Eakes Athletics Complex – Campbell Camels
Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
Eakes Athletics Complex 73 Eakes Drive Buies Creek, NC 27506
Year Opened: 1986
Capacity: 586
It's Hump Day!
Campbell University is located in Buies Creek, NC, and competes in the Coastal Athletic Association. According to legend, Campbell's athletic teams are known as the Camels because, after the campus completely burned to the ground in 1900, architect Zachary Taylor Kivett encouraged his friend, school founder J.A. Campbell, to rebuild the campus by saying "Time's wastin'. I thought Campbells had hump on them." Whether the story is true or not, Campbell adopted the unusual nickname in the 1930s and it has stuck ever since.
Campbell's men's and women's soccer teams play their home games at the Eakes Athletics Complex, a 586 seat stadium that was built in 1986 and renovated several times since then.
Food & Beverage 1
There is one concession stand located out of a shack in between Eakes Athletics Complex and the softball stadium. The menu here is very basic - popcorn, candy, nachos, soda, and water are all you will find. The stand opens shortly before kickoff and closes shortly after halftime, so if you are going to buy food or drink here, be sure to do so when you still have a chance. Still, we recommend eating before or after the game.
Atmosphere 3
Campbell is a very religious Baptist school, so it may not surprise you to learn that there is a pregame prayer given by the PA announcer over the PA system. Other than that, however, this is the standard soccer game experience you will get at many other small Division I colleges in the area. The seating is along one sideline and consists of a mix of chairbacks and bleachers. It is all general admission, but you should have no problem grabbing a chairback for most games if you get there early. There are only a few rows, so everything is very close to the action on the field. The sun will be in your eyes at the start of evening games, so be sure to bring a hat.
Neighborhood 2
Campbell University is located in the tiny town of Buies Creek, NC, between the somewhat larger towns of Lillington and Dunn on US 421. Its population is just over 2,000. Other than a couple of fast food places on campushere is not much else to choose from. Even Lillington and Dunn have mostly fast food places - we say they're larger, but they're still pretty small. This campus is in a very rural area and there is not much around. At least you will pass by some scenic farmland on the way in.
Fans 4
Although the Eakes Athletics Complex only seats 586 fans, the Camels draw pretty well relative to capacity. The stands will be mostly filled with some fans standing at the top. If they are playing a nearby school, expect to see some visiting fans as well, especially if it is a larger school like one of the ACC powers in the Research Triangle (Duke, UNC, NC State.) Many of the fans are friends and family of the players, but there are also some people who live locally and are fans of the school. There is not much else to do in Buies Creek, so those who live here will head down to Campbell to check out an athletic event some nights.
This is a case of a stadium being just the right size for the crowds the team draws. Campbell could have built a bigger stadium with many empty seats, but they chose not to, and it has worked out for them.
Access 4
Campbell University is easily accessible from US 421, although it is far from any major city. If coming from the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill), it is about an hour drive. The drive in is gorgeous as you pass by scenic farmland and drive up and down the hills. Once on campus, there is a lot right next to the stadium with plenty of space to park. You will enter down by the bottom of the lot and then walk up a small hill to the top of the bleachers, then back down to your seats. Restrooms are by the entrance and are of a sufficient size for the crowds.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to Campbell University soccer games is free, with the possible exception of conference and NCAA Tournament events. Concessions are affordable albeit limited. Overall a Camels soccer game is an excellent value.
Extras 2
One star for the giveaway table with posters and other promotional items.
A second star for the banners honoring the Camels' NCAA Tournament apperances.
Final Thoughts
Buies Creek, North Carolina may be off the beaten path, but if you're a soccer fan who finds yourself in town, you will want to head to the Eakes Athletics Complex to check out a Campbell Camels soccer game. The team with the quirky nickname has found a fine home here with a fan base to support it, and for good reason. This may not be the fanciest or largest college soccer venue in North Carolina, but it is a hidden gem for those who are in the know.
