The Hills are Alive

Official Review by Mike Stunson, Stadium Journey Correspondent

Houchens Industries- L.T. Smith Stadium is Western Kentucky University's 22,000 seat stadium rested at the bottom of their campus hill. The stadium expanded before the 2008 season. The new side of the stadium contains approximately 5,000 seats, as well as a 832-seat club level. The 2010 season is WKU's 43rd season the Hilltopper football team has used this stadium.

Houchens-Smith Stadium is named after L.T. Smith who was the Hilltoppers' fourth football coach, and the stadium was dedicated in his honor in 1968. The stadium also includes a 10,000-square-foot weight room and a state of the art training room for WKU athletes.

Food & Beverage    3

The concessions at Smith Stadium are nothing too special. Each side contains enough concessions, but nothing extraordinary on their menus.

One feature that Smith Stadium has that I have not seen at any other stadium is a Sonic near their north end zone. This seems to be a popular choice for fans.

Once a year fans are able to enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 soft drinks, and this brings a flurry of fans to the concessions to take advantage of the low prices.

Atmosphere    3

For a team that has not won a home game in over two years, the fans still came out in flocks to support their Hilltoppers. The crowd was able to get fairly loud during a lot of the key plays during the games. They can be heard the most when their defense is facing a third down.

The older side of the stadium is where the students sit, and these are bleacher seats. The newer side that was completed in 2008 contains both bleacher seats and chair-back seats.

Another addition added in 2008 is the grassy knoll on the north end zone. It allows fans the chance to enjoy the game from a different perspective. Families with their children filled most of this section.

Neighborhood    4

Houchens-Smith Stadium is housed in the Western Kentucky campus in the middle of the basketball and baseball facilities. It is a very pretty campus with plenty of aesthetically pleasing trees and flowers. It is evident that the University takes much pride in the look of their campus.

I went to a sports bar located about a half mile from the football stadium called Hilligans. I was told that they have tailgating parties before every football and basketball games for WKU. The bar included 13
high-definition televisions, three pool tables and two separate bars. They have a wide selection of eatery on their menu including lasagna ($6.49) and chicken bacon ranch sandwiches ($6.99). I tried an all meat pizza ($11.99 for a 12 inch) and was surprised of how good it was.

Fans    3

The color red is seen throughout the stadium on gamedays as fans pack the stadium. Students stand and cheer the whole game, despite WKU's eventual loss. Walking around the bleachers, however, I noticed some adults were hardly cheering even though the game stayed close until the end. It may be that fans have grown to be frustrated with WKU's losing ways.

Access    4

There is a large parking lot within walking distance from the stadium where fans like to tailgate. This is a free lot but for a shorter walking distance, attendees can park at two separate parking
structures which each cost a small fee.

Inside the stadium, restrooms can be found at ease, as well as concessions. There are stairs, ramps, as well as elevators that can take you to your seats.

Return on Investment    5

For the price, there is not much of a competitor for college football. General admisson adult seats are only $12 while youth seats are just $6. Season tickets were just $30, which is sometimes the price for just one ticket at Kentucky or Louisville. Students are able to get in free to all games, as they are to any WKU athletic game.

The only thing that may not entice fans to return is the team, but even with just 2 wins in 2010 still sees much improvement.

Extras    4

WKU's mascot, Big Red, can be found throughout the whole game. He is the face of the university, even though most students can't identify what he is.

There are bits done during timeouts and the halftime that include Big Red. One humorous one involved two fans in sandwich costumes racing to midfield while being chased and sometimes tackled by the mascot.

There is a large scoreboard on the north endzone that contains a video board used for player introductions and replays.

In what is a signature stamp to WKU, fans across the whole stadium wave their red towels during the game. This was started by the former basketball coach E.A. Diddle.

Final Thoughts

It may not contain the historical presence as does WKU's basketball arena, but the recent additions make Houchens-Smith Stadium worth visiting. Fans don't pack the stadium quite like they do at the larger Kentucky schools, but the fans that come do make their presence known.