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YSU's Stambaugh
Stadium and complex are unsurpassed in Division I-AA Football. The stadium
opened in 1982 and is the home of the Penguins football and Lady Pens
soccer. Nicknamed the "Ice Castle" ... the stadium portion has a standing
capacity of almost 23,000. 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 behind the stadium in YSU's Beeghly
Center ... home of Pens & Lady-Pens basketball, swimming /Diving, volleyball
and other YSU sports, offices and classrooms. |
Stambaugh Stadium
is one of the largest facilities in I-AA, and the largest in the Gateway
Football Conference. It is also the tallest building in the city
of Youngstown. The nickname "Ice Castle" comes from the stadium's
location, weather and effect on opposing teams. The stadium in located
on the highest spot on campus ... and famous 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.
The penguins always welcome opponents that hail from warm climates and/or
indoor facilities. "You better bring your winter clothing".
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As of the end
of the 2006 season, 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. To the left and above,
are shots of Stambaugh from various parking lots on campus. These shots
were taken after the 1997 expansion. Visitors should arrive early for
ample parking and pre-game festivities. |
| 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 North-Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania show a
great deal support and pride in their beloved 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 November,
1990. |
| Inside the stadium ... game day environment
is considered "hostile", 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 fan's 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 tail-gating.
{Not mention the best Italian-foods in the country.} We
encourage all visiting fan's 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; owner of the NFL's San
Francisco 49ers and former owner of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. Thanks
for your continuing support of YSU to all the "folks" there at Debartolo
& Co.. |
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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. To the left is one of Stambaugh's weight
rooms and below is one of several basketball and volleyball courts.
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