Carmel Stadium – Carmel Greyhounds
Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
Carmel Stadium 2450 E. 136th St. Carmel, IN 46032
Year Opened: 1991
Capacity: 6,000
The New Carmel Stadium
This past football season, Carmel High School debuted its new and improved football stadium. The 6,000-seat stadium was originally constructed in 1991 but was in need of improvements. The renovations to the stadium ensure that the Greyhounds become one of the better high school football facilities in the Indianapolis area, not just for players and staff, but also for fans.
The changes included a new video board, a new sound system, an extended concourse, expanded locker rooms for players, seating enhancements, new ramps, and a state-of-the-art press box. The improvements were designed to make traffic flow much easier during packed games and included placing the north end concession stand further back in the grandstand to break up the congestion.
Carmel has played football since 1896 and has captured 9 state championships; its last was a 6A title in 2019. Stadium names used in the past have included both Greyhound and Carmel Stadium.
Food & Beverage 3
The stadium has two concession stands, one near the entrance and one behind the grandstand on the north side. The food options include Chick-fil-A sandwiches, hot dogs, soft pretzels, nachos, chips, candy, and bottled sodas. The prices range from $3 for chips and $7 for a chicken sandwich. All soft drink products are Pepsi products.
Atmosphere 4
It was a cold, rainy fall evening, and the crowd was less than normal. Past crowds at games were at or near capacity. However, on most nights the stadium is packed with fans of all ages enjoying a Friday night underneath the lights at Carmel Stadium.
Fans enter the stadium at the south end of the facility underneath a giant Carmel Stadium sign. There are usually local properties offering products and services, including coupons, prizes, and small souvenirs. Children run around this part of the stadium and gather behind the area behind the video board. The $634,500 provides replays, scores, stats, announcements, and graphics to pump up the crowd during the game.
The main grandstand offers bleacher-style seating, a standing-room-only section for the student cheer block, and an area underneath the press box with tabletop seating. The visitor’s grandstand offers seating along with access to restrooms on the opposite side. There is also seating in the north end of the endzone.
Depending on the game, there are banners, student cheer, and the band adding a nice background to the football game. The stadium lights flicker in blue and gold after every Greyhound touchdown.
Neighborhood 4
Its location on Main Street just blocks from downtown Carmel’s restaurants, shops, and bars, making it an ideal way to spend a night in one of Indianapolis’ poshest suburbs. Downtown also offers shops, restaurants, bars, and performance theaters that are the envy of the rest of the Indianapolis metro area.
The Monon Trail cuts through Main Street downtown, and locals use pedestrian-only areas to walk to nearby restaurants and bars. They include Matt the Millers Tavern, a spot for great food and drink; Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream, where you can try to finish a Big Ugly; and The Goat, a casual restaurant with smash burgers, wings, drinks, and outdoor seating.
The Sun King Brewery is a two-level brewery with an upscale food court, outdoor games, and an open-air patio. 3UP Rooftop Lounge is a stylish rooftop gastropub ideal for cocktails and small plates; the view from above makes it a trendy place to be seen with friends.
Allied Solution Center for Performing Arts (formerly The Palladium) is a dome-roof theater that is a marvel to look at in itself. Located off the Monon, the building features plays, concerts, symphonies, and other stage events.
Fans 4
Carmel fans share their spirit at every game. The stadium draws in great crowds throughout the season, and it becomes a community event. Fans young and old can be found watching the Greyhounds play at the stadium. The student cheer block is massive and provides an ideal atmosphere for their peers on the gridiron.
Access 5
There are various areas to park for the game; local police and ushers help navigate cars in and out of the lots before and after games. The expanded concourse and ADA ramps also make it easier to navigate in the grandstand during the game.
Return on Investment 4
The price of a ticket is $8.95 for an adult, parking is free, concessions are inexpensive, and the atmosphere is quite exciting for a first-class high school football stadium in Indiana. The team offers apparel at the team shop in the back of the grandstand for fair prices.
Extras 3
Carmel Stadium earns points for its merchandise stand, expanded concourse and ramp system, and its giant video board.
Final Thoughts
Carmel Stadium is one of the better experiences for high school football in the Indianapolis area. The new improvements and expanded press box are more modern than several FCS stadiums in the state. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere and affordable prices for families and sports-minded travelers.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel.
