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NCAA FCS

Stambaugh StadiumYoungstown, Ohio

Youngstown State Penguins

👥
Capacity
20,650
🏆
Conference
Missouri Valley
📅
Opened
1982
🌱
Surface
N/A

📖About Stambaugh Stadium

Stambaugh Stadium, affectionately known as the "Ice Castle" for the Penguins' dominance on Beede Field, is a 20,650-seat stadium that opened in 1982 at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio. Named after Arnold D. Stambaugh, a prominent businessman who donated 17 acres for sports and recreation in 1952, the stadium has grown from an initial 17,000-seat west-side-only facility to its current configuration after a $5.5 million expansion in 1997. With modern AstroTurf installed in 2020, the Don Constantini Multimedia Center added in 2019, and a tradition of success dating back over 40 years, Stambaugh Stadium stands as a fortress for Youngstown State football.

🏛️History

Origins

Stambaugh Stadium was built to provide Youngstown State University with a modern on-campus facility for football and athletics. It was named in honor of Arnold D. Stambaugh, a prominent Youngstown businessman who donated 17 acres of land in 1952 for sports and recreation purposes. He passed away in 1981, one year before the stadium opened.

Major Renovations

1982Stadium opened September 4 with initial 17,000 seating capacity on west side only
1991Original playing surface replaced with AstroTurf
1997$5.5M expansion added 3,000+ seats on east side, bringing capacity to 20,630
2006New concourse elevator added for accessibility
2008Football office suites renovated, loge complex repainted, hallways tiled (through Feb 2009)
2009Auxiliary scoreboard constructed in south end zone, new reserved chairback seats installed, two new flagpoles added
2019Don Constantini Multimedia Center opened on east side of facility
2020Playing surface replaced with AstroTurf 3D3 RootZone Field in summer

Notable Moments

Sep 4, 1982First game - YSU vs nearby rival Akron
202240th Anniversary of Stambaugh Stadium celebrated

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The east side, added in the 1997 expansion, offers excellent views and modern amenities including the Don Constantini Multimedia Center. Midfield seating on the west (original) side provides classic stadium atmosphere. Reserved chairback seats added in 2009 offer premium comfort. End zone seats put fans close to the action.

Parking Tips

Parking is available in lots surrounding Stambaugh Stadium on the YSU campus. The stadium is centrally located on campus making it accessible from multiple directions. Arrive 2 hours early for rivalry games and playoff matchups. Follow parking attendant directions for smoothest flow.

Game Day

Experience the "Ice Castle" atmosphere that has intimidated opponents for over 40 years. The modern AstroTurf 3D3 RootZone Field installed in 2020 provides excellent playing surface. The Don Constantini Multimedia Center showcases YSU's commitment to media and communications. The auxiliary scoreboard in the south end zone keeps fans engaged throughout the game. Downtown Youngstown offers diverse dining and entertainment options before or after games.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Varsity Club

$$

YSU-focused sports bar offering catering, in-house parties, live music, DJ nights, and post-game celebrations.

📍 0.8 milesYoungstown

💡 The ultimate Penguins gameday destination, packed on home game days.

🍽️Restaurants

MVR (Mahoning Valley Restaurant)

$$

Beloved Youngstown favorite established in 1927, known for rich history, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious Italian cuisine. Features bocce courts and lively event space.

📍 2 milesYoungstown

💡 A Youngstown institution since 1927, perfect for groups and celebrations.

Station Square

$$$

Locally cherished restaurant with diverse menu featuring Italian specialties, over 450 wines and spirits, and organic menu selections.

📍 2.5 milesYoungstown

💡 Upscale Italian-American dining, extensive wine list.

YOSTERIA

$$

Popular restaurant near YSU campus with contemporary menu.

📍 0.9 milesNear YSU campus

💡 Convenient to stadium, good for pre-game dining.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

YSU Campus Lots

$10
Lot📍 0.1-0.4 miles

💡 Central campus location with good access. Arrive early for rivalry games.

Suggest a Tip

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

Stadiums Near Stambaugh Stadium

References

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