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The "Ice Castle" |
Stambaugh Stadium |
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The "Ice Castle" |
Stambaugh Stadium |
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YSU's
Stambaugh Stadium complex and Dwight "Dike" Beede Field
was built in 1982 and is the home of the Penguins football and Lady
Pens soccer teams. Nicknamed the "Ice Castle" ... the stadium has
a seating capacity of 20,630 and is unsurpassed in Division I-AA/FCS
football. The Ice Castle has been a well-protected place. On average,
four out of five times a visiting program has left Stambaugh Stadium
on the losing end of the score. To the left is an aerial view of the
complex, nestled on the campus of Youngstown State. Just beside the
stadium in YSU's Beeghly Center ...home of Pens & Lady-Pens basketball,
swimming/diving, volleyball and other YSU sports, offices and classrooms.
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Stambaugh
Stadium is one of the largest facilities in I-AA/FCS, and the largest
in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. It is also the tallest
building in the city of Youngstown. The nickname "Ice Castle" comes
from the stadium's size, location, weather and effect on opposing
teams. The stadium is located on the highest spot on campus ... and
known for the snow & ice on game days. Since the stadium's renovations
in 1997, which added visiting stands, the weather is not as much of
a factor. |
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The
'guins have won 74.5 percent of their games at Stambaugh posting an
impressive 125-41-1 overall home mark in 25 seasons. Nine of the 10
all-time largest Gateway Football Conference crowds have been at Stambaugh.
The 2002 season saw the Penguins playing on a new turf. In 2004, a
new video screen was added to the scoreboard and dubbed "Penguin Vision" (see left). |
To
the right is a picture of Stambaugh Stadium and the backdrop is downtown
Youngstown, Ohio. In the foreground are some of the university dormitories.
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The
cities & communities of Northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania
show a great deal support and pride in their Penguins ... and head-coach
Jon Heacock. Only three times in 25 seasons have the Penguins failed
to finish above .500. At home in the playoffs, YSU is 14-1 having
won 14 straight home games since a loss at Stambaugh in November,
1990. |
Inside
the stadium ... game day environment is always intense, as thousands
of knowledgeable fans will be happy to make the officials call for
them. (that was saying it politely). Outside the "Castle" ... thousands
of cheerful and supportive fans welcome anyone to stop for some grilling,
live performances and a general great time. YSU is known for it's
large and very family-oriented tailgating. {Not mention the best Italian
in the country.} We encourage all visiting fans to arrive early and
enjoy themselves. |
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Prior
to the 1997 campaign, the number of loges (luxury suites) was expanded
to 26. (though the true fan prefers a cold bleacher and a hot crowd).The
Watson Media Center, one of the best press facilities in FCS, was
added onto the second level of the complex. The DeBartolo Stadium
Club {below}, which overlooks the city of Youngstown, is located on
the main loge area, and is used for meetings, press conferences and
luncheons. |
Visit
the DeBartolo Stadium Club {to the right} for a pleasant game atmosphere.
The club was constructed and sponsored in memory of Youngstown's own
(the late) Edward J. Debartolo Sr.; shopping mall developer, retail
store owner, thoroughbred racetrack owner ...and owner of various
sports teams, which have included the San Francisco 49ers and the
NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. His daughter, Denise York, continues to
be a major contributor to the university. Many, many thanks are in
order. |
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For
those who have never been inside or under the complex ... a trip is
in order. There sits all of the YSU training facilities, intramural
facilities, and most athletic offices (including tickets). YSU ticket
offices can be contacted at (330) 941-1YSU. |
Above
is one of Stambaugh's weight rooms, and below is one of several
basketball and volleyball courts. |
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Located
on the fourth level concourse of Stambaugh Stadium, is the Thomas
F. Mosure Penguin Hall of Gridiron Glory honoring 60 years of Penguin
football tradition. The hall is a "must see" for all visitors. It
houses various trophies (such as the 1993 Sears national championship
trophy pictured to the left). It also includes various conference
and national second-place trophies. There are two 1938 football jerseys,
from the first season of YSU Football. Visitors will be able to see
one of the four original penalty flags, which were created by YSU
legend Dike Beede and his wife Irma. The hall also contains various
photos, drawings and statues of Penguin players and coaches. |
Revised: Saturday, August 23, 2003