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NCAA FCS

Memorial StadiumTerre Haute, Indiana

Indiana State Sycamores

👥
Capacity
12,464
🏆
Conference
Missouri Valley
📅
Opened
1925
🌱
Surface
N/A

📖About Memorial Stadium

Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute, Indiana, stands as a historic venue with roots dating back to 1924. Originally built as the nation's finest minor league baseball stadium, it was acquired by Indiana State University in 1967 and has served as the home of Sycamores football ever since. With a capacity of 12,464, Memorial Stadium made history in 1967 when Indiana State became the first university in the world to own and operate an outdoor artificial playing surface.

🏛️History

Origins

Memorial Stadium was originally constructed in 1924 as a premier minor league baseball facility. It was officially dedicated on May 4, 1925, with Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis present to throw out the first pitch. The stadium was universally hailed as the nation's finest minor league baseball stadium at the time.

Major Renovations

1967Acquired by Indiana State University; three-part renovation began including field reorientation from north-south to east-west, installation of Astroturf (first university with outdoor artificial surface), and construction of 4,500 bleacher seats on north side
19961967 bleacher seats removed and replaced with landscaped hill for general admission seating
2018State-of-the-art FieldTurf artificial surface installed along with brand new locker room facilities for football and women's soccer programs

Notable Moments

May 4, 1925Stadium dedication with Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis throwing first pitch
1967Indiana State became first university in world to own/operate outdoor artificial playing surface
2009Women's soccer program began using facility

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The west side grandstand offers traditional seating with good sightlines. The landscaped hill on the north side provides a unique general admission experience for casual fans who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. East side seating gives views of the distinctive Memorial Stadium arch.

Parking Tips

Parking is available in lots adjacent to Memorial Stadium off Wabash and Brown Avenues. Arrive 2 hours before kickoff for best availability. Street parking in nearby neighborhoods is also an option but fills quickly on game days.

Game Day

Memorial Stadium's distinctive arch entrance is a recognizable landmark. The facility serves both football and women's soccer, creating a multi-sport atmosphere. The stadium's proximity to downtown Terre Haute makes it easy to explore local dining and entertainment before or after games.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Sonka's Irish Pub and Grill

$$

Authentic Irish pub with wonderful selection of craft beer on draft and excellent food menu.

📍 1.2 milesWabash Avenue, Terre Haute

💡 Great spot for pre-game drinks with a diverse craft beer selection.

The Bally

$

Favorite among the college crowd for more than 40 years, classic college bar atmosphere.

📍 1 mileNear Pizza King, Terre Haute

💡 A Terre Haute institution, get there early on game days.

🍽️Restaurants

Rick's Smokehouse and Grill

$

Closest dining to the stadium, offering BBQ and comfort food right in the stadium lot.

📍 0.1 milesAdjacent to Memorial Stadium

💡 Most convenient option for pre-game meal, arrive early during peak times.

J Ford Black Angus

$$$

Upscale steakhouse offering finest food and spirits in casual setting with fresh ingredients, full bar, wine list, and craft cocktails.

📍 2 milesTerre Haute

💡 Reservations recommended for pre-game dining, opened in 2007.

Ambrosini's

$

Thin crust pizza and chicken wings, local favorite on Wabash Avenue.

📍 1.2 milesWabash Avenue, Terre Haute

💡 Great for casual dining and takeout before the game.

🏨Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Terre Haute

$$$

3-star accommodations located 5-minute walk from Indiana State University with fitness center, restaurant and bar.

📍 0.5 milesNear ISU campus

💡 Walking distance to stadium, book early for football weekends.

🎭Attractions

Memorial Stadium Arch

Free

The iconic arch entrance to Memorial Stadium, a recognizable Terre Haute landmark since 1925.

📍 0 milesStadium entrance

💡 Perfect photo opportunity showcasing the stadium's historic character.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Stadium Adjacent Lots

$10-15
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Primary parking off Wabash and Brown Avenues, arrive 2 hours early.

Suggest a Tip

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

Stadiums Near Memorial Stadium

References

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