St. Vincent Health Field - Marian University Knights
Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
St. Vincent Health Field 3200 Cold Spring Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46250
Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 3,500
Small Town College Football in Indianapolis
The Marian University football program began in 2007, but it was not until three years later that it played its first game on campus. St. Vincent Health Field is a 3,500-seat stadium that is on the southwestern part of campus and is home to the school’s soccer program, women’s lacrosse, and track and field.
The first game was played on September 19, 2009, against Grand View University in front of 3,212 fans. The Knights won 34-16, and it marked the first time that a football game was played in the school's 73-year history, which was originally founded by the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana.
The Knights have been successful as members of the NAIA, capturing two national championships in 2012 and 2015, while finishing as finalists in 2019.
Food & Beverage 3
The concession stand is underneath the home grandstand and offers three windows of service to expedite orders. The items offered at the game are hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, candy, chips, soda pop, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches.
The Champion Zone is the northern corner of the stadium, featuring a tent, tables, TVs, and a patio area overlooking the field. Fans can enjoy hot appetizers and two drinks with a $35 admission fee ($20 for fans 21 and under).
Atmosphere 3
The game we attended was Family Day, and there were more than the usual pre-game activities taking place. Besides the tailgating, which takes place before every game in designated areas, the campus was sprinkled with tables, kids' zones, tents, and a live band. It was a fun way to begin the afternoon for the game.
Once inside the stadium, the home side of the bleachers was packed with Knights fans who made their presence felt throughout the game. The stadium is designed with an 8-lane track surrounding the field, while a 500-seat visitor section is on the east side of the field. A recently installed video board is on the south side of the endzone.
There is a concession cart and table set up near the entrance stocked with sweaters, caps, shirts, and other trinkets. Cheerleaders and the dance team entertain fans during breaks and after scores. The cheer team tosses out prizes to fans from the track that surrounds the field. The atmosphere is festive, comparable to a well-attended high school football game.
Neighborhood 2
Marian University is 6 miles north of downtown along the White River. The area near the school features a collection of retail chains and local establishments, but your best bet would be to head downtown or to Speedway, a 4-mile drive.
Speedway is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the downtown area has improved over the past few years. Besides being home to the Indy 500, fans can enjoy the IMS Hall of Fame and Museum throughout the year.
A few spots of interest include the 1911 Grill overlooking two indoor kart tracks and offering American pub food. Bourbon and Barbecue serve smoked Memphis-style brisket and pork and feature an impressive array of bourbon. Big Woods and Daredevil Brewing are great spots for local craft beer and cuisine.
Downtown Indy offers many spots, but I would recommend Mass Ave. or Fountain Square for a collection of local restaurants, bars, breweries, and the Bottleworks District, which offers The Garage, an upscale and adult-friendly food court with regional and world cuisine and drinks. The former Coca-Cola bottling plant also houses a bowling alley, hotel, and movie theater.
Fans 4
The Knights draw well and have a dedicated fanbase that tailgates and supports the team from the grandstand. Supporters wear team gear, participate in unison cheers during three-down defense stops, and provide a great soundtrack to the action on the gridiron.
Access 3
The stadium is nicely spaced out with plenty of room to move around underneath the grandstand. The main entrance is also spread out, which allows access to the visitor and home stands. There are parking spots around the stadium at different points; some require a bit of a walk through campus.
Return on Investment 3
General admission tickets for adults are $10, reserved tickets are $12, and chairback tickets are $15. If ordered online, a $1 surcharge will be added to each ticket. However, when purchasing at the box office, there was only $10 admission advertised. Seniors (65 & under) and military members get in for $5. The university does not charge for parking, but we have been told there could be a $10 lot closer to the stadium. Food and merchandise pricing is comparable to other facilities, fair and average.
Extras 3
The stadium experience earns a point for the pre-game activities on campus that include bouncy houses for the kids, lawn games, tables, and tailgating tents. It creates a festive vibe when walking to the football game. The Champions Zone is a nice addition to the stadium and provides a little extra food and beverage for ticket holders.
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