Football Stadium Review: Community Stadium (UW-Stevens Point)

 Community Stadium at Goerke Park is my last stadium that I went to in 2025.  This stadium is located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and it is home not only to the Stevens Point HS team, but also UW-Stevens Point football.  The Pointers were very solid in the 2000's but have fallen on hard times as a program since the 2010's happened and this year of 2025 was no different.  The Pointers struggled after non-conference play, amassing a 4-6 record but another losing season. The last loss was against UW-La Crosse (If you remember them from the last stadium review, they had essentially a win and clinch a spot in the D3 playoffs against the Pointers) and it was a brutal one, a 52-0 destruction. Ironically that was the second 52-0 loss of the year and the third time giving up 52 points in the conference for UWSP.  How did I rate Community Stadium though? Let's find out!

Amenities:

The stadium has one main food stand that has multiple lanes so you don't have a massive wait.  The food and drinks are there and there are a good assortment of that.  There is a separate beer stand with the Point Beer, which is the staple of Stevens Point, and is a sponsor of UWSP. The bathroom however, is a small one on the visitor side and I have to downgrade that a bit.  Overall, 3.5 out of 5.

Atmosphere:

If you were a La Crosse fan, you were happy. A UWSP fan though would be pretty downtrodden with the performance. The Pointer crowd did have life for the game, but the team just didn't have much going in this shutout loss.  I give credit to the fans though, so I will give them a 2 out of 5.

Location:

Not a bad location, it's on the outskirt of campus so technically qualifies.  It isn't terribly far from downtown Stevens Point and the places there. So all in all, I will give this likely a 3.5 out of 5.

Price/Quality:

The Pizza I had was.. fine? It wasn't great but not bad. The soda was fine as well.  I forget the cost of the ticket but parking was free.  The quality of the team was a let down but sometimes that is the day for you.  Overall, another solid 4 out of 5 for price and quality.

Review: 

Community Stadium at Goerke Park is a fine WIAC and D3 stadium.  It wasn't as great as UW-RF or UW-O when I went in 2008 nor UW-W but it's better than UW-Platteville if I were to rate the WIAC stadiums.  It is a solid 13 score to end the 2025 stadiums for me.  Until we go to games in 2026!

Football Stadium Review: Ramer Field (UW-River Falls)

 UW-River Falls was not notably a great football team for a long, long time.  They also weren't a powerhouse until the last few years.  They were typically an also-ran and a practical easy W on the schedule for a lot of teams.  Something happened after the time of the pandemic.  River Falls became a very, very good football team.  Sometimes that happens, and one coach helped changed that mindset as the Falcons kept winning and winning.  Matt Walker changed the trajectory of this program, one that led to a major job at Drake (good luck to him sincerely, even if I am a Warhawk fan). The reason I bring all this up, is during their darling run to being NCAA champs last year, I was able to attend the game they became WIAC champs, a demolishing of UW-La Crosse led by the Top Gun offense that amassed nearly 600 yards a game.  With that, how did I rate Ramer Field? Let's look below!

Amenities:

A large food stand behind the main grandstand is what is introduced to you right away. As you walk around the stadium, another stand, this for the adult drinks is provided and their is some sort of VIP/booster area which not many stadiums had featured which is honestly pretty neat.  This stadium is WIDE, like many people side by side wide, which makes it very nice to just walk around.  The bathrooms, pretty alright honestly, no major lines even with the near sellout crowds that Ramer Field likely accustomed themselves to the last couple of years. All in all, 5 out of 5.

Atmosphere:

This is an easy one, a major matchup of two top ten teams in the WIAC, conference title hopes that were happening. The crowd was jazzed all day long as they were reveling in this run of success and that run ultimately led to a national championship.  Even if the weather was cold, the fans were energetic and it was a blast to be around. Definitely a 5 out of 5 atmosphere.  I desperately hope that even though Coach Walker moved on that UW-RF is a solid program still and the atmosphere stays great.

Location:

It is on the outskirt of campus but it is with the other athletic facilities.  Sometimes that happens with these D3 colleges.  I do note it is on campus and there are a few things nearby and it is close enough to downtown to warrant a solid rating. 3.5 out of 5 overall.

Price/Quality:

The burger I had was decent, and they had Coca-Cola products here.  The alcoholic drinks are pricey if you go, but then again most places are so.. you get what you pay for there. I forget what the ticket cost but that's fine considering the high level of football played.  Parking while free is kind of a nightmare to deal with.  There wasn't a sign saying the main lot was full, so it took a lot of patience going in and out, then going across the street, which doesn't seem like a fully safe street.  I'll have to knock it for that. 4 out of 5. 

Review:

Ramer Field is a very top of the line D3 stadium by 2025 standards.  I do want to observe the Post-Coach Walker era to see how they keep their team going, if it is still a strong unit or if there is a significant drop off. All in all though, on my visit, it was a very awesome atmosphere and the Falcons and their staff and fans deserve this solid 17.5.

Football Stadium Review: Fireman's Field (Mayville High School)

 Fireman's Field in Mayville, Wisconsin was the end of our road trip of high school stadiums in 2025, and home to one of the most classic football games few will ever see.  A quarter final duel against Amherst commenced, and a back and forth game featured a wild 21-14 lead for Amherst before Mayville scored but failed to get the two to trail 21-20 before recovering the onside kick to then get a big play which led to a touchdown and a couple Amherst bad breaks later led to a 26-21 Cardinal win in the end.  That clinched them a spot in the semifinals, where they then won and then won the state championship.  This game will live on in lore for the Mayville football team, and what was my thoughts going into it? Let's find out!

Amenities: 

There's the food stand in the main level of the press box, the bathrooms are actually housed in the bus station near the stadium. It's relatively clean but relatively small as well, so there's bound to be a wait.  Same with the food stand.  Overall, pretty clean stadium, and they were in the process of donations to help the football field, so that'll be likely a cool upgrade.  Overall, solid 4 out of 5.

Atmosphere:

Quite frankly, a terrific atmosphere.  This is what playoff football is all about.  Even before the heroics of the onside kick that led to the game winning touchdown, I was rating this a five because the fans at a Mayville touchdown were excited. When Amherst scored, their fans were up and about and cheering. When the comeback happened, it was one of the loudest high school crowds. Everyone's hearts were in their throat watching the end drive by Amherst.  Easily put, 5 out of 5.

Location:

Honestly, a good location for the stadium.  Right behind the high school, near downtown and near enough stuff that is within a mile or two so that definitely warrants a good rating. Not many high school stadiums will be smack dab in a town or near a lot, so we rate it with distance to.  Mayville has that down pat. Solid 4 out of 5.

Price/Quality:

Honestly, 7 dollars and free parking for this quarterfinal that had all the fixings of an instant classic. I had a burger and it was fine on quality, but cheap price so you get what you pay for.  I forget how much the hot chocolate was but I assume it was cheap.  Honestly, the quality of the game far outweighs the decent burger. 5 out of 5 easy.

Review:

Fireman's Field definitely benefited from the instant classic this playoff quarterfinal was. It had everything and more on the field. The stadium itself is very solid as well, evidenced by the 18 point score they got.  I know they are furthering getting donations to that field when I went there last year, so in time, it likely will be even better. Great job Mayville!

Football Stadium Review: Taylor Field (Lakeland University)

 Taylor Field at Lakeland University, which is somehow with a Plymouth, Wisconsin address (more on that later) is the scene for the next stadium review.  This is a D3 school from the NACC conference who hosted Concordia-Chicago on this day that I am reviewing.  The Muskies were already out of playoff and conference contention, so this was merely for pride and good vibes for the rest of the year.  They did their job on this day, winning by 31. What did I think of Taylor Field, let's find out below!

Amenities:

A really clean stadium all around, with a food truck, a different food and drink stand, a set of tables for you to sit and eat and watch the game, also fairly clean bathrooms.  The one downside is that while they have a gift shop for merch, it's closed at halftime.  Why? No idea. Major bust there that they couldn't leave it open all day. Otherwise, 4 out of 5.

Atmosphere:

That whole being out of playoff and conference contention really, really hurt Lakeland here.  With that, even with the win, there was almost next to no energy from the crowd, outside of one fan who was raring to fight with the other teams' head coach following a late hit. He later settled down away from the people that were on the bleachers.  Can't do much otherwise though, and unfortunately for Lakeland they didn't have much excitement even in this win.  Sorry friends, you are getting a .5 out of 5.

Location:

Remember me saying that this is somehow with a Plymouth, Wisconsin address? That's because this stadium and university are like 10 miles from Plymouth.  It's LITERALLY in the middle of nowhere. Yes this is an on-campus stadium but that's literally it's only saving grace. Otherwise I cannot really give this more than 1.5 even on location.  It's just one of the more odd stadium locations and one of the more odd college locations ever.

Price/Quality:

Parking being free is always a plus, and the ticket I believe was around 8 dollars so pretty inexpensive as well.  The Food was average, the drinks were Pepsi brand so no problem there.  The food truck was too expensive for my liking (I learned my lesson from Ripon). All in all, 4 out of 5.

Review:

Taylor Field is a nice, clean facility, but it's in the middle of nowhere and when your team isn't very good, the atmosphere is pretty much non-existent.  I did give this a 10 and to be honest, it's a bit more friendly than I thought I would give. The saving grace is it is a clean stadium a relatively cheap day at the ground.  It was, unfortunately, the worst stadium I went to in 2025.

Football Stadium Review: Fireman's Park (Columbus High School)

 Fireman's Park was our next stop in Columbus, Wisconsin for a matchup that was in the WIAA playoffs featuring the Columbus High School Cardinals.  The Cardinals were a top seed in the division they were in, so they got to host this game in hopes of getting to the quarter finals. To say they easily won is an understatement. They won by 35 to get themselves into the quarterfinals.  Fireman's Park is also a football field that either does or had hosted either baseball or softball at some point. It's a old style field and one that just harkens back the days of old.  With that, let's review this place shall we?

Amenities:

This was more of a food table with snacks and drinks.  They did make the food in prep for this so that was fine.  I assume the building at Fireman's Park is where they had the bathrooms but I didn't have to use it so.. if you go for the first time needing to know where to go then the fans can let you know!  Also, another surprise awaits later in the review.  Have to say though, clean facility, 4 out of 5!

Atmosphere:

This atmosphere is what I wished Arrowhead was in the first parts of these playoff football reveals.  The atmosphere, even with a large lead, was electric.  The students and the fans were all in the game. The students were energized all night until the final whistle.  This is the atmosphere I love to see when going to a football game.  Other people, take note.  This is how you do this.  5 out of 5.

Location:

Right behind the high school is big, it's a bit of a ways from downtown but honestly, most high schools are so I cannot knock it too much. Lot of residential around the area and it's not a big town Columbus, but overall the location is fine! 4 out of 5

Price/Quality:

A solid 7 dollars and free parking just to watch a playoff game in the WIAA is fantastic. The one surprise that they had was a bake sale that went towards something at the school. Major plus because I bought cookies that were absolutely delicious.  They also had Dr. Pepper, so added plus all around.  I don't recall having other food there but the array of choices helped this place out a lot.  5 out of 5.

Review:

Fireman's Park is a fantastic place for a football game and one place that you should visit if you are in the area.  A score of 18 is very well done, and ties that of Johnson Creek High School for their great things as well.  Overall, one of the best I visited through the year.

Football Stadium Review: Hopp Stadium (Ripon College)

 Hopp Stadium in Ripon, Wisconsin is home to the Ripon Redhawks of the Division 3 Midwest Conference. This 2,000 seat stadium plays host not just to the football program, but also both soccer programs too.  It is one of the newest D3 stadiums, as it opened just three years ago in 2023.  I had the opportunity to attend a game here in this town in central Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the result was a 31 point loss for the Redhawks, which was a massive downside. However, how did Hopp Stadium fare? Let's find out below!

Amenities:

So.. no regular food stand but a food truck was there. The bathrooms were clean and the whole stadium was super clean. The staff were also super nice, so the amenities are sort of there, but no main food stand is a very interesting choice.  3 out of 5.

Atmosphere:

You definitely could easily feel for the Ripon fans, after a 31-0 loss on this day, because there were several opportunities for the Redhawks to score and make this a game but nothing was done. It was a bunch who wanted to have something to cheer about, but there was a palpable frustration throughout. Unfortunately on this day, this dampened the atmosphere.  There was emotion though, so I will give it a 1.5 out of 5.

Location:

Ripon is in central-ish Wisconsin, but with a population of under 8 thousand, it's going to rely on the college a lot.  Hopp Stadium is smack dab in the middle of the campus which makes this a solid plus.  It is also not terribly far from the main town center, but again it is a small town that won't be incredibly lively. The on-campus stadium part does help this score pretty solidly and will help the students have a Saturday afternoon watching ball for a couple of hours. 3.5 out of 5.

Price/Quality:

It's less than 10 for a ticket and it was free to park near the stadium.  Those are the plus sides.  The food was way too expensive overall and lacked the quality to make it worth the price.  At best, it was above average.  With that, its a 3 out of 5 with the ticket/parking being cheap making this as high of a score as it is.

Review:

One of the newest stadiums on the board, Hopp Stadium does have some things to work out.  Mainly, if they got a food stand of their own it might help.  The food truck was far too expensive for middle of the road quality. I feel a lot of this rating would have been better if the atmosphere was better, but you have to rate on the days you go, and unfortunately for the Redhawks, they get rated on a rather tough day.  Will say, this would be a stadium I would like to review again in a couple of years if able. For now, that 11 will stay.

Football Stadium Review: Taraska Stadium (Arrowhead High School)

 Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wisconsin is known as a state football juggernaut year in and year out, producing division 1 talent by the bunches. Taraska Stadium is where they play the sport of football and it's where I got to see them play in the first round of the WIAA playoffs in 2025.  I've been to Arrowhead High on one occasion.  Back in the year of 2007 when I was looking at colleges, they had a showcase of colleges and I got to look into it for the future. I've never been to their football stadium, nor actually saw it until this night.  Now Arrowhead did win this one going away en route to their state championship in the coming weeks. How did I rate this stadium? Let's find out below!

Amenities:

The food stand is there, there's a massive walkway, there's an elevator for the coaching staff to get to their booths in the boxes, and there was a food truck as well as the main stand.  There was one kind of major thing missing: Bathrooms.  Yep, they forgot the bathrooms to this place.  They did have porta-potties, but man, a D1 juggernaut without bathrooms? Massive gut punch bro.  3.5 out of 5.

Atmosphere:

There was a section of students, but it wasn't in a numerous amount. They were kind of into the game but kind of not at the same time.  The crowd was much of the same way.  It felt like it was a game where they would attend, the team would show up, win by a bunch and they can come out in force the next couple of weeks, and to that credit, they did win.  The team does have a solid opening onto the field, kind of how you would envision a college team with the team running through an inflatable tunnel and then running onto the field with some pyrotechnics. The team has the atmosphere down, but the crowd was more laid back. Going to split this one down the middle at 2.5 out of 5.

Location:

Arrowhead is in Hartland, which isn't a big town by any stretch.  It's off a couple of highways but there is a lot of residential areas around this school.  Most high schools are like this so it's no knock to Arrowhead. Overall, not a bad location and warrants a 4 out of 5.

Price/Quality:

We paid seven dollars this time, but that's the WIAA standard for the playoffs, so it isn't on Arrowhead.  The food truck was pretty pricey so I skipped it.  The food stand itself was where I mainly just got a couple of snacks and a hot chocolate.  The hot chocolate was good, and cheap too.  The snacks were cheap so cannot complain.  I go with what I bought so I couldn't rate the other food. Honestly, solid 4 out of 5 overall.

Review:

All in all, Taraska Stadium isn't a bad stadium at all.  I wish the crowd were more into the game than what they were but I cannot complain about the rest of it.  They score a 14, and they definitely have room to make that score go higher and I fully believe they will try to.