St. Charles High School Gym - DMV Soldiers

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86

St. Charles High School Gym 5305 Piney Church Road Waldorf, MD 20602

DMV Soldiers website

St. Charles High School Gym website

Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,500 (estimated)

Soldiers of the DMV

The Basketball League, known as TBL for short, is a low-level, independently operated basketball league with teams across the United States and Canada playing their home games in high school or small college gyms. Many players have professional experience and are hoping for a chance to get back to the G-League or even the NBA. Virtually all have some sort of college experience at a minimum.

The DMV Soldiers are a 2026 expansion franchise who play their home games in Waldorf, Maryland at St. Charles High School. The DMV in the name refers not to the Department of Motor Vehicles but to the neighboring jurisdictions of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Food & Beverage 3

There is a concession stand at DMV Soldiers games located in a window in the lobby to the left of the entrance to the gym. The menu is fairly basic here. Nachos are $6, Domino's pizza is $4 per slice for cheese or pepperoni, hot dogs are $4, chips are $2.50, candy is $3, soda is $4, and bottled water is $3.

Atmosphere 4

The gym at St. Charles High School is about what you'd expect from a high school gym, although it is on the large side. There is a large set of bleachers rising up along one side of the court, which is far too big for the crowds the Soldiers draw, and another set on the other side of the gym that is retracted to make room for a second court for the players to warm up on before the game.

Unless you choose to sit way up at the top, you will be up close to the action. The only downside is that the bleachers can get quite uncomfortable, as they are plastic risers with no backs. Because of the small crowds, it doesn't feel cramped, but you will find yourself wanting to stand up and stretch after a while. Scoreboards behind both baskets show only the most basic information.

One unique aspect of DMV Soldiers games is the emcee, DJ Marky Marc. Marky Marc is known for his witty banter and commentary, even during live action. This could be best described as a stream of consciousness, as he says whatever comes to mind, whether it has to do with the action on the court or not.

Topics he discussed during the game we attended ranged from predictions for that day's NBA playoff games to jokes about the opposing coach to questioning whether New England was a real place. (To be fair, the last one is not entirely random, as the Soldiers were playing a team from New England, but still, that is not a phrase we ever expected to publish on this site.) He will also occasionally scream or break into a musical solo. Some will love him, while others will find him distracting and obnoxious, but it's hard to deny that he's unique.

Neighborhood 3

St. Charles High School is located in a residential neighborhood between Waldorf and La Plata. Many businesses are located along Route 301 in both towns, although they are mostly chains. You will have to drive a couple of miles to get to either one as well. La Plata seems to have more non-chain options, including Marie's Diner and La Tolteca.

Fans 2

DMV Soldiers fans are small in number, but those who do show up are loud. They will cheer on their team, jeer the other team, and even shout at the refs when they feel they have made a bad call. With only a couple of dozen fans in attendance at most, you hear everything that anyone in the crowd says. The Soldiers are a new franchise, and few in Southern Maryland have heard of them, so this may be an area they can improve on as time goes on.

Access 4

St. Charles High School is located a few miles off of US Route 301. There are many entrances to the school, but you will want to use the one that says "Home of the Spartans" above it. When entering the parking lot, go straight back and park on the right side of the building, then walk through the entrance to the lobby. There is usually a police officer stationed outside to direct you if you are unsure of where to go.

Restrooms are in the lobby as well and are more than sufficient for the crowds.

Return on Investment 3

Tickets to DMV Soldiers games are $20, or $10 for youth. This is on the high end for The Basketball League, and may be part of why so few fans attend. However, it certainly won't break the bank, and concessions are pretty affordable. Keep in mind, tickets must be purchased through the Hometown Ticketing app, and if you do not buy in advance, they will have a QR code at the entrance to scan.

Extras 1

DJ Marky Marc is worthy of an extra here for his emceeing. Whether you love him or hate him, he's a major part of the experience here.

Final Thoughts

Few in Southern Maryland have heard of the TBL or the DMV Soldiers. As a result, they have been drawing sparse crowds to their opening season. A Soldiers game is certainly a unique experience. While the level of play is low, the entertainment here can be high if that's what you're looking for, thanks in large part to the zaniness of DJ Marky Marc.