Faught Stadium - Franklin Grizzlies
- Marc Viquez
- 1 minute ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Marc Viquez: Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Faught Stadium Grizzly Dr. Franklin, IN 46131
Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 1,000
The Vandy is Still Dandy in Franklin
The Franklin Grizzlies play their games at Faught Stadium in Franklin Field. They are members of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference for NCAA Division III athletics. Their home stadium was rebuilt in 1999 through the sale of commemorative bricks at $ 100 apiece to help fund the construction of a new press box, grandstand, entrance, and iron and brick fencing.
The venue was named in honor of long-time football coach Stewart “Red” Faught, who guided the Grizzlies to a 155-146-6 record from 1957-1988. The former name of the stadium was Goodell Field, but it was renamed during the 1988 homecoming ceremonies,
An interesting fact about the football program is that they were the opponent in Indiana University’s first game in 1887, a 10-8 victory. The program has captured 11 HCAC titles throughout its history and shares a historic rivalry with Hanover College. The two teams compete for the Victory Bell, a tradition that dates back to 1898.
Food & Beverage 3
The stadium has a concession stand with two windows adjacent to the main grandstand. There are quite a few items, including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, BBQ beef sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, snacks, and Pepsi products. Their stand does not offer a menu board and is cashless. It tends to get busy at certain times, and most items are between $3 and $5.
Atmosphere 4
Faught Stadium is not the typical Division-III football experience. The stadium is situated on the edge of campus and the residential streets of Franklin. The main street in front of the stadium is closed to vehicular traffic, and multiple tailgating areas are set up before the game. Many fans line up outside of the stadium’s fences and watch the game at their tailgating spots.
Inside the stadium, the football field is not surrounded by a track. This allows fans to sit in the endzone and on the sidelines on their lawn chairs or blankets. There is plenty of room to spread out in these areas, as long as they don’t cross the line that is roped off for media and school personnel.
The backdrop to all of this is the two-story press box and brick grandstand that has seating for 500 people. It features bleacher seating and is packed with Grizzlies fans who have an optimal view of the gridiron and surrounding neighborhood. The main brick entrance also adds a nice touch to the stadium’s aesthetics.
Neighborhood 4
Downtown Franklin has been known for its quaint restaurants and locally owned shops since it was featured in the December 2, 1940, edition of Life magazine. That spirit remains intact 80-plus years later, with visitors finding everything from bars and casual and chef-driven restaurants to shops, bakeries, cafes, and breweries. Downtown is less than a mile from campus.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre was built in 1922. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey.
Many buildings were constructed in the 1800s and now house local places for food and drink. Blue Cactus Tacos & Tequila Bar and Shale Creek Brewery are two such establishments, ideal spots before or after the game. The Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and has been restored to its original look, offering second-run movies. Next door is The Willard, built in 1860. Today, it is a bar and restaurant. More options are listed on its official website.
North and east of campus on US-31 or at the I-65 exit is an array of fast-food restaurants and regional chain eateries. There are also retail stores, supermarkets, and several other places of interest. It is ideal for a quick bite on the run or with the family.
Fans 4
Franklin College has a large group of fans who support the football team. They tailgate four hours before the game, pack the grandstands, and set up shop around the end zones. The student body is also found celebrating near the stadium on Saturday afternoons. There isn’t a student section or designed cheers, but enough cheers from the fans inside the venue.
Access 3
The stadium’s size makes it easy to move around during the game. There are parking lots near the stadium, including one a few steps from the stadium’s entrance. However, finding a spot might take some navigating and could become cumbersome during higher-attended games like homecoming and the annual Victory Bell game against Hanover. It is recommended to arrive a little earlier to secure a spot and also enjoy the festivities before the game.
Return on Investment 4
The ticket price for an adult is $10.90 and must be purchased online. The price of a burger or a hot dog is $5, and popcorn and Pepsi products are $3. One option is to donate $5 to the Touchdown Club tent where fans can enjoy unlimited grilled burgers, hot dogs, side dishes, and sweets before the game.
Extras 3
One point is the site where the football team marches into and out of the stadium across the street from the nearby arena. Fans can greet players, and they make their way onto the field before the game and when they leave at half-time.
A second highlight is the field turf that was installed before the 2025 season. It is one of the better-looking fields in the conference and provides a comfortable, cushioned area for fans to watch the game from either end zone.
A third highlight is the tailgating that takes place before the game in nearby parking lots and grassy areas around the entrance. The surrounding trees, blocked-off streets, and friendly banter among fans create a festive and lively atmosphere on Saturday afternoons.
Final Thoughts
Faught Stadium is a picturesque setting for a day of college football. Franklin, Indiana, is a destination worth exploring on its own, but pairing a visit with a Franklin Grizzlies game makes the trip even more memorable. For sports travelers looking to experience college football beyond the game itself, a Saturday in Franklin is well worth the journey.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
