM”
NOTRE DAME – NOTRE DAME STADIUM
Describing college football is a challenging task without uttering Notre Dame in the same breath. No sports tour of any kind is complete without a stop in South Bend, Indiana. The gameday experience here is rich with eye-opening appeal. With the first step on these hallowed grounds, fans truly feel the history of former players, Heisman winners, and legendary coaches who made this game famous. Strolling around the campus prior to kickoff is where these traditions get pieced together – it’s college football’s theme park.