Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey, & Ashvin Ladd.
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium 2550 S Floyd St. Louisville, KY 40208
Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 65,000
Cardinal Football in Louisville
L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, formerly Cardinal Stadium, was built in 1998 for the Louisville football program and, since that time, has produced almost 100 wins at home for the Cardinals. The program's success this century led to a recently completed $63 million renovation to expand the north end and close off the stadium.
The unique diamond-shaped stands increased the capacity from 42,000 to 61,000.
Many who attended a game enjoy the game-day atmosphere, easy access to concession stands, friendly staff services, and a passionate fan base that expects winning football on the gridiron.
The excitement is abundant before each game. Before each game, the fans are encouraged to meet the team when the Cardinals arrive for Card March, approximately 2:15 hours before kickoff. The players and coaches will meet at the Denny Crum Overpass before making their way to the stadium through the crowd behind the marching band and cheerleaders.
Food & Beverage 4
Visitors have a variety of menu options from the built-in concession stands and portable kiosks operated by independent owners. The stadium has an array of concessions from old standards to new favorites. The Gridiron Grill locations feature burgers, hot dogs, nachos, fries, chicken tenders, candy, and other favorites.
A few local restaurants make their presence known during games. Barry’s Cheesesteaks should satisfy the appetites of many, Cheezy Does It offers mac and cheese bites, and a Fistful of Tacos serves a variety of tacos with flavorful toppings. The Cards even have their beer, Cardinale, a blonde ale that is brewed by nearby Gravely Brewing Company.
The concourse is filled with stands and portable carts, including Floyd Central BBQ, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Moutoux Roasted Nuts, Ehrler’s Ice Cream, kettle corn, and the always-popular Ben’s Pretzels. Pepsi products are available, and alcohol from beer, wine, hard seltzers, and bourbon are offered in various points of the facility.
The stadium features $4 beer options in select spaces, half-priced drinks from when the gates open until kickoff, and Grab & Go sections. Deep Eddy’s Bar, PNC Main Bar, Angel’s Envy North Bar, and the Railroad Bar are a few of the adult beverage spots.
Atmosphere 4
Louisville enjoys a winner, and thankfully, there has been plenty to cheer for the past few seasons. Fortunately, they have a stadium that serves their needs and is accommodating with red chair-back seats and wide and open concourses.
Well before kickoff, there are multiple campers, tents, and tables throughout the various parking lots, with fans tailgating. There are drinks, portable barbecues, generators, and the popular cornhole set. When it comes time for the game, many will walk towards the stadium in unison, sporting school colors red and black.
Neighborhood 3
Louisville is a foodie town, and local restaurants are abundant. Royals Hot Chicken and Feast BBQ are both situated in the East Market District of the city. and offer affordable and delicious cuisine. Feast is known for its barbecue, but it also has excellent desserts (s’mores, chocolate chess pie, sides (vinegar slaw), and drinks (bourbon shakes).
Another favorite in the neighborhood is the Garage Bar, housed in a former auto service garage, serving up ice-cold beer, Kentucky Bourbons, wood-fired pizzas, and Southern menu items. A great spot for a few rounds of cornhole or table tennis.
If you are still looking for more options in the neighborhood, check out Grind Burger Kitchen and Akasha Brewing Company. The Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs, and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience are great options for tours in the city.
You will be able to keep yourself busy in town before or after a baseball game. 4th Street Live is a one-stop destination for retail, dining, and entertainment. The pedestrian-only covered street has two levels of fantastic nightlife. Make a weekend out of the visit and enjoy what Louisville has to offer during your stay.
Fans 4
As said previously, Louisville enjoys a winner, and that can result in packed houses at Cardinals Stadium. There are times when one has to wonder where everybody is, especially on a very sunny late October weekend, but there are many in attendance who bleed the school colors, cheer on the team to victory, and are in angst when the opposing team scores another touchdown.
Access 4
Cardinal Stadium is a few blocks off Interstate 65 and visible from the interstate. If you arrive early enough, you will find your way to the many parking lots surrounding the stadium. Police do a fine job guiding motorists through the pedestrian traffic and traffic lights.
There is a single main concourse that wraps around the field and offers everything from concession stands to bathrooms and access to upper seating levels. The simplicity of the structure is a win for the fan who enjoys walking from point A to point B.
Return on Investment 4
Depending on who the Cardinals are playing, ticket prices on secondary market websites can be as low as $20 against North Carolina State but increase to $150 for the same ticket against bitter in-state rivals Kentucky. The Kentucky game will likely be a packed house and a festive atmosphere.
You should also not pay more than $20 to park for a game, but if you enjoy saving a buck or two like me, there are $10 lots at the Kentucky Fairgrounds parking lot, a close 15-minute walk. The food prices are reasonable and include half-off domestic pints before opening kickoff--it pays to arrive early at the stadium.
Extras 4
Cardinal Stadium receives one point for the party deck above the south end of the stands. The area provides views of the area of the baseball field, Patterson Stadium, and Churchill Downs. There is also a statue of Johnny Unitas that deserves a photo at the game.
Cardinal Stadium receives a second point for having half-off alcoholic drinks before the opening kickoff. Arrive a little bit early if you want to save money. There are also $4 12-ounce cans during the game at select areas.
The Alley features an expansive courtyard complete with turf greens for yard games, live entertainment, drink options, and food trucks. The Alley will open four hours before kickoff and is free and open to the public.
Cardinal Stadium receives a third and final point for the unique chevron-shaped north-end stand that creates a focal point at the facility.
Final Thoughts
Cardinal Stadium is a sharp-looking football venue that shines when the Cardinals are winning. The price to attend a game here is of supreme value and gives the university another stellar sporting facility to watch university sports.
------
Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com