Best/Worst NC HS stadium you’ve been to & why.

[Darkhorse04]

Just a little off-season fun. Only list schools you’ve attended a game at.

*Don’t include your own*

Largest: High Point (Simeon stadium)
Best Bleachers: Northeastern
Best Field (Natural): E. Duplin
Best Field (Turf) : Central Cabarrus
Best Atmosphere: E. Duplin & WRH
Best Sound System: Albermarle
Overall best: E. Duplin
*Great crowds, beautiful field, lots of banners and flags flying, visiting team pressbox, oh and we win there more than they do* jk panthers….great venue for the Friday night lights.

Worst: NW Halifax

Wooden bleacher's, awful lighting, poor field, terrible atmosphere.

Stadiums I’d like to Visit:
Pisgah
Kings Mt.
Shelby
Owen
Cherokee

 

[Moparforever]

Stadiums I like to watch games in no particular order South point, Hibriten,Mitchell,and this year found out that Madien’s stadium is awesome. Asheville and Cherokee are very very nice stadiums

 

[It's Frank]

Carrboro is terrible.

 

[Maiden Creek]

Largest…Watauga, Asheville, High Point Central, Reidsville, East Burke….Ain’t sure?

Bleachers…Rosman…right on top of the field. Saw a dude watch the game from a tree stand as well…he had the best seat in the house.

Best field….Hibriten….must be the turnips!

Best turf….Monroe,

Best atmosphere….Maiden…the old school.
Sorry 04…there ain’t another one…even close!
Here’s some notable mentions though…
Lincolnton, Newton, Bandys, Thomasville, Starmount, Catholic, Swain, Brevard, Polk County, Shelby, Kings Mountain, Burns, Reidsville, Hibriten, South Point and Eaaaast Lincoln.

Best sound system….East Lincoln

Best band….Lincolnton….I love those horns.

Best concessions….Shelby

Worst….Highland Tech…no visitors stands.

 

[Otis1144]

I stopped by Cherokee and saw their field. It's awesome but I haven't taken in a game there.
The atmosphere at Tuscola hosting Pisgah was fun to be in. The biggest crowd I have ever been in for a high school game.
Worst atmosphere I have been in was Rocky Mount in the city stadium when we beat them in the Eastern finals one year. They have to be the worse people in the state.
I agree with 04 on most all of what he said. Northeastern does have a nice stadium with plenty of seating for visitors and @daagoob
I disagree on sound systems. That sound system at Clinton drove me nuts squawking out "TD Darkhorse's" all night. I still have nightmares.
East Duplin is a fine stadium and great atmosphere. I've been there a few times now and I'll never forget going to watch them beat North Davidson in the Eastern Finals a few years back. Their entrance with all the fireworks rivaled any entrance I have ever seen in high school or college. It's just a great place to enjoy high school football. I intend to go back to see Pisgah host Tuscola this year. I was offered a house in the mountains to stay in if I went back.

 

[rams10]

Carrboro is terrible.

I can’t stand, Jordan matthews, carrboro, and Bartlett Yancey

 

[BlueDevil1996]

Largest: Grimsley: Wide open bowl style stadium. Only thing sucked is we had walk a lot bc only home side had the concessions opened.
Best Bleachers: Mooresville
Best Field (Natural): Concord/Shelby
Best Field (Turf) : Mooresville
Best Atmosphere: Scotland Co.
Best Sound System: N/A
Overall best: Kannapolis: The homes on the away side are always welcoming n great supporters of AL Brown, I liked their Natural Field better than Turf (It’s bit boring turf wise) and I like their overall setup of their stadium. Fans are solid and A lot history n Traditions at AL Brown

Worst: South Iredell or Hibriten: Both have very small visitor sides is the main reason for both. Parking at Hibriten is challenge to get out and SI field isn’t the best.

Stadiums I’d like to Visit:
Crest
King Mtn
Cherokee
Reidsville
Gaffney
Dillon
Richmond
Etc etc

 

[WNCfootball]

2 good ones.......Asheville and McDowell.

Both nice big stadiums with artificial turf. Bother beautiful settings and views from the bleachers.

 

[Sportsnut17]

2 good ones.......Asheville and McDowell.

Both nice big stadiums with artificial turf. Bother beautiful settings and views from the bleachers.

I have never been to McDowell, but Asheville is absolutely beautiful.

 

[Thunder_struck8712]

Best-Avery, Watauga, Swain, Cherokee and Asheville.

Worst-Starmount and Forbush have terrible visitor seating. South Stokes playing field has a mountain in the middle.

 

[smashmouth5]

Always loved going to a game at East Burke. Other great ones Asheville, Charlotte Catholic, Richmond. I know Gaffney has a nice, new state of the art stadium but there was something very special and intimidating about playing at the old reservation.

 

[Pbear9975]

I stopped by Cherokee and saw their field. It's awesome but I haven't taken in a game there.
The atmosphere at Tuscola hosting Pisgah was fun to be in. The biggest crowd I have ever been in for a high school game.
Worst atmosphere I have been in was Rocky Mount in the city stadium when we beat them in the Eastern finals one year. They have to be the worse people in the state.
I agree with 04 on most all of what he said. Northeastern does have a nice stadium with plenty of seating for visitors and @daagoob
I disagree on sound systems. That sound system at Clinton drove me nuts squawking out "TD Darkhorse's" all night. I still have nightmares.
East Duplin is a fine stadium and great atmosphere. I've been there a few times now and I'll never forget going to watch them beat North Davidson in the Eastern Finals a few years back. Their entrance with all the fireworks rivaled any entrance I have ever seen in high school or college. It's just a great place to enjoy high school football. I intend to go back to see Pisgah host Tuscola this year. I was offered a house in the mountains to stay in if I went back.

I hope our be field will be finished in time to host Tuscola on Oct. 14. It is the 100th anniversary of Canton HS/Pisgah Vs Waynesville HS/Tuscola. We are shooting for $50k as the 50/50 gross amount.

 

[Darkhorse04]

I hope our be field will be finished in time to host Tuscola on Oct. 14. It is the 100th anniversary of Canton HS/Pisgah Vs Waynesville HS/Tuscola. We are shooting for $50k as the 50/50 gross amount.

Isn’t your field turf? You getting a new one?

 

[rams10]

Stadiums I like are: Shelby, page, Dudley.

 

[Pbear9975]

Isn’t your field turf? You getting a new one?

Our stadium was flooded on Aug. 17th, 2021. The turf was just replaced at the end of 2020. We only played 4 games on the new turf, before the flood hit. The flood rolled up the new turf, tore down the fences, damaged the drain boxes, took out all of the electrical boxes, etc. FEMA just recently gave us the go ahead to rebuild. We’re hopeful, but we’re not sure if we will be able to play any games in our stadium this year. We played all of our “home games” in 2021 at Erwin, Enka, and Tuscola. That may happen for some games this year too.

 

[egfan]

My favorites: Charlotte Catholic, South Point, Lincolnton, Kings Mtn, Shelby, RS Central, Community School of Davidson, Cherokee
My least favorites: Highland Tech, Garinger, Harding, Lake Norman Charter, Huss

 

[Pbear9975]

My favorites: Charlotte Catholic, South Point, Lincolnton, Kings Mtn, Shelby, RS Central, Community School of Davidson, Cherokee
My least favorites: Highland Tech, Garinger, Harding, Lake Norman Charter, Huss

Madison High School has the worst visiting stands I’ve seen.

 

[smashmouth5]

The shame is you have to play where you play, but there are little things that any school can do to improve the environment for their players, students, and fans.

 

[BlackKnightNut]

Largest is Grimsley. Best is Dudley. Worst is Ledford because you always walk a mile to the stadium and the away side is God awful

 

[BlueDevil1996]

Carson is pretty bad too bc u have walk a mile just to get to the away side

 

[Otis1144]

Isn’t your field turf? You getting a new one?

It was in awful shape after the flood. There were pictures on here posted by somebody. Their stadium is beautiful too! I stopped and looked at it the same weekend I went by Cherokee. I have to share my biggest pleasure about being in Cherokee. You go to any DQ around here and ask for a large soft serve ice cream and you get this small cup that don't last more than a minute. I pulled up to the drive thru window in Cherokee and asked for a large soft serve ice cream and this guy comes back to the window with a big cup I guess at least 32 oz filled as much as could be. My eyes were like silver dollars! This dude knew how to serve ice cream! My wife looks at me and says "are you really going to eat all that!" Baby you just watch. I can't wait to go back and I've been on a diet the past 3 months. Lost 28lbs so far. Down to 174 now.

 

[burnsbulldogtweeter]

Madison High School has the worst visiting stands I’ve seen.

You clearly haven’t been to Hibriten. Of course I haven’t been to Madison so I can’t speak for them.

 

[burnsbulldogtweeter]

Worst….Highland Tech…no visitors stands.

Coach Devine told me he hoped that we wouldn’t have to play our away game at Highland Tech at Highland Tech this year. But Shelby played there last year so I’m not getting my hopes up. Fingers crossed.

 

[BlueDevil1996]

Coach Devine told me he hoped that we wouldn’t have to play our away game at Highland Tech at Highland Tech this year. But Shelby played there last year so I’m not getting my hopes up. Fingers crossed.

how is that fair to highland tech? i mean i understand there stadium may suck but if its their home game then u have no control over that and u have play it there.

 

[Rocketeightyeight]

AC Reynolds, Asheville, Owen, and McDowell are some of my favorites in the mountains. I would like to visit Cherokee one day.

 

[Darkhorse04]

It’s so cool to hear all this from you guys, I’d say it’s so easy to say most of the nicest stadiums are in the west. Very little east talk up here. It’s to be expected though. Sorry to hear about the field up at Pisgah. Seems like I remember hearing about the flood but had forgot.

 

[Thunder_struck8712]

The East doesn't have the landscapes to build stadiums into like the west does so I think that is what makes the western stadiums unique and cool. I feel like in the East and Piedmont they just throw metal bleachers up in a flat spot. Especially new schools. It is about cost and getting it done quick. One that I think of that was incredibly boring the one time I visited was Reagan.

 

[smashmouth5]

The East doesn't have the landscapes to build stadiums into like the west does so I think that is what makes the western stadiums unique and cool. I feel like in the East and Piedmont they just throw metal bleachers up in a flat spot. Especially new schools. It is about cost and getting it done quick. One that I think of that was incredibly boring the one time I visited was Reagan.

This. There are little nuances in the west stadiums were you tuck them into the hills that only adds to the set up. Some of the West schools may not have the best game day experience but the placement of the stadium makes it a neat place to visit.

 

[BASEBALLFAN1955]

Largest: Grimsley: Wide open bowl style stadium. Only thing sucked is we had walk a lot bc only home side had the concessions opened.
Best Bleachers: Mooresville
Best Field (Natural): Concord/Shelby
Best Field (Turf) : Mooresville
Best Atmosphere: Scotland Co.
Best Sound System: N/A
Overall best: Kannapolis: The homes on the away side are always welcoming n great supporters of AL Brown, I liked their Natural Field better than Turf (It’s bit boring turf wise) and I like their overall setup of their stadium. Fans are solid and A lot history n Traditions at AL Brown

Worst: South Iredell or Hibriten: Both have very small visitor sides is the main reason for both. Parking at Hibriten is challenge to get out and SI field isn’t the best.

Stadiums I’d like to Visit:
Crest
King Mtn
Cherokee
Reidsville
Gaffney
Dillon
Richmond
Etc etc

that A L Brown people in a wheelchair cant get to the restrooms

 

[BASEBALLFAN1955]

at A L Brown people in a wheelchair cant get to the restrooms at the baseball field

 

[notanyonesfan]

Hibritren is one of the best atmospheres to watch a game. They do Friday nights right up that way. May not be the "best" stadium, but it's really cool.

Shelby is a cool place to watch a game and I believe they are building a new athletic complex soon so that'll make it even better I'm sure

It's been a long time since I've been but AL Brown is a fun place to go to a game. Especially on the visitors side with the houses literally right behind you.

Wataga & Tuscola have cool places with how they are situation in the mountains.

East Burke's stadium is massive.

South Point is a must experience for any high school football fan

 

[smashmouth5]

Supposedly Crest, Burns, and KM are all getting new press boxes.

 

[egfan]

Coach Devine told me he hoped that we wouldn’t have to play our away game at Highland Tech at Highland Tech this year. But Shelby played there last year so I’m not getting my hopes up. Fingers crossed.

Highland has visitors stands, but they probably only seat a couple hundred.

 

[Lincolnton_]

Around here, Shelby, Maiden, South Point, kings Mountain and Statesville have some of the nicer stadiums. Cushwa Stadium in Thomasville and Community Stadium in Reidsville are nice facilities that I've been to outside this area. Always heard Asheville High has a pretty place. I've been to games at A.C. Reynolds but never to Asheville. Another stadium many people say is nice is East Burke (For those outside this area, it's in Icard, NC, which is across the river from Hickory).

As far as the worst stadiums, I couldn't label any of them as worst or even bad. Some places have just been fortunate to enough to have the funds or maybe those who planned the stadium had a good sense of foresight or design.

The most unusual stadium was Lake Norman Charter. In 2012 I watched Lincolnton play them, there. This was the first time I'd been to a stadium where the home fans and visiting fans did not sit on opposite sides of the field. Everyone sit together. Honestly, it wasn't half bad.
The school is located in Huntersville, a pretty upscale community. Their fan contingent was receptive of us but I have to say, if this had been East Lincoln rather than LNC, I'm almost certain it wouldn't have been as cordial.
Another first at this game was fans could bring their dogs. That was unusual but it added to the atmosphere. Not once did I see any of the dogs bark at anyone or fight each other, and quite a few of their fans had them.
Two things I didn't like about it, one was the odious announcer "Would the officials like to apologize to our Knights". Shut the heck up. The other thing is we lost 30-28.

Side note: I saw Owen High in Swannanoa, NC, play was at their place in 1994. Not sure, but I think they played at a middle school, then. The next time I saw their stadium was maybe around 2016. They had a brand new stadium up on the hill beside of their high school with a great scenic view. It really looked good. compared to where they once played with their current stadium, to me, it looked like a world of difference. A big thumbs up to the Warhorses. After all this time you deserve a fine stadium.

Side note: Cherryville is a baseball town and has won something like eight state titles, but for a place that doesn't do well in football their facility, Rudisill stadium, is pretty good. It's small but it's a decent place to watch a game. Think it was a few years ago they spent some money on some renovations. Go Ironmen ! The blue and white will be out of sight with 61 Charlotte WAYS ! (That was a radio station)

 

[notanyonesfan]

Supposedly Crest, Burns, and KM are all getting new press boxes.

I'll believe it when I see it for Crest & Burns. KM only has to ask a certain individual and they'll have it.

 

[Mavrick69]

This. There are little nuances in the west stadiums were you tuck them into the hills that only adds to the set up. Some of the West schools may not have the best game day experience but the placement of the stadium makes it a neat place to visit.

 

[Maiden Creek]

Around here, Shelby, Maiden, South Point, kings Mountain and Statesville have some of the nicer stadiums. Cushwa Stadium in Thomasville and Community Stadium in Reidsville are nice facilities that I've been to outside this area. Always heard Asheville High has a pretty place. I've been to games at A.C. Reynolds but never to Asheville. Another stadium many people say is nice is East Burke (For those outside this area, it's in Icard, NC, which is across the river from Hickory).

As far as the worst stadiums, I couldn't label any of them as worst or even bad. Some places have just been fortunate to enough to have the funds or maybe those who planned the stadium had a good sense of foresight or design.

The most unusual stadium was Lake Norman Charter. In 2012 I watched Lincolnton play them, there. This was the first time I'd been to a stadium where the home fans and visiting fans did not sit on opposite sides of the field. Everyone sit together. Honestly, it wasn't half bad.
The school is located in Huntersville, a pretty upscale community. Their fan contingent was receptive of us but I have to say, if this had been East Lincoln rather than LNC, I'm almost certain it wouldn't have been as cordial.
Another first at this game was fans could bring their dogs. That was unusual but it added to the atmosphere. Not once did I see any of the dogs bark at anyone or fight each other, and quite a few of their fans had them.
Two things I didn't like about it, one was the odious announcer "Would the officials like to apologize to our Knights". Shut the heck up. The other thing is we lost 30-28.

Side note: I saw Owen High in Swannanoa, NC, play was at their place in 1994. Not sure, but I think they played at a middle school, then. The next time I saw their stadium was maybe around 2016. They had a brand new stadium up on the hill beside of their high school with a great scenic view. It really looked good. compared to where they once played with their current stadium, to me, it looked like a world of difference. A big thumbs up to the Warhorses. After all this time you deserve a fine stadium.

Side note: Cherryville is a baseball town and has won something like eight state titles, but for a place that doesn't do well in football their facility, Rudisill stadium, is pretty good. It's small but it's a decent place to watch a game. Think it was a few years ago they spent some money on some renovations. Go Ironmen ! The blue and white will be out of sight with 61 Charlotte WAYS ! (That was a radio station)

You’re a wise old wolf…..Lincolnton.

“Worst” isn’t the right word…how about “least favorite”…because truly….all of them are my favorites…I’ve enjoyed going to every one of the high school fields that I’ve been fortunate enough to visit.

Each one has its own character (long walks, limited seating, poor field, mouthy announcers, etc. etc.….or worse yet…getting your arse beat every time you go over there)

Actually…it’s the best part for me….as a high school football fan…visiting other schools….especially the first time.

 

[egfan]

Side note: Cherryville is a baseball town and has won something like eight state titles, but for a place that doesn't do well in football their facility, Rudisill stadium, is pretty good. It's small but it's a decent place to watch a game. Think it was a few years ago they spent some money on some renovations. Go Ironmen ! The blue and white will be out of sight with 61 Charlotte WAYS ! (That was a radio station)

Cherryville, South Point and East Gaston got major stadium upgrades about 8-10 years ago. East Gaston really got a major upgrade: new lights, track, fencing, new rest rooms and concession stand on the home side, new home stands and press box. As for Cherryville, I enjoy going there for games.

 

[Vik-Val 86]

Two mountain teams I wouldn’t mind watching. Mitchell Co and Cherokee high. I know Cherokee has a nice field.

 

[Lincolnton_]

MC, Thanks for saying something . Like you, I enjoy visiting other sites. I Always try to be a good guest or at least since I've gotten older. The only time ( in recent years) staff or fans have been less than friendly was at East Lincoln at the 2016 game.

Just before the half I stopped by the concession stand then walked over to the gate to speak to someone I knew. The lady working the gate thought I was wanting to go out, then come back in, so she growled "I guess
you're wanting to go to your car, too". The person I knew at the gate told her I had only stopped by to say hello.

She said so many of the Lincolnton fans had asked to go out and then come back in and that was rarely allowed there. She said they told her at Lincolnton they were allowed to leave and come back in anytime, and wanted to know if this was correct. I told her I didn't think so.

You could tell she was pretty aggravated with the very big crowd. She asked me why did I suppose so many wanted to go to their cars. I explained to her that some of them were nervous over the game being so close and needed a drink of liquor. She said "THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT, THAT'S JUST WHAT I THOUGHT". I told her I was joking, to simply tell them it was against the rules, they're good people and would listen to her, but I don't think she appreciated my Lincolnton sense of humor at all.
For me, though, it's always a treat to get to go somewhere.

egfan, I remember the stadiums being updated. Arrowhead is a great place to take in a game. They keep it neat and clean and have some of the friendliest staff.