Johnny Unitas Stadium - Towson Tigers Football
- Richard Smith
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 29
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Johnny Unitas Stadium 7500 Osler Dr Towson, MD 21252
Year Opened: 1978
Capacity: 11,198
Johnny U Stadium at Towson U
Johnny Unitas Stadium was known as both Towson Stadium and Minnegan Stadium from its opening in 1983 until a 2002 remodel, when it added 6,000 seats and was rebranded in honor of Baltimore Colts legend and Towson supporter Johnny Unitas. The field itself still honors the late Donald “Doc” Minnegan, former coach and athletic director at Towson.
Towson University is the second-largest public university in Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of whom 18,000 are undergraduates. The university began as the Maryland State Normal School in 1866. The university has 60+ undergraduate majors, 30+ master’s degree programs, and a handful of doctoral programs.
The Towson football team played for the Football Championship Subdivision National Championship in 2013, falling short against North Dakota State. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, the 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, the 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, the 15-time ECAC Champions, and the 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions.
The lacrosse team also reached the finals of the 1991 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship and reached the semifinals of the 2001 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship. Towson has used the Tigers as its sports team name since 1961, replacing the Golden Knights, Indians, and Teachers as names used by various sports. There are four tiger statues around campus, one across the street in front of TU Arena (where Towson gymnastics, basketball, and volleyball compete).
All of the major athletic teams at Towson compete in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). Technically, CAA Football is a legally distinct conference from the central CAA, but its offices are the same as those of CAA proper. Since joining the CAA in 2001-02, the Tigers have won 16 league championships.
Food & Beverage 2
The stadium has basic food offerings. Four main concession stands offer the usual variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings if they wish.
Prices are okay, but not great. Beer is available around the stadium.
Atmosphere 3
The stadium is split into two distinct sections. The main side is on the same side as the old Minnegan Stadium grandstands used to sit. That side also has a press box.
A walkway around the top of the horseshoe hill takes fans to the opposite side grandstand, where the students, band, and most of the opposing fans sit. When popular CAA teams are the opponents, expect to see many of their fans throughout the complex.
A track separates the grandstands from being too close to the action. The Towson Marching Band, Towson Dance Team, Pop Squad, and cheerleaders all do a good job entertaining the crowd. A tiger mascot, named Doc, roams the stadium.
Neighborhood 3
Besides TU Arena and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the stadium.
Even though you may have to drive to other places, Towson is a semi-urban area with a vast shopping mall and numerous restaurants. Some options are The Crease and Sushi Hana.
Baltimore is also a quick drive away.
Fans 3
This is a work in progress. For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But over the last couple of decades, the number of residential students has increased. Students are starting to attend games in larger numbers, helped by a free, convenient shuttle service.
Unitas Stadium, as well as the neighboring TU Arena, are located at the far end of the campus, not near any of the residence halls, so they will not always be destinations for many students. It has improved over time in this regard.
Access 4
Towson is located just off the Baltimore Beltway (I-695). The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn locations of the sports complexes.
Parking is plentiful. But the best bet is to park in the central part of campus and walk over to beat the crowds.
Return on Investment 4
Adult ticket prices start at around $25. For the high level of football, the prices are acceptable.
Extras 3
The team store is located in the grandstands underneath the press box. There are usually a few bits of merchandise on sale on game days.
The Towson Dance Team is nationally recognized and provides excellent entertainment during games. In addition, Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages.
The Towson University Wall of Excellence displays the school’s accomplishments in a variety of sports.
Final Thoughts
Johnny Unitas Stadium is a well-designed stadium with many fan amenities. The significant separation between the sections of the stadium, along with the track, is the only thing keeping the facility from being a more intimate, louder stadium.
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