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NCAA FBS

Carl Smith Center, Home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott StadiumCharlottesville, Virginia

Virginia

👥
Capacity
61,500
🏆
Conference
ACC
📅
Opened
1931
🌱
Surface
Grass

📖About Carl Smith Center, Home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium

Scott Stadium at the Carl Smith Center holds 61,500 and is one of the most beautiful settings in college football, nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains. Named for benefactor Frederic Scott, it's hosted Virginia football since 1931 and features views of Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village.

🏛️History

Origins

Opened October 15, 1931 with a 47-0 loss to VMI. Built for $500,000 from Frederic Scott's gift. Originally 22,000 seats, it was Virginia's first permanent football venue.

Major Renovations

1981Upper deck added to south end zone
2000Carl Smith Center expansion with suites and club seating
2011$28M north end zone renovation; Harrison Field naming

Notable Moments

Nov 28, 2019Virginia beat Virginia Tech 39-30 to clinch Coastal Division
Oct 31, 2009Virginia upset #17 Miami 16-10
Nov 23, 1995Virginia beat Virginia Tech 33-16 to claim ACC title

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sections 102-110 offer mountain views and midfield sightlines. The Virginian Club has premium hospitality. West side has afternoon shade. Student section is sections 523-530.

Parking Tips

Parking at John Paul Jones Arena with shuttle. Central Grounds lots require pass. Free parking at UVA Hospital with long walk. Use Emmet Street lots.

Game Day

Cavalier Walk starts 2 hours before kickoff. Visit The Corner on University Avenue before/after games. The Good Ol' Song after wins is iconic. Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda is a short walk. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Boylan Heights

$$

Beloved UVA sports bar on The Corner with rooftop views and classic gameday energy.

📍 1.1 miles102 14th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Rooftop spots go fast—arrive early for the best view.

The Biltmore

$

Student-favorite bar known for cheap drinks, loud music, and packed weekends.

📍 1.1 miles203 14th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Expect a line after big wins—go before kickoff for easier entry.

Rapture

$$

Downtown sports bar with plenty of TVs and a well-known beer list.

📍 2.0 miles303 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Grab a seat at the bar for the best screen views.

Trinity Irish Pub

$$

Irish pub in the historic Downtown Mall with live music and hearty pub fare.

📍 2.2 miles111 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

💡 Ideal postgame stop if you are heading downtown.

🍽️Restaurants

The Virginian

$

UVA landmark since 1923, famous for greasy burgers and “Greasy Nellys.”

📍 1.2 miles1521 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Order at the bar for faster service on busy Saturdays.

Bodo's Bagels

$

Charlottesville icon known for fresh, chewy bagels and quick, no-frills service.

📍 1.2 miles1609 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Grab bagels early for tailgating—they often sell out by noon.

Wayside Fried Chicken

$$

Local institution serving crispy fried chicken since the 1950s.

📍 1.3 miles2203 Jefferson Park Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Takeout travels well for a picnic or tailgate spread.

Bizou

$$$

Farm-to-table bistro with seasonal Southern flavors and a cozy dining room.

📍 2.1 miles109 2nd St SW, Charlottesville, VA 22902

💡 Reserve ahead for evening kickoff weekends.

🏨Hotels

Graduate Charlottesville

$$$

Boutique hotel on West Main with UVA-themed decor and walkable access to The Corner.

📍 1.5 miles1309 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Request a higher-floor room for city views.

Oakhurst Inn

$$

Charming inn close to campus with a quiet neighborhood feel.

📍 0.9 miles122 Oakhurst Cir, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Great for early morning walks to the stadium.

🎭Attractions

The Rotunda & The Lawn

$

UNESCO-listed UVA landmark designed by Thomas Jefferson.

📍 1.3 miles1826 University Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Visit before kickoff to experience the heart of Grounds.

The Corner

$

Historic strip of UVA shops and bars buzzing on football Saturdays.

📍 1.2 milesUniversity Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

💡 Perfect for pregame people-watching and grabbing snacks.

🅿️Parking Options

🚌

John Paul Jones Arena Lots + Shuttle

Varies
Shuttle📍 1.5 miles

💡 Use the gameday shuttle to skip the traffic near Scott Stadium.

🏢

Central Grounds Garage

Varies
Garage📍 0.9 miles

💡 Covered parking with a straightforward campus walk.

🏢

Emmet/Ivy Garage

Varies
Garage📍 1.7 miles

💡 Easy in/out access if you are heading toward I-64 after the game.

Suggest a Tip

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🔥Rivals

Stadiums Near Carl Smith Center, Home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium

References

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