Wednesday, June 14, 2023

The REAL Reviews PART 5: Harvard Stadium

 



HARVARD

Harvard likes to think it's the best of everything, and it's often wrong about that.

But when it comes to its football game day experience, it might be right.

There is something undeniably majestic and impressive about Harvard Stadium and its environs that has nothing to do with the name or reputation of the school itself. 

I'd start with stadium's resemblance to the Roman Colosseum and it's Ivy-covered facades and concrete benches that make you feel like you're living history. 

Next, it's location just off the Charles River is a nice touch and the grassy hills around the stadium make for what I believe is the best tailgating atmosphere in the Ivy League.

Finally, being just a medium-sized walk to the center of campus and a short ride on the T or by car to the center of Boston wraps this venue up as tops. 

Harvard Stadium also provides some cover from the elements around the upper seating rim inside its iconic colonnades. 

Of course it's not all perfect. The food concessions are just average and the great view of the Charles you used to be able to enjoy from the open end of the stadium has been blocked for 26 years now by the construction of another athletic building. The media press box and its amenities are not among the best in the league, especially with the box so far above the action that it can sometimes be a little hard to follow. 

Now, for some tips to make sure what I always see as a pretty amazing experience is the same for you:

-BRING SEAT CUSHIONS!! Yes, those concrete seats are nice to look at, but to avoid extreme discomfort you need to bring a seat cushion to Harvard Stadium, period.

-Get there early to enjoy those best tailgating venues. There is a lot of parking around the entire athletic complex, but the better spots within view of the stadium can fill up fast. 

-Try to take the time to make that walk across the bridge back over to campus or from campus to the stadium. It just feels good doing it.




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