It was the end of an era when the Hawaii football team traveled to Las Vegas last week.
Not only did the Rainbow Warriors complete their 2025 away schedule, it also marked the last road game for this configuration of the Mountain West.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn July 1, five schools—Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State—will secede from the Mountain West to join the restructured Pac-12. For UH, that means no more walking Fresno State’s Red Mile, no disorientation from Boise State’s blue turf, no slippery late-autumn drives on US 89 to Utah State’s Logan campus.
But the Mountain West retains seven schools, including the Warriors, while adding most of the other UH sports, UTEP and Northern Illinois. We know about UTEP’s Sun Bowl from the Miners’ time in the Western Athletic Conference, and not much about NIU’s Huskie Stadium. But here’s a look at the holdover schools’ home venues :
Air Force Falcon Stadium (46, 692 )
What’s good : There are several aircraft displays on the drive from the academy’s entrance to the stadium. There usually is a pregame flyover. And, most times, the Falcons’ mascot, a falcon, takes a turn around the stadium.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat’s meh : Most academy members are fit enough to make the climb to their seats ; many civilians, including sportscasters and especially sportswriters, are not.
Best food : The “B-2 Bomber Nachos ” come in a box shaped like a stealth bomber plane and include two types of jalape ño toppings.
Best fans : The cadets, dressed in formal uniforms, stand the entire game.
Hawaii Ching Complex (15, 194 )
What’s good : It’s great for the Rainbow Warriors, who use their own locker rooms, and play on a field where they practice and know the wind patterns. UH appears to give away the most T-shirts per timeout, and Warriors games have a lot of breaks. The secret tailgate area near the ROTC buildings has that ol’ Aloha Stadium parking lot vibe to it. Oh, wait, we’ve said too much. And the fans have that aloha spirit. When the ESPN Honolulu radio booth’s windows fogged during the San Diego State game, a fan agreed to wipe them clear. Of course, the fan’s company got a free advertising plug … oh, wait, we’ve said too much.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat’s meh : There’s not enough knee room in the bleachers, no covering when the Manoa mist gets heavy, the speakers are pitchy (as “American Idol ” judges like to say ), and it’s never inviting when “Porta ” is used as an adjective.
Best food : Maybe all hot dogs are made with the same ingredients—maybe we really don’t want to know what they are—but somehow Dave’s Dogs are deliciously magical. With just mustard or with the works, Dave’s has the most affordable and best product at Ching.
Best fan : There have been numerous great female drummers—Gina Schock, Sheila E, Cindy Blackman—but only Emily Esquer of the UH band can keep the beat while dishing out one-liners that make butter-fingered receivers want to curl up in a fetal position. She’s a Cobra Kai who finds a fault and attacks it. All with a smile.
Nevada Mackay Stadium (30, 000 )
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat’s good : The parking structure is attached to the stadium, providing easy access. While there are tailgate areas, a different option is visiting “The Wall ”—Red’s Little Waldorf Saloon—or GourMelt, which specializes in a selection of grilled-cheese sandwiches. Legacy Hall, a 35, 000-square-foot facility, houses the athletic department. It also includes the Tributes to Champions displays, which fans may view ahead of kickoff. Former Nevada coach Chris Ault raised $4.4 million in private donations to build Legacy Hall.
Best food : Who knew there was more to fries than ketchup and salt ? The carne asada fries gets the slight edge over the bratwurst on a pretzel bun.
Best fans : The Pack’s student section—collectively known as the “Zonies ”—torments opponents from the South end-zone seats.
New Mexico University Stadium (39, 224 )
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat’s good : For a large facility, the views are good from all points, and the weather is cooperative. For a November home game, the mercury dipped to only 57 degrees. For the continent, that’s considered balmy.
What’s meh : For an in-state rivalry game against New Mexico State, the SRO crowd of about 40, 000 exposed the narrow concourse and slow ticket processing. Capital-improvement funds have been allocated for the 65-year-old stadium. On the other hand, that was the largest home crowd in 18 years.
Best food : The green chile cheeseburger is a fiesta of the tastebuds.
Best fans : At every ESPN College GameDay, “Valerie ”—also known by her online handle Loyallobo—shows up holding Lobo and New Mexico state flags. Red Sombrero Guy attends every game, home or away, tailgating before the sun comes up, according to UNM observers.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSan Jose State CEFCU Stadium (18, 265 )
What’s good : Stadium renovations included the construction of a student-athlete center featuring meeting rooms, locker rooms, a spa, cold tubs and a barber’s chair. There’s also a new scoreboard. The Spartan Block Party and ensuing football game create an attractive BOGO package.
What’s meh : By essentially clearing one side for just luxury boxes and a picnic area, the sound system was moved to the Spartans’ side of the field. The sound is extremely loud, and not just in the old folks’ “Why does it have to be so loud ?’ way.
Best food : A salty double treat is a mega-pretzel and popcorn in a megaphone-shaped container.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBest fan : Krazy George is widely credited as the inventor of the wave.
UNLV Allegiant Stadium (65, 000 )
What’s good : In a city that has hotels that replicate a pyramid, New York skyline and old Paree, Allegiant is a world-class facility. There’s close parking, helpful guides, a state-of-the-art scoreboard, fireworks introductions, and college-football-only turf (which is replaced with a grass surface for Raiders games.)
What’s meh : A good turnout for a UNLV game still feels half-empty in a stadium built for the NFL.
Best food : Welcome to Flavortown ! Guy Fieri’s in-house eatery offers fried wings in a Bourbon Brown Sugar barbecue sauce. So ono you’ll feel like yelling : This is money !
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBest fans : Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta donated at least $10 million to UNLV.
Wyoming Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium (29, 181 )
What’s good : Every seat has a clear view, there’s ample space for tailgating, and despite this being the least populous state, fans are willing to make five-hour drives. Cowboy up, indeed. Because the Buffalo Bills played on Thursday night, quarterback Josh Allen was available to attend Saturday’s game in which his jersey number was retired. Even against lowly Nevada, Wyoming officials reported a sellout.
What’s meh : With the state’s estimated 580, 000 residents spaced throughout 97, 000 square miles, community unity is not easy.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBest food : Beer—even those that “taste the Rockies ”—is not technically food. But neither is the McRib, and that would count as food in a game of 20 Questions. When the stadium’s beer garden opened a few years ago, it became one of the most popular concession booths. The brews, always cold, serve as a refreshing pick-me-up for fans braving the chill and 7, 200-foot elevation.
Best fan : “Cowboy Ken ” was better known as “Barrel Man ” for attending football games covered in only a synthetic barrel.
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