O'Shaughnessy Stadium: St. Thomas Football
Glenn Caruso is entering his eighth season as the head of the St. Thomas football program and has turned it around to be one of the more successful teams in Division III. He has led the Tommies to a 73-13 record in seven seasons. It's a mark that includes three MIAC titles, two appearances in the NCAA Division III quarterifnals, one semifinal appearance and a trip to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl.
St. Thomas plays on Palmer Field, a state-of-the-art Field Turf paid for by a private donor, at O'Shaughnessy Stadium. Here's a FAQ list on everything you need to know about the stadium.
How do I get to O'Shaughnessy Stadium?
O'Shaughnessy Stadium is located near the corner of Cretin and Summit Avenues on the St. Paul campus of the University of St. Thomas. If you're coming from the west, take Interstate 94 east to the Cretin/Vandalia exit, head south for about a mile and the stadium will be on your left. If you're coming from the east, take Interstate 94 west to Snelling Avenue and head south. Take Snelling to Summit Avenue and head west until you see campus on the right. From the south, take Interstate 35E north to Ayd Mill Road, take that to Grand Avenue and head west until you get to Summit Avenue and you will see campus on your left and right side. From the north, take Interstate 35E south until you get to I-94, take that west to the Cretin/Vandalia exit, take Cretin Avenue until you see campus on your left.
How do I get tickets to Tommie football games?
The best way to get tickets is to simply show up to the entrance gates at the south end of the stadium before games to buy your tickets. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for students. Children 5 years old or under get in free. All St. Thomas faculty, staff and students can get free admission to games with their school ID except for NCAA playoff games. For the first time, St. Thomas is offering ticket sales online and a limited season ticket package for Tommie football. Click here to purchase tickets online. St. Thomas has also put together two premium season ticket plans for the five game home regular season schedule. To purchase season tickets, call Michelle Morgan, the marketing manager for the Anderson Athletic Complex, at (651) 962-6168. A limited number of season tickets are available in the Fowler Veranda as well as some chair back seats near the 50-yard line at O'Shaughnessy Stadium. For games that are expected to be sellouts (such as the St. John's game every year) the athletic office on campus often does a presale for tickets the week leading up to the game. For more information, contact Sports Information Director Gene McGivern at (651) 962-5903.
Where can I park for football games?
St. Thomas had a main lot right next to O'Shaughnessy Stadium that could accommodate football fans, but that space is now occupied by the brand new Anderson Student Center. A new parking ramp now sits on the south campus of St. Thomas near Cretin Avenue and Summit Avenue that holds 750 cars. Fans are encouraged to park there and walk about a block to the stadium. There is also limited parking on the main campus in a lot near Cretin and Selby Avenues. There is also street parking on weekends depending on how far you want to walk.
Where can I sit at the stadium?
O'Shaughnessy Stadium is a 5,000 seat facility that expanded late last year to bleachers on both sides of the field with the construction of the multi-million dollar Anderson Athletics Complex. Seats are first-come, first-serve. For games that are expected to sell out, there is an overflow area behind the south end zone behind gates where fans can hang out, but be prepared to stand for the game's entirety. No fans are allowed within the confines of the field without an appropriate credential. The stadium now features a state-of-the-art sound system that was installed in 2008 and in 2012, a new video board was installed that's the largest in Division III and features instant replay during games.
How early should I get there for the game?
Tommie football games kick off Saturdays at 1 p.m. Gates to O'Shaughnessy Stadium open at 12 p.m. for ticket sales. To assure yourself a seat in the bleachers, try to arrive no later than a half hour before the opening kickoff. That time will fluctuate depending on the opponent. For the rivalry games, including St. John's, Bethel and Concordia (Moorhead), fans are encouraged to arrive about an hour before kickoff. There are usually events held by campus groups in the upper and lower quads on game day, so feel free to come early and check those out before heading to the stadium.
Is tailgating allowed for Tommie football?
Tailgating is allowed for St. Thomas football and fans are asked to stay near the parking ramp on the south campus. Alcohol is not allowed on the campus of St. Thomas. Both Tiffany's Sports Lounge and Plum's Bar and Grille offer game day specials and a fun atmosphere to hang out before and after games. Here is a guide to the best bars near St. Thomas.
Where can I get concessions during the game?
There are concession stands located underneath the bleacher area on the Cretin Avenue side of O'Shaughnessy Stadium. They offer several items including hot dogs, popcorn, Gatorade, pop, assorted candy, burgers and pretzels. St. Thomas does not sell alcohol at O'Shaughnessy Stadium or at any athletic event.
If I leave during the game to check out campus, can I get back in?
When you give your ticket to an usher upon entering, they will either stamp your hand and/or give you half your ticket back should you leave the stadium for any reason. Upon re-entering, show your stamp or half ticket to the usher to be readmitted to the game. Campus safety and security personnel have the right to refuse entry to those that appear intoxicated or have been removed from the venue for other reasons.
How do I follow St. Thomas football if I can't get to the game?
Want to follow the Tommies but you have plans and can't make it over to O'Shaughnessy Stadium? Tune in on your radio every Saturday this fall. For the first time ever, WCCO Radio 830 AM will carry all St. Thomas football games this fall. If you're not in town but have a computer, head to wcco.com and click on the "Listen Live" tab starting at 1 p.m. on Saturdays to get a live stream of the games.
