Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
SECU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252
Year Opened: 2013
Capacity: 5,200
Tiger’s Den
Towson has really stepped up recently in all sports with their athletic program. A major step forward was moving out of the depressing Towson Center and into the shiny new TU Arena in 2013. I personally have many great memories of the Towson Center, as I worked there for a few years during college. It certainly had personality, but frankly, it was not a well-designed facility and was showing its age dramatically. During the last year of operation, one of the bleacher sections would not even fully expand. Towson Center is still technically around, as the new arena and the old building are merged together, with locker rooms inside the old building. There is still much speculation about what the university will do with the old arena section of the Towson Center. It seems to be used mainly as a practice gym currently.
Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates.
The Tigers play in many sports as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) but for gymnastics, they participate in the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL). The team has been one of the most successful teams at Towson. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions
Food & Beverage 2
The TU Arena really has subpar food offerings. There is a single concession stand open for volleyball matches offering no real variety and sometimes with a large line. Prices are not great, with $6.25 for a hot dog and $5.25 for a Pepsi. Pretzels are $4.50, and popcorn is $4.50. Please eat before coming to TU Arena.
Atmosphere 3
Much of the lower bowl at TU Arena is retracted to make way for the large floor needs of gymnastics. It does reduce the size of the arena to an lowered capacity.
The arena is a good one for gymnastics and the history of the program practically assures a good fanbase.
There will often be a few things going on at the same time but it is still fairly easy to keep track of the action. Much of that will depend on if it is a multi-team event.
Neighborhood 3
Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the arena. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Underground Pizza.
Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy.
Fans 3
The team has been successful for many decades and the fans know this and support the program enthusiastically.
Access 4
Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although if classes are in attendance they could get harder to find.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets start at $8 so the return on investment is good.
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Extras 3
Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages.
Stop at the Tiger statue outside of the arena during pregame, as it is a great meeting spot.
If you get a chance, you should stop into the old Towson Center to see how much better the new facility is than the one they left.
Final Thoughts
TU Arena is a very nicely designed arena for a well-performing gymnastics program.