Thompson Field - Virginia Tech Hokies
Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Thompson Field 867 Washington Street SW Blacksburg, VA 24061
Year Opened: 2003
Capacity: 2,028
A Home For Hokie Soccer
Since 2003, Thompson Field on the campus of Virginia Tech has been home to the Hokies' men's and women's soccer teams. With 2,028 bleacher seats and standing room for about 1,500 more, the stadium has proven to be a fine venue to watch soccer. Renovations occurred in 2005, when restrooms were added, and 2008, when a gameday operations center was built.
Virginia Tech men's soccer's best result was in 2007, when they advanced to the College Cup, the NCAA soccer equivalent of the Final Four. However, the Hokies fell 2-0 to Wake Forest in the semifinals. The women's soccer team advanced to the College Cup in 2013, but like the men six years earlier, fell in the semifinals, this time to Florida State.
Food & Beverage 2
There is one concession stand at Thompson Field, located directly in front of you as you enter the stadium from the parking lot. Hot dogs and nachos are the only things that could really be considered meals, with other options including soft pretzels, popcorn, candy, peanuts, and bottled water and soda. The only thing that costs $5 is a souvenir bucket of popcorn for $10. If you just want a popcorn and not the bucket, that's still only $5. Keep in mind this is a cashless facility, so bring a credit or debit card.
Atmosphere 4
A set of bleachers towers over Thompson Field along one sideline, providing benchback seating for just over 2,000 fans, although it rarely fills up. There is also some standing room near the corners at field level which some fans prefer, although you should have no trouble finding seats if you want to. Although animals are not permitted in Thompson Field (with the exception of service animals) there is a grassy area behind the goal near the parking lot that is not considered part of the stadium, and some fans will set up chair or blankets, bring their dogs, and watch the game from there.
Like at other Virginia Tech sports, just before the match starts, :"Enter Sandman" will play over the PA system and the crowd will cheer, clap, and jump along with the music. Although it isn't as intense as it would be at football or basketball, it is still a fun thing to participate in. The Virginia Tech mascot, the Hokie Bird, often makes an appearance at games, although he may leave pretty soon after he shows up so pay attention if you want to see him.
A large videoboard is located in the far left corner. In addition to the live feed of the game, it also shows a rotating set of game statistics.
Neighborhood 4
Thompson Field is in the middle of the Virginia Tech campus, and you will likely need to head off-campus if looking for a place to eat. Nearby Main Street offers many options, including the Hokie House restaurant and bar, P.K.'s Bar and Grill, and cuisines from Japanese to Mexican to Nepalese. Blacksburg may be in a remote location, but it is a fine college town. Most of the businesses cater to students or others associated with the university, given the population in this area.
Fans 4
Virginia Tech draws between 500 and a thousand fans to a typical home game, with the crowd ranging from longtime Tech fans to youth soccer teams to other families with small kids. The Virginia Tech students show up in force as well, typically cheering from the leftmost section of the bleachers. The Corps of Cadets makes themselves especially known in terms of both turnout and passion. Virginia Tech is one of six senior military colleges in the country, but one of only two (along with Texas A&M) where the military corps is part of a larger civilian student body. This situation leads to one of the more unique college student sections.
Access 3
Virginia Tech is easily accessible from I-81, about 10 miles away on US 460. Take the Southgate Dr. Exit off of US 460 and it will take you right to campus. Fans visiting Thompson Field should park in Lot 1, right next to the stadium. If attending a weekday game (regardless of the time of day) you will need to pay for parking through the ParkMobile app, which will cost about $2 an hour. On weekends, there is no cost to park. Some spaces are reserved for permit holders between 7 AM and 5 PM Monday-Friday, but as weeknight games typically start at 7 PM, with gates opening at 6, this should not present a problem. If attending the odd weekday matinee game, don't park in any of the spaces with orange lines. After 5 PM or on weekends, those spots are fair game. '
Restrooms at Thompson Field are located in a building on the opposite side of the bleachers from the entrance.
The one downside here is that a clear bag policy is in effect. Considering the small crowds Virginia Tech soccer draws relative to other sports on campus, this seems unnecessary.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to all regular season Virginia Tech soccer gams is free of charge. The only costs will be parking, if you go on a weeknight, and concessions, if you choose to buy them. Overall, a Virginia Tech soccer game is an outstanding value.
Extras 2
The pregame playing of "Enter Sandman" is worthy of an extra star here.
Look for the signage honoring Virginia Tech postseason appearances in soccer.
Final Thoughts
From the playing of "Enter Sandman" before the game even starts, to the moment the referee blows the final whistle, a Virginia Tech soccer game at Thompson Field is an outstanding experience. While it doesn't get anywhere near the attention in the fall that the Tech football team does, Hokie fans and anyone who's passionate about soccer will want to head on down here to check out a game.
