2008 SEC Football Discussion Thread

[sporket]

Huge South Carolina Fan here!!!!

 

[mike_s]

Huge South Carolina Fan here!!!!

but are you a Spurrier fan?

 

[RocketMan]

I don't have tickets for any games this year, and thanks to AU being ranked pre-season again and internet ticket scalpers, decent seats are hard to come by unless you want to pay $300/seat.

I'm working on some games though...

Mike I was thinking of going to the Auburn-Vandy game. It's in Nashville, which is closer than Auburn. There will be more Auburn fans than Vandy fans at the game so seating in the Vandy section won't be a big deal...

 

[mike_s]

I went to the Alabama Vandy game about 2-3 years ago. Walking all around town was nothing but people wearing Crimson Red.

We made jokes that we couldn't see anyone, even in the stadium wearing Black and Gold.... Finally someone says, "Look, he's got on Black and Gold. Finally a Vandy fan" he joked. Then we realized it was an usher for the stadium.

I actually would much rather go to Jordan Hare. Vandy's stadium, on the visitor side, is "one big add on" on the top of the stands. But they didn't add any extra entrance ramps to get to the top of the stands. So you have to enter at ground level and climb all the way up. the climbing isn't the issue, but exiting is. Because at Half Time or the end of the game, everyone for the 100 rows up has to use the same exit. It takes for ever standing around for everyone to funnel through one hole in the stadium.

it's got to be one of the worst designed stadiums in the SEC. It's pretty pathetic. The Fire Marhall should have never approved the construction of it because you couldn't get people out of the stands in a safe amount of time if any severe weather storms hit. (tornado, expected lightning.).

But I guess this is to be expected at Vandy and I doubt it will ever change. It's clear that Vandy doesn't support its football team, so why would they bother to support the infrastructure of the stadium they play in.

 

[utdivermatt]

I actually would much rather go to Jordan Hare. Vandy's stadium, on the visitor side, is "one big add on" on the top of the stands. But they didn't add any extra entrance ramps to get to the top of the stands. So you have to enter at ground level and climb all the way up. the climbing isn't the issue, but exiting is. Because at Half Time or the end of the game, everyone for the 100 rows up has to use the same exit. It takes for ever standing around for everyone to funnel through one hole in the stadium.

it's got to be one of the worst designed stadiums in the SEC. It's pretty pathetic. The Fire Marhall should have never approved the construction of it because you couldn't get people out of the stands in a safe amount of time if any severe weather storms hit. (tornado, expected lightning.).

But I guess this is to be expected at Vandy and I doubt it will ever change. It's clear that Vandy doesn't support its football team, so why would they bother to support the infrastructure of the stadium they play in.

You know Vandy does not have an athletic department, right? Never was able to figure out that one.

As for stadiums, they may have the worst, but judging by that criteria, you know who has the best? Georgia. When we were there in 2004 and 2006, that place cleared out in a hurry. Especially in 04. Last play was a hail marry from them to try to win the game. I think the stands were cleared before the ball hit the ground. It was really quite impressive. In 06, they had the whole second half to clear out. It was empty at the end.

 

[mike_s]

Stanford Stadium in Georgia is very nice.

I remember folks standing on the bridge to watch the game... You used to could also sit on the hill in the other end zone up near the railroad tracks and watch the game... This was before they put in the upper deck in the end-zone on the far end.


Neyland stadium is just freakin' massive. It's prob the biggest in the SEC I'd guess. I remember some talk at one time about getting Tenn to play at Bristol at the track and filling in the infield with dirt and grass for the event. I think that Tenn could fill it.

Bryant Denny is very nice. They just upgraded it a year or so ago and put in a section in the endzone that is the ultimate fan zone. Tickets cost more, but I you get a lot of perks for that section.

Jordan Hare is nice... they can pack a lot of people in that little town for game weekends.

I wasn't too impressed with Mississippi's stadium, but it's been a LONG time since I've been there.

Legion Field, where Alabama used to play is pretty much falling apart. They had structural problems with the upper decks and I think they had to remove them. When the city lost the lease to play Alabama games there, it really went downhill as revenue bottomed out.

But I still wouldn't mind if the stadium was in decent shape (and still had the upper decks) if they played maybe 1 year out of 3 of the Iron Bowl's there still.

But believe it or not, Legion Field will get a post season bowl with a SEC team in it this year. This year and next, the Pappa Johns Bowl will have the SEC's lowest-ranked bowl-eligible team and a Big East Conference team. So Alabama might get to play there this year after all

 

[utdivermatt]

Stanford Stadium in Georgia is very nice.

I remember folks standing on the bridge to watch the game... You used to could also sit on the hill in the other end zone up near the railroad tracks and watch the game... This was before they put in the upper deck in the end-zone on the far end.


Neyland stadium is just freakin' massive. It's prob the biggest in the SEC I'd guess. I remember some talk at one time about getting Tenn to play at Bristol at the track and filling in the infield with dirt and grass for the event. I think that Tenn could fill it.

Bryant Denny is very nice. They just upgraded it a year or so ago and put in a section in the endzone that is the ultimate fan zone. Tickets cost more, but I you get a lot of perks for that section.

Jordan Hare is nice... they can pack a lot of people in that little town for game weekends.

I wasn't too impressed with Mississippi's stadium, but it's been a LONG time since I've been there.

Legion Field, where Alabama used to play is pretty much falling apart. They had structural problems with the upper decks and I think they had to remove them. When the city lost the lease to play Alabama games there, it really went downhill as revenue bottomed out.

But I still wouldn't mind if the stadium was in decent shape (and still had the upper decks) if they played maybe 1 year out of 3 of the Iron Bowl's there still.

But believe it or not, Legion Field will get a post season bowl with a SEC team in it this year. This year and next, the Pappa Johns Bowl will have the SEC's lowest-ranked bowl-eligible team and a Big East Conference team. So Alabama might get to play there this year after all

Well, now that I have seen pretty much every stadium, I figure I can post a little about each...

EAST:

Neyland Stadium: Knoxville, TN: OK, I'm biased, but Mike is right, I think you have to be impressed by its size. Florida and Georgia are getting close in numbers, but Neyland is literally straight up. Standing on the field you feel like you have 108,000+ screaming right in your ears. I would also say we generally have the worst fans. Many of the season ticket holders have been there for decades, and they simply don't get too involved. Given that, when it gets loud, its loud. In '04 vs. Florida, the bottom deck started shaking it got so loud. Its not in the best condition (parts of it are still like they were when they started building it, in about the 1920's), but the renovations going on right now are going to fix that. They are slowly expanding and renovating concourses, and are planning to brick the exterior. I think it will be something to be proud of when it is done.

Commonwealth Stadium: Lexington, KY: Surprisingly nice place to watch football. Its no the largest, but it appears to be really well designed. Great open concourse that allows you to see the game while getting concessions or using the facilities. The only bad part is sitting in the visitor endzone in November. It is almost all metal, and it gets cold. Also, the Wildcat grow after first downs is really annoying. Fans there are horrible, but thats also probably because they aren't too fond of orange.

Williams-Brice Stadium: Columbia, SC: Looks like an upside down cockroach. Very similar (in looks at least) to the stadium the Titans play in. Also, its on the fairgrounds in Columbia, making it the only SEC stadium not on campus. I find that to be a pity, as I think the experience of SEC football is made to be played on campus. Whoever came up with the idea for the Gamecock squall should be shot. That has to be the most annoying sound in the SEC. Don't know when it was built, but I would guess it is about due for a renovation. Everything is hidden behind and under the stands, so if you leave the stands, you can't tell what it going on. Sadly, I think when Spurrier steps down in the near future, they aren't going to be able to sustain much. He seems to be what keeps the program running.

Sanford Stadium: Athens, GA: One of the nicest stadiums I have been in. It's large, but it doesn't feel crammed. Endzone sections aren't too high, but the sideline seats go waaaaay up there. I dont know that you could actually tell a football game is going on up there. Fans can get a little obnoxious though, especially with the barking. Can't say I ever figured out why old men think barking at you is intimidating? I had alot of stuff thrown at me in 2004, so can't say its somewhere I really enjoy going. Campus looks beautiful though.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: Gainsville, FL: Of all the stadiums in the SEC, this has to be the most unique. I honestly cannot figure any thought process that went into designing it, but it came together well. All over the stadium there are weird angles, and random walls, which make for a very unique setting. It also earns its name as the Swamp. It is horribly hot and humid. If its early in the season, I would almost rather stay at the hotel and watch with the A/C on. It seems pretty old and cramped, but the uniqueness of the stadium is something to see. Fans don't like us, we don't like them. Its pretty ugly, especially when you have games like we have there lately.

Vanderbilt Stadium: Nashville, TN: What can you say? Its a stadium. Its not too big, and always seems to have more fans of the visitors. Students tend to show up for the second half if it is still a close game. It was poorly designed though, they expanded it without much thought, and now it is a bottleneck getting in and out. Can't say much about their fans, never met one.


WEST:

Jordan-Hare Stadium: Auburn, AL: Making my first trip there in early October. Look forward to it.

Bryant-Denny Stadium: Tuscaloosa, AL: Nice stadium, especially with the new addition. But the thing that stood out to me was the fans. Of all the fans in the SEC, Bama fans seem the most 'connected' with their team. Chants were insanely loud, and Rammer Jammer gets on your nerves quickly. Its also nice to have the video boards they have, with placement in the corners. It makes it much easier to see the replays. Another school that simply doesn't like us, but you have to respect the history of the program.

Tiger Stadium: Baton Rouge, LA: I'll admit I got a very interesting and different perspective of this one. We were there just over a week after Katrina hit, and ESPN moved the game to Monday night. Saturday night is supposed to be amazing there, and I would believe it. Mood was understandably slightly subdued, but picked up with the game. Stadium is old, but nice to visit. Its also very large. They hadn't quite opened the expansion when we were there, but I would think it only serves to make it more impressive. I would love to see another game there under typical conditions.

Donald Reynolds Stadium: Fayetteville, AR: To me, it is one of the least memorable stadiums in the SEC. It has a huge jumbotron, but other than that nothing much stuck out. It was nice, and had more room than alot of stadiums, but I would never describe it as intimidating. The game we played there was ugly though, and I have since tried to forget much of that game. Pig Sooie may be more annoying than Rocky Top.

Vaught Hemmingway Stadium: Oxford, MS: May be the nicest place to visit in the SEC. The fans are the nicest I have met, with everyone very happy to have you on their campus. The Grove is something amazing to see on its own. Its really how tailgating should be done. The campus is beautiful too, as well as the students. The stadium is really unique though, as it has three boxes, but each are totally different. Don't know the story behind it, but they definately look strange when compared with each other. If I had to choose anywhere to see another game though, this may be it, just based on the enjoyment of going to a game there. It truly is a display of southern hospitality.

Davis Wade Stadium: Starkville, MS: Someone once told me that of the two schools in the state, Ole Miss got the money, and MSU was for the 'common folk'. The stadiums show that this is true. Where Ole Miss is small, and has lot of luxury box room, MSU has almost the opposite, with almost all bleacher seating. The cowbells also make for a unique atmosphere, as long as you go see a team that will quite them down after a half or so. Its also the only place I have seen where the visiting team has to run down steps to go from the locker room facility to the field. I heard they are installing a giant HD videoboard above the football facility in the endzone, and it is supposed to be the largest in the SEC. I will probably try to get down there to see it again once that is installed.


And that, my friends, is what makes SEC football what it is: The uniqueness of every environment, and the fans that support their teams.

 

[mike_s]

WI would also say we generally have the worst fans. (Tennessee).

I have seen that with Tenn fans... but mostly stories of if you have the opossing team parnaphanelia on your car, stuff like they won't let you park in "their" parking lots... a few stories of cars with visiting team logo's in the back window smashed out with bricks after a loss.

Tenn fans seem to be "fair weather fans" in my opinion. They don't seem to support their team well during a loss. (just my opinion).

Sanford Stadium: Athens, GA: One of the nicest stadiums I have been in. Fans can get a little obnoxious though, especially with the barking.

heh... I remember their fans barking. my parents are UGA alums so I've been seen it for sure. But many "one state team" schools are that way. Yeah there is GA Tech, but it's like Tenn and Vandy where 95% of the state is for one team.

what I remember about Sanford stadium alot besides the bridge is the "hedges". those georgia fans "love them hedges". they also roll the bookstore with toliet paper for each game, like Auburn fans do to Toomer corner.

Vanderbilt Stadium: Nashville, TN: [snip]Can't say much about their fans, never met one.

Worst stadium in the SEC, in my opinion.

I sat in the vandy fan section once there. (it was very small ) Anyway the fans that were there sitting near us had no clue a ball game was going on. They basically brough an entire bar in the stadium inside their jackets. They spent the entire game pouring drinks and drinking and having a good time. Anytime anyone cheered, even the visiting team cheered, heck they'd cheer too. So I'd have to say the few fans they have are laid back and know their team is going to loose and are just there to have a good time.

WEST:

Jordan-Hare Stadium: Auburn, AL: Making my first trip there in early October. Look forward to it.

Great stadium, right in the center of campus and lots of engery from the fans.

Bryant-Denny Stadium: Tuscaloosa, AL: Nice stadium, especially with the new addition. But the thing that stood out to me was the fans. Of all the fans in the SEC, Bama fans seem the most 'connected' with their team. Chants were insanely loud, and Rammer Jammer gets on your nerves quickly.

another great stadium that's on campus. Fans are very dedicated. They fashion their entire schedules and wardrobes around BAMA football. The Rammer Jammer song gets old though as you said. I'd have to say that Tennessee is one of their "more hated" rivals.

Tiger Stadium: Baton Rouge, LA:

Haven't been to this stadium, but their fans can be intense and dedicated.

Vaught Hemmingway Stadium: Oxford, MS: .

I haven't been to this stadium since I was a teenager prob 25 or more years ago. Then it was a pretty small stadium. (might have actually moved since then.). I just remember that my High School stadium was about the same size, at least on one side fo the stands. Much bigger now from the pics I've seen.

 

[mike_s]

Here's my favorite rendition of Rammer Jammer.

It was after the 2007 Iron Bown and performed by the Auburn band after Auburn had just beat Bama for the 6th time in a row.

WAR EAGLE!

 

[ScubaTexan]

it's got to be one of the worst designed stadiums in the SEC. It's pretty pathetic. The Fire Marhall should have never approved the construction of it because you couldn't get people out of the stands in a safe amount of time if any severe weather storms hit. (tornado, expected lightning.).

But I guess this is to be expected at Vandy and I doubt it will ever change. It's clear that Vandy doesn't support its football team, so why would they bother to support the infrastructure of the stadium they play in.

Vandy's Memorial Gym doesn't look like it's a whole lot better.