Bishop Schmitt Field - Wheeling Cardinals
- Aaron S. Terry
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43
Bishop Schmitt Field 1042 Ignatian Way Wheeling, WV 26003
Year Opened: 2014
Capacity: 2,500
Flock, Flock, Flock!
Wheeling University boasts an intimate setting for football with a decent atmosphere, but the facility lacks several modern amenities fans have come to expect at a sports stadium these days. The Cardinals play at Bishop Schmitt Field in Wheeling, WV – Wheeling University is a private Catholic University founded in 1954, but its football program has only existed since 2019. The Cardinals compete in the NCAA’s Division II Mountain East Conference.
Food & Beverage 2
Bishop Schmitt Field doesn’t have any fixed concession stands, instead bringing in several food trucks during each home game, which are set up in the tailgating lot across the street from the press box. Unfortunately, these food trucks only offer dessert-type items such as ice cream, cotton candy, and donuts. There are beverages for sale such as coffee, soda, and bottled water, but no main dishes or sides. Alcohol is also not allowed on campus, as this is a Catholic university.
Fans are allowed to bring their own food and drinks to the facility; otherwise, you will have to go off campus if you are looking for anything substantial to eat.
Atmosphere 3
Bishop Schmitt Field offers a pleasant atmosphere in a scenic setting with lots of greenery in the background. All the seating is bleachers, and there is little shade to be found except for under a few trees, or in the last few rows on the home side (in the shadow of the press box). As a result, some fans bring umbrellas to sit under and/or bring folding chairs to set up on the hill overlooking the field, where some of the trees are located.
The PA system is very loud, so it is easy to hear the game calls from anywhere on the property – in fact, you can hear the action clearly from the Kroger grocery store half a mile away. The staff also does the traditional dance cams during breaks in the action, and of course leads fans in singing “Country Roads” at the end of the third quarter, a West Virginia staple.
Neighborhood 2
Wheeling University’s campus itself is very well kept, but outside of campus this particular section of the city (near the Ohio River) is a bit dilapidated, with a few blocked-off roads and several ongoing construction zones. There are a few restaurants around, including local chains such as Bob Evans or Perkins, but only a couple of hotels nearby. There is a casino and greyhound racetrack on Wheeling Island, which offers another hotel option, but most of the hotels in the area are about 10 miles to the east in St. Clairsville, Ohio, or 10 miles to the west near Wheeling’s city center.
The Greyhound racetrack on Wheeling Island is one of only two still operating in the United States, so it may be worth a look if you are in the area. Live racing happens Wednesday through Sunday starting at 1 pm, so depending on what time the football game starts, you may be able to catch a few races before or after.
Fans 2
The fans at Bishop Schmitt Field are solid, but there just aren’t too many of them. The visiting side is practically empty, and some of the most diehard fans sit on the hill overlooking the field, instead of in the bleachers. If you visit the hill, you will hear plenty of catcalls aimed at the referees for missing a hold or pass interference.
Access 3
Getting to this part of Wheeling is very easy, as it is right off I-70 coming either east or west. However, once you get off the freeway, the roads are a little wonky, with weird doglegs and turns getting on or off the freeway, due to the layout of the river and where the on/off ramps are situated.
Once you get to Wheeling University’s campus, Bishop Schmitt Field is easy to find, and the concessions are right next to the press box. However, the only bathrooms are located inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center located behind the northeast end zone, so you will face a bit of a walk if you need to go during the game. On the plus side, you could potentially use that building as a cooling-off spot partway through the game if the heat gets to be too much.
Return on Investment 3
Tickets to Wheeling Cardinals football games are only $10, which is reasonable, but the lack of meal options at the concessions is a bit of a disappointment for a 3-to-3-and-a-half-hour game. If you do attend a game here, I would definitely recommend bringing a camping chair to try and sit under the shade of a tree, unless you can find a night game. Parking at Bishop Schmitt Field is free.
Extras 2
There is no tailgating allowed in the parking lot overlooking the field, but you can tailgate in the lot behind the press box. I did not see a band or a mascot during my most recent visit.
