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Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium - home of Ohio in Athens, OH
NCAA FBS

Frank Solich Field at Peden StadiumAthens, Ohio

Ohio

👥
Capacity
24,000
🏆
Conference
MAC
📅
Opened
1929
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

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📖About Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium

Peden Stadium, known as "The Wrigley Field of MAC Football," is the oldest stadium in the conference. Opened in 1929, it is named for legendary coach Don Peden and is widely regarded as one of the most scenic venues in college football.

🏛️History

Origins

Originally built for $185,000 in 1929. Named for Don Peden, who coached Ohio to 121 wins and 6 conference titles over 21 seasons.

Major Renovations

1986Seating capacity increased to 19,000
2005New academic center and field level suites added
2022Field named in honor of coach Frank Solich
2024North end zone renovation project completion

Notable Moments

Oct 1, 1929Stadium dedicated with game vs Miami (OH)
Sep 8, 2012Record attendance 25,893 vs New Mexico State

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The West side (Press box side) offers the best aesthetics and afternoon shade. The premium "patios" in the end zone offer a unique social environment.

Parking Tips

GA parking is $15 in perimeter lots with shuttle service. The Athens City Parking Garage is a reliable off-campus alternative. Note that lots are cashless.

Game Day

Athens is a world-class party school and gameday town. Don't miss the "Marching 110" — one of the best bands in the nation. The Hocking River right behind the stadium adds to the scenic vibe.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Pub

$$

Athens' quintessential university bar, famous for its burgers, beer selection, and decades of history.

📍 0.5 miles39 N Court St, Athens, OH 45701

💡 A Court Street legend. Try the 'Famous Burger' and soak in the student atmosphere. It gets very crowded on gamedays.

Jackie O's Public House

$$

World-renowned brewery known for its commitment to sustainability and incredible craft beers.

📍 0.4 miles24 W Union St, Athens, OH 45701

💡 If you like craft beer, this is a sanctuary. Excellent food menu as well, with many ingredients sourced from their own farm.

🍽️Restaurants

Casa Nueva

$$

Worker-owned cooperative restaurant featuring locally-sourced, Mexican-inspired dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.

📍 0.4 miles6 W State St, Athens, OH 45701

💡 A local favorite for decades. Their salsa is iconic. Great for breakfast/brunch before a midday game.

Big Mamma's Burritos

$

Campus staple known for its massive, creative burritos and quick service.

📍 0.5 miles10 S Court St, Athens, OH 45701

💡 The 'Mamma's Burrito' is a rite of passage. Perfect for a portable meal to take to a tailgate.

🏨Hotels

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

$$$

The only hotel located directly on the university's south green, within easy walking distance of Peden Stadium.

📍 0.3 miles331 Richland Ave, Athens, OH 45701

💡 The premier place to stay for gameday. You can practically hear the band warming up from your room.

🎭Attractions

The Ridges (Kennedy Museum of Art)

Free

Historic Victorian-era asylum complex that now houses an art museum and miles of hiking trails.

📍 0.8 miles100 Ridges Cir, Athens, OH 45701

💡 Breathtaking views of Athens from 'Radar Hill.' A great place for a morning hike or a scenic walk before the game.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Perimeter GA Lots

$15
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Primary gameday parking. Cashless only. Shuttle service provided from further lots. Arrive early for the best spots.

🏢

Athens City Parking Garage

$1.25/hr
Garage📍 0.6 miles

💡 A great off-campus option. It puts you right on Court Street for pre/post-game dining and drinking.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium? Share it with us.

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🔥Rivals

→

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Marshall

Battle for the Bell

Huntington, WV

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Fred C. Yager Stadium

Miami

Battle of the Bricks

Oxford, OH

Stadiums Near Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium

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Joan C. Edwards Stadium

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Huntington, WV64 mi
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Ohio Stadium

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Columbus, OH68 mi
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Phil Simms Stadium

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Morehead, Kentucky106 mi
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Welcome Stadium

Dayton Flyers

Dayton, Ohio115 mi
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Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium

West Virginia

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InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field

Akron

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References

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