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Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium - home of Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, FL
NCAA FBS

Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union StadiumBoca Raton, Florida

Florida Atlantic

πŸ‘₯
Capacity
30,000
πŸ†
Conference
American
πŸ“…
Opened
2011
🌱
Surface
Grass

πŸ“–About Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium

Flagler Credit Union Stadium is a 30,000-seat venue in Boca Raton, Florida, home to the Florida Atlantic Owls. Formerly known as FAU Stadium, it was renamed in December 2024 after a 15-year, $22.5 million naming rights deal with Flagler Credit Union β€” the largest naming rights deal in the American Athletic Conference. The field is named Howard Schnellenberger Field in honor of the legendary coach who founded the Owls football program.

πŸ›οΈHoward Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium History

Origins

Opened October 15, 2011 as a $70 million facility funded through student fees, private donations, and naming rights. Built as part of FAU's Innovation Village development to replace off-campus Lockhart Stadium and give the Owls a true home venue.

Major Renovations

2014Playing surface named Howard Schnellenberger Field on August 20, 2014; became home of the Boca Raton Bowl
2024Renamed Flagler Credit Union Stadium on December 17, 2024 via $22.5M naming rights deal

Notable Moments

Oct 15, 2011Stadium opened; Western Kentucky defeated FAU in the inaugural game
Dec 17, 2024Stadium renamed Flagler Credit Union Stadium; first event under new name was the 2024 Boca Raton Bowl

🎟️Visiting Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium

Best Seats

Sections 104-106 (home sideline) and 126-128 (visitor sideline) near midfield are the closest lower-bowl seats and offer excellent sightlines. The west tower houses luxury suites with field-level cabana seating and lounge decks. Upper-level seats reward you with a 180-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean over the palm trees β€” one of the most unique backdrops in college football.

Parking Tips

On-site parking is $20 per car with lots opening four hours before kickoff. Lot 5 north of the stadium is the student tailgate epicenter and fills fast. The stadium sits right off I-95, making access easy, but postgame traffic on Glades Road can back up β€” consider exiting via Spanish River Blvd instead.

Game Day

The Owl Walk runs through the Lot 5 student tailgate area about 2.5 hours before kickoff β€” fans form a human tunnel with the Marching Owls and cheer squad as the team walks from the buses to the locker room. The student tailgate zone, nicknamed "The Rat's Mouth," at Gate 3 is the place for pregame energy. Fan Fest outside the stadium features live music, giveaways, and food vendors starting well before gates open.

πŸ—ΊοΈLocal Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Duffy's Sports Grill

$$

Iconic South Florida sports bar with 2-for-1 specials and an electric gameday energy.

πŸ“ 2.4 miles21212 St Andrews Blvd

πŸ’‘ The place to be for Saturday college football; many TVs and a loud FAU crowd.

Miller's Ale House

$$

Popular local chain that serves as a hub for FAU watch parties and student gatherings.

πŸ“ 1.4 miles1200 Yamato Rd

πŸ’‘ Try the Zingers (boneless wings)β€”they are a local favorite for gameday snacks.

The Irishman

$

Famous college bar known for its karaoke nights and being a staple of FAU student life.

πŸ“ 1.8 miles1745 NW 2nd Ave

πŸ’‘ A great spot post-game to celebrate with other students and fans.

Moons Tavern

$

Local neighborhood sports bar with 10 big screens showing every major game.

πŸ“ 1.6 miles1201 NW 2nd Ave

πŸ’‘ A more relaxed, unpretentious spot focused purely on the sports on screen.

🍽️Restaurants

Farmer's Table

$$$

Health-conscious farm-to-table restaurant focused on fresh, sustainable ingredients.

πŸ“ 1.5 miles1901 N Military Trl

πŸ’‘ Excellent for an upscale pre-game brunch with plenty of healthy options.

C.R. Chicks

$

Local favorite for fast-casual rotisserie chicken and hearty comfort sides.

πŸ“ 1.3 miles1200 Yamato Rd

πŸ’‘ Perfect for a quick, filling meal before heading to the stadium.

Le Sorelle

$$

Charming Italian bistro and wine bar serving authentic pizza and pasta.

πŸ“ 2.2 miles2330 Yamato Rd

πŸ’‘ Great for a post-game dinner in a nice, but still casual, atmosphere.

Salad Shop Boca Raton

$$

Fresh, custom-made salads and soups; a favorite for a lighter gameday option.

πŸ“ 1.5 miles1901 N Military Trl

πŸ’‘ Ideal if you want something healthy and quick on a warm Florida gameday.

🏨Hotels

Fairfield Inn & Suites Boca Raton

$$$

The closest hotel to the FAU campus, offering modern rooms and easy accessibility.

πŸ“ 0.8 miles3400 Airport Rd

πŸ’‘ Book early for major conference games; the location is second to none.

Sonesta Select Boca Raton

$$

Comfortable hotel located near the Boca Town Center and just a short drive to campus.

πŸ“ 1.4 miles2000 NW Executive Center Cir

πŸ’‘ Walkable to many nearby shops and chain restaurants for added convenience.

🎭Attractions

Owl Walk

Free

Tradition where the team and coaches process through the Lot 5 student tailgate area.

πŸ“ 0.1 milesLot 5, FAU Stadium

πŸ’‘ Be in Lot 5 roughly two hours before kickoff to join the fans cheering the team.

Mizner Park

Free

High-end shopping, dining, and entertainment center in downtown Boca Raton.

πŸ“ 2.5 miles327 Plaza Real

πŸ’‘ A great place for a scenic walk and dinner after the sun goes down.

πŸ…ΏοΈParking Options

πŸŽ‰

Lot 5 (Student Tailgate)

$20-$30
TailgateπŸ“ 0.1 miles

πŸ’‘ The center of student life on gameday; arrive early for any hope of a spot.

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Innovation Village Lots

$15-$25
LotπŸ“ 0.2 miles

πŸ’‘ Standard gameday parking surrounding the stadium grounds.

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Boca Town Center (Alternative)

Free-Varies
LotπŸ“ 1.5 miles

πŸ’‘ Some fans park here and use rideshare for the short trip to avoid stadium gridlock.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium? Share it with us.

πŸ”₯Florida Atlantic Rivals

Closest Stadiums to Howard Schnellenberger Field at Flagler Credit Union Stadium

References

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