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NCAA FBS

Kidd Brewer StadiumBoone, North Carolina

Appalachian State

👥
Capacity
30,000
🏆
Conference
Sun Belt
📅
Opened
1962
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

📖About Kidd Brewer Stadium

Kidd Brewer Stadium, nicknamed "The Rock," sits 3,333 feet above sea level in Boone, NC and was voted the top Group of Five stadium in 2023 and 2024. The 30,000-seat venue has been home to three consecutive FCS national championships.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened in 1962 as Conrad Stadium with 10,000 seats. Renamed in 1988 for Kidd Brewer, whose 1937 squad was unbeaten and unscored upon. First venue in the Carolinas to install artificial turf (1970).

Major Renovations

1970First artificial turf in the Carolinas installed
1979Hosted one of first-ever ESPN college football broadcasts
2016Expansion increased capacity to 30,000 for FBS transition

Notable Moments

Sep 1, 2007App State beat #5 Michigan 34-32—greatest FCS upset ever
Dec 1, 2018Hosted first Sun Belt Championship Game; App beat Louisiana 30-19
Sep 2022Record attendance of 40,168 vs North Carolina (63-61 loss)

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

West side grandstands offer stunning mountain views. Student section on east side creates loud atmosphere.

Parking Tips

Limited campus parking; shuttles from remote lots recommended. High Country weather can change quickly—dress in layers.

Game Day

Luke Combs (App State alumnus) has performed here. Three straight FCS titles (2005-07). Mountain atmosphere unlike any other.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Rivers Street Ale House

$$

Restaurant, sports bar, and live music venue adjacent to Appalachian State. Extensive craft beer selection and 20 HDTVs with NFL Sunday Ticket.

📍 0.5 miles638 W King St

💡 Perfect gameday spot with great food and atmosphere. Arrive early for a table.

Elevation 3333

$$

Newest sports bar in the High Country, just blocks from Appalachian State. Local craft beer, satisfying burgers, and fun atmosphere.

📍 0.4 miles474 W King St

💡 Great spot for watching games with local craft beer on tap.

Boone Saloon

$$

Well-regarded for excellent service, food, and atmosphere.

📍 0.8 miles112 Hardin St

💡 Local favorite with a great vibe. Perfect for post-game celebrations.

🍽️Restaurants

Stick Boy Bread Company

$

Great option for sandwiches and baked goods, with bakery near campus.

📍 0.6 miles1075 State Farm Rd

💡 Perfect for a quick pre-game lunch. The sandwiches are excellent.

Mint Indian Cuisine

$$

Highly rated for authentic Indian food, including lunch buffet.

📍 2.5 miles1261 NC-105

💡 The lunch buffet is a great value. Excellent Indian cuisine in Boone.

Come Back Shack

$

Boone staple for burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs.

📍 0.9 miles168 Depot St

💡 Classic Boone dining experience. The burgers are legendary.

Lost Province Brewing Co.

$$

Microbrewery and wood-fired gastropub known for Neapolitan pizza and local ingredients.

📍 0.9 miles130 S Depot St

💡 Great beer and pizza. The outdoor beer garden is perfect for gameday.

🏨Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Boone

$$

Comfortable hotel close to Appalachian State campus.

📍 1.5 miles2035 Blowing Rock Rd

💡 Good value option close to campus. Book months in advance for gameday weekends.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Boone

$$$

Modern hotel with easy access to campus and downtown Boone.

📍 1.6 miles2060 Blowing Rock Rd

💡 Convenient location for exploring Boone and attending the game.

🎭Attractions

The Rock

Free

Kidd Brewer Stadium's nickname. The mountain atmosphere at 3,333 feet elevation creates a unique gameday experience.

📍 0 milesKidd Brewer Stadium

💡 The elevation and mountain setting make this one of the most unique venues in college football.

Downtown Boone

Free

Charming mountain town with unique shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.

📍 0.8 milesDowntown Boone

💡 Explore downtown Boone before or after the game. Great atmosphere and local shops.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Kidd Brewer Stadium Parking Lots

$20
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Limited campus parking. Arrive very early or use shuttle service from remote lots.

🚌

Remote Lot Shuttles

Free
Shuttle📍 Various locations

💡 Recommended option due to limited stadium parking. Shuttles run from various remote lots around Boone.

🅿️

Downtown Boone Parking

Free
Lot📍 0.8 miles

💡 Park downtown and walk to the stadium. Enjoy the mountain town atmosphere before the game.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Kidd Brewer Stadium? Share it with us.

🔥Rivals

Stadiums Near Kidd Brewer Stadium

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.