The REAL REVIEWS Part 7: Princeton Stadium

 

Princeton

Princeton Stadium opened in 1998 after the school made the difficult decision to completely raze old Palmer Stadium and go for a totally modern facility bearing no resemblance to its storied past. 

The result is the Ivy League's most luxurious football venue, keeping with Princeton's image of the wealthiest Ivy per capita and a stickler for the best amenities.

But while Princeton Stadium has everything, not everything is perfect.

Yes, Princeton has plenty of tailgating room, but almost all of it is in a concrete parking lot, (there are some spots in the fields not too far from the stadium, but you can't see the stadium from there).

Yes, Princeton has lots of very modern concession stands. But they're more like those self-serve fast food places you used to see all along the Jersey Turnpike (anyone remember Roy Rogers?). There is really nothing distinctive about them or anything that really gives you a taste of New Jersey culture, (don't laugh, I was thinking authentic Italian food, etc.).

Yes, Princeton Stadium has two decks, but the upper deck does not shade any of the first deck and there is no cover from rain or snow.

I do 100% like the Stadium's proximity to campus and the press box is the best in the league hands down. 

But there is just no effective connection to Princeton's rich history in this new structure, and I miss the classic Ivy feeling you used to get when you went to Palmer Stadium. I know they tried to recreate the look of the old stadium’s exterior with the design of the new structure. But I’m not sure anyone really notices.

Old structure

New structure

For visitors looking to stay before or after the game, downtown Princeton has a strong restaurant and bar scene. But you're also only 45 minutes from downtown Philly, where both of those scenes are better. New York City is more of a schlep; about two hours away. 

Look, Princeton is a beautiful town, the school's campus is beautiful, and its stadium is immaculate. Meanwhile, its football program has become stronger and stronger over the past decade. There's nothing really bad about visiting the venue.

But unless you take the time to stroll through campus, going to a Princeton football game doesn't feel like an Ivy League experience at all.