Veterans Memorial Stadium - Troy Trojans
- David Welch
- Dec 5, 2025
- 6 min read
Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Veterans Memorial Stadium 338 Veterans Stadium Dr Troy, AL 36081
Year Opened: 1950
Capacity: 30,470
We Are Trojans, One and All
In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the spark that ignited the Trojan War. In southern Alabama, the name Troy carries a different kind of battle. Each fall, Troy University takes the field with the same pride and determination that defined the legendary city. Veterans Memorial Stadium transforms into a modern battleground, where the Trojans defend their home turf on Saturday afternoons throughout the season.
Troy University has a football history that stretches back to 1909, when the program first took the field as Troy State Teachers College. The team competed at the small college level for decades, as members of the Gulf South Conference.
The program’s first major national success came in 1968, when Troy captured its first NAIA National Championship. The athletics program would jump to NCAA Division II status in 1971 and would see a second national title follow in 1984, and a third in 1987. Under legendary coach Larry Blakeney, who led the program from 1991 to 2014, Troy made the jump to Division I-AA (now FCS) in 1993, and then to Division I-A (now FBS) in 2001, joining the Sun Belt Conference.
Since moving to FBS, Troy has become a consistent contender in the Sun Belt, winning multiple conference titles and making numerous bowl appearances. The program has produced NFL talent and established itself as one of the stronger “Group of 5” programs, blending a proud tradition with a growing national profile.
Food & Beverage 3
Concessions around the stadium aren’t overly adventurous, but they easily take care of any mid-game hunger or sweet craving. The main menu sticks to the familiar staples – hot dogs, burgers, and nachos – with a bit of variety added by the pizza slices offered at the stands on the stadium’s south end.
The south end food truck is the clear fan favorite, dishing out midway-style fried options that draws a long line which doesn’t seem to get much shorter the entire game.
Alcohol selections include the usual domestic choices and strawberry or lime Ritas, plus a couple of local pours from Folklore Brewing & Meadery; their Troy-branded Trojan Ale, a session blonde, and Blakeney’s Brew, an amber honoring 2025 College Football Hall of Famer Larry Blakeney, add a welcome touch of local flavor.
Atmosphere 3
Veterans Memorial Stadium has a primary seating horseshoe where the main level is built into the ground level, with each side topped by an upper level of seating which runs the length of the field. The completion of the North End Zone Facility in 2018 enclosed the stadium, giving it a cozier feel.
Each side features a second deck, with a slight overhang on the home side. Seats tucked underneath that overhang lose sight of the main scoreboard on the north end, though the smaller video board in the southeast corner helps fill the gap. Most of the seating consists of aluminum benches, except for the home side upper level, which offers individual seatbacks between the 25-yard lines.
The stadium has two video boards: a large one above the Allen E. Owen III Terrace on the north end and a smaller board in the southeast corner. The north board also provides basic yardage totals, while ribbon boards along both upper decks offer simple in-game stats.
A major boost to the atmosphere comes from Troy’s marching band, “The Sound of the South,” which remains front and center throughout the game. At a time when many stadiums lean heavily on pre-recorded music, the band here is still a driving part of Troy’s game day identity. Media breaks are filled with fan engagement moments and tributes to both Troy legends and current athletes, keeping the energy steady from start to finish.
Neighborhood 3
Veterans Memorial Stadium sits within the main athletics neighborhood of Troy’s campus, bordered by Trojan Arena and baseball’s Riddle-Pace Field. Troy’s town square is about a mile and a half from the stadium, and while the immediate area is not packed with entertainment, Troy and the rest of Pike County offer more than thirty historical markers, highlighting everything from the birthplace of congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis to local war memorials and pieces of the region’s story.
Downtown Troy may be small, but it provides a solid mix of shops and eateries that see a noticeable uptick in foot traffic on game days. Fans can find southern comfort food at B Graves, burgers at The Corner, Italian fare at Franchesca’s, Cajun dishes at Bayou La Roux, and the ever-popular Mama Goldberg’s deli. In addition, within a block of the square Moe’s serves up BBQ and Flo’s Kitchen offers casual American plates, giving visitors a nice range of choices despite the compact footprint.
Fans 3
Troy is a town of about 19,000 people, with roughly 33,000 in all of Pike County, so the Trojans don’t have a massive population to pull from. Even so they average around 25,000 fans per game, placing them in the upper half of the Sun Belt and showing just how strong the local support can be.
The student section deserves particular credit, packing in behind the visiting sideline and giving Troy a genuine home-field boost.
Access 4
Troy, Alabama sits in something of an oasis when it comes to interstate access. US-231 is the most direct route into town, whether coming off I-85 east of Montgomery or connecting from US-29 after heading down from I-65 to the west.
Around campus golf carts are the preferred method of transportation. They are a noticeable part of Troy’s game day culture, and that extends beyond football; Troy baseball games often see long rows of carts parked beyond the outfield fence.
The stadium is not walkable all the way around, but the main seating areas are easy to reach. The home side features ramps leading to both the field level and upper deck, making those sections accessible and manageable for fans with mobility challenges.
Return on Investment 4
General admission seats start at just $20, which feels right in line for a Sun Belt matchup and offers solid value for a full college football Saturday. Stadium parking comes in at $25, slightly on the high side, but not far off what many comparable programs charge. Lots just off campus can also be found for a bit less, giving fans a more budget-friendly option if they do not mind a short walk.
Concession prices are also reasonable, making it easy for fans to grab a drink or quick bite without feeling like they are overspending. When you factor in the quality of the atmosphere, the strong turnout, and the overall game day setup, the total cost of attending a Troy game lands in a very fair place, especially for families or fans looking for an affordable college football experience.
Extras 3
Long before the gates of Veterans Memorial Stadium open, fans gather just beyond the right center field fence in the Green Davis Tailgating Terrace for grilling, music, and the early buildup to game day. It is a lively scene that stretches well into the afternoon and sets the tone for the experience inside.
Around the stadium, graphics highlighting Troy’s Sun Belt championships and their three National Titles (1968, 1984, and 1987) give fans a quick look at the program’s proud history; this is a simple but effective nod to the Trojans’ legacy.
T-Roy, the ever-present Trojan mascot, makes his rounds early as well, popping up throughout the tailgate area outside the main gates. His pregame appearances add a fun, familiar touch before fans stream into the stadium.
Final Thoughts
Football at the Group of 5 level can be hit or miss when it comes to the game day experience, but a day at Troy University rarely disappoints. While the campus is somewhat remote and local entertainment options are limited, the pregame tailgate more than makes up for it. Fans can enjoy live music, inflatables, and the traditional Trojan Walk through the Green Davis Tailgate Terrace, plenty to keep everyone entertained leading up to kickoff.
Once inside Veterans Memorial Stadium, the overall experience delivers everything fans would expect from a classic college football day: spirited fans, a lively atmosphere, and the energy of Troy football that fills the venue.
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