Coach Richard Wackar Stadium - Rowan Profs

Richard Smith
6 hours ago
5 min read

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43

Coach Richard Wackar Stadium North Campus Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028

Coach Richard Wackar Stadium website Rowan Profs website

Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 5,000

Glassboro Profs

Rowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey. Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, it was known as Glassboro State College from 1958 to 1992 and as Rowan College of New Jersey from 1992 to 1997. The university has an enrollment of just less than 20,000.

Rowan University has 18 sports teams. They are members of the NCAA Division III, competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The teams are called the Profs (short for Professors, a nod to the university's 1923 founding as a school to train educators), and the mascot is Whoo RU.

The most successful team at the school is the Profs football team, which is regularly a contender for the national title, having gone to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl five times (1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993) and the national semifinals in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2004, and 2005.

Within Coach Richard Wackar Stadium sits John Page Memorial Field, which was first used by the football team in 1971. The stadium was renovated in 2009 and is named after the only coach in NJAC history to win conference championships in football, basketball, golf, and cross country. Coach Richard Wackar Stadium is home to the Profs' football, field hockey, and men's and women's track teams.

The stadium hosted the 2022 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship.

Food & Beverage 3

The stadium features a small, limited main food stand located near the primary grandstand. This traditional concession area typically offers classic stadium fare. While the selection is modest, it fulfills the basic need for conventional, affordable stadium snacks and beverages, ensuring fans have the necessities to enjoy the action on the field.

To enhance the dining options beyond the standard concession stand, Rowan University frequently incorporates one or more food trucks alongside the main grandstand, particularly for larger events like Homecoming or Family Weekend. This addition significantly diversifies the menu, offering fans a welcome variety of "gourmet" or specialty options that go beyond hot dogs and chips. These rotating vendors can feature everything from tacos and gourmet sandwiches to desserts and other ethnic or regional specialties, providing a richer, more exciting culinary experience for students, alumni, and visiting fans. This blend of classic concessions and eclectic food truck fare ensures a satisfying range of choices for all attendees.

Atmosphere 4

The Profs offer a lively and spirited Division III college sports experience that emphasizes school pride and fan participation. The setting is intimate, with fans, students, and alumni filling the stands to cheer on the team. The crowd's enthusiasm is immediately apparent, creating a loud, supportive environment for the team. This atmosphere often peaks during special events like Homecoming or Family Weekend, when the stadium becomes the centerpiece of campus celebration, drawing larger crowds and even higher levels of spirited cheering.

A key component of the game-day experience is the vibrant performance and enthusiastic support from the spirit groups. The Rowan University Cheerleaders and the Dance Team are constantly engaged, leading the crowd in cheers, performing stunts, and showing off synchronized routines. Their high-energy presence on the sidelines and during breaks helps maintain excitement and actively guides the audience in showing support for the Profs.

Adding to the spectacle is the university's beloved mascot, Whoo RU the Prof, a large, energetic owl. Whoo RU is a fan favorite, patrolling the sidelines to interact with children, pose for pictures, and generally engage in fun, attention-grabbing antics that keep the mood light.

The heart of the stadium's sound and spectacle belongs to the "Pride of the Profs" Marching Band. The band's performances are a significant highlight of the day, particularly their elaborate and musical halftime show. Their rousing renditions of the school fight song and other contemporary pieces are essential to setting the tone before kickoff and providing a memorable entertainment experience during the break in play.

Neighborhood 4

Glassboro is a borough within Gloucester County, New Jersey. It is considered part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Several major roads crisscross Glassboro. These include County Route 553, Route 47, and Route 55, while U.S. Route 322 (much of which is also Mullica Hill Road) passes from east to west. There is no current passenger train service to Glassboro, but the proposed Glassboro–Camden Line, an 18-mile (28.97 km) diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail system, is planned to stop nearby.

Fans 3

The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend.

Rowan is a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, which currently has all its full members as public universities in New Jersey (SUNY New Paltz will join the NJAC as a full member, becoming the NJAC's first-ever full member outside the state of New Jersey). This means that fans from other schools, especially the athletes' parents, are very likely to be in attendance.

Access 3

Rowan is easy to get to, but since it is a major university, you should research ahead of time your best entrance to the campus. If attending a weeknight game during the semester, give yourself a bit of time.

We like to use the entrance near 500 Joseph L Bowe Blvd.

Return on Investment 4

Attending a football game at the stadium offers an excellent return on investment for an afternoon of Division III collegiate entertainment. The initial investment for an adult is highly affordable, typically costing $10 for general admission. Discounted tickets are available for just $5 for faculty/staff, senior citizens, and children aged 3-12.

While the total cost will increase with purchases from the concession stand or food trucks, the low entry price provides accessible, high-energy entertainment in a community-focused environment. For a minimal financial outlay, fans receive a complete game-day experience featuring live football, a marching band, cheerleaders, and the excitement of campus spirit, making it a valuable use of leisure time and money.

Parking is free.

Extras 3

The pre-game atmosphere, particularly the lively tailgating in Lot O, which often features a live DJ, lawn games, and free food/giveaways for students, creates a robust, community-driven event is a nice extra here at Rowan.

The presence of the Rowan University Marching Band, Cheerleading, and Dance Teams provides quality, high-energy entertainment both before the game and during the halftime show, successfully maintaining crowd engagement.

Homecoming and Family Weekend games may include an extensive Kids Zone with inflatables and face painting, multiple food trucks, a Beer Garden, and an expansive University Showcase. These elevated offerings are not consistently available for every regular-season game.