Statistics
Capacity: 9800
Built: 1970 (Renovated in 2004)
Surface: Field Turf
Surface: Field Turf
Titan Stadium (and most other UW-Oshkosh athletic fields) was built across the Fox river from the university. Which makes it a bit of a task for students to attend and/or participate in sporting events. However, the university came up with a great idea of offering up a free shuttle buss service to and from all games for the students. From what I saw, the service starts a couple of hours before kickoff, which gives students the opportunity to tailgate prior to the game, if they choose. Then, of course, at the conclusion of the game, the shuttle bus makes numerous trips back across the river taking them back to campus. If it wasn't for this service, I'm guessing the students' section would be very minimal inside J.J. Keller Field. Speaking of the students' section, I was very impressed with their enthusiasm during the game I attended against Whitewater. I had read a lot about the UWO's Black and Yellows, which is an organization whose sole purpose is to get the university excited about attending athletic games. Personally, I think it's a great idea and all other student bodies around the WIAC should follow suit. I got a kick out of their choreographed songs, chants, body paint and outfits....reminds a scaled down version of the Cameron Crazies at Duke University basketball games. I believe one of my amateur videos below has them in action during the football team's introduction.
The football field is named after J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. The Neenah, WI based company helps other businesses with safety and regulatory compliance. CEO J.J. Keller and President Robert L. Keller donated $1 million on behalf of their company to the university. The generous donation is the largest in the campus' 133-year history. Why Oshkosh? Well, for starters, the President was a 1969 graduate of the university. Also, hundreds of associates that are employed at the company are graduates of UWO. The gift also supports the Oshkosh Sports Complex Capital Campaign, a $5.7-million project involving UW-Oshkosh, Oshkosh Area School District and Unified Catholic Schools.
The stadium itself is made up of one large grandstand on the west side of the field (with no seats on the east side). So the both fans (home and away) share the same stands, which is interesting to see. A running track surrounds the field which is typically seen inside football stadiums. The playing field is not centered inside the track, but rather sits closer to the grandstand, improving visibility for the fans. I was really impressed with the jumbo tron/monitor on the digital scoreboard behind the south endzone. The replays and graphics are extremely clear for everyone to see. It was wise building it facing north, so the sun doesn't create a glare on the screen. The sound system was also equally as impressive. You can tell a lot of money was put into the scoreboard and sound system to make the atmosphere enjoyable for all fans. Speaking of the scoreboard, long-time scoreboard operator, Ben Zalas, will retire after 41 years of service following this season. The 89 year old works in the booth making sure everything from first downs, times outs and game score is accurate. Zalas will turn 90 on Nov. 27. Overall, I thought the general cleanliness of Titan Stadium was above average. The infrastructure of the stadium seemed relatively new and not run down. I'm guessing a lot of work was done to the entire stadium when it was renovated in 2004 - and it shows.
The tailgating scene is spread out around the complex. Fans of both schools seem to fill up the stadium's parking lot, as well as parking lots of local businesses west of the stadium. We paid $3 a space in a bank parking lot (across the street from the stadium) which is pretty reasonable. However, I wish they had more portable bathrooms available for the tailgaters. So the lack off public bathrooms outside the stadium made the bushes we parked next to very inviting.
**Warning**
Before indulging in these videos I have to give a little disclaimer for everyone. This was my first time attempting to take a video file and upload onto a webpage. Originally, I wanted to condense all eight clips onto one video link, but I couldn't figure out how to do it without compromising the quality of the video. So going forward, I'll do a better job of recording just a couple of longer clips, rather than 8-10 short ones. I'll also look to improve my technique. You might not realize this, but I was actually standing on solid ground when recording. So if you get queasy...I apologize. You know what they say: The first pancake never turns out the way you hope.
Also, if you have any requests on what you would like recorded when I make these stadium visits. Please let me know. Thanks!
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