Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43
Cecil College Gymnasium One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901
Year Opened: 1970: Remodeled 2010
Capacity: 1,500
Basketball Seahawks
Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007.
The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The Seahawks won the NJCAA Division II national championship for basketball in 2006. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference,
The gymnasium is located on the first floor of the Physical Education building (Building E) on the North East campus.
Food & Beverage 2
There are no real food options available at the arena. We are giving much credit to the vending options, which include a hot pizza vending machine. We attended after a major snowstorm and between semesters so the machine was not working, but we are hoping it is as awesome as it sounds.
Atmosphere 2
There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level basketball game. There are some simple PA announcements and music played.
There is only one grandstand in the gymnasium with nice comfortable seats. Technically there is also a small 4-row set of stands behind the benches but we think it is usually only used by the athletic trainers.
Neighborhood 3
North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is named from its direction on the Maryland map.
Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs and its sister restaurant across the street, Woody's Tacos, are our choices for meals when in town.
The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well.
Fans 2
The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games, as well as other local teams fans. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors.
Access 3
The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the country's busiest and most well-known highways, so getting to campus will not be difficult.
There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the building.
You can enter from both sides of the gymnasium as there will be people charging for tickets at both entrances.
Return on Investment 4
There is a simple $5 admission charge, paid in cash. That small price, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost.
Extras 1
Cecil has a good number of trophies and other things that show their past accomplishments throughout the arena and building. Look for the National Championship trophy.
Final Thoughts
The Cecil College Gymnasium is a simple affair but serves as a decent, albeit simple, venue for intercollegiate sports.