Alamodome Review
By Tyler Smith 9/5/2014
Alamodome
 The Alamodome
Game Attended: vs. Arizona 9/4/2014
Alamodome Capacity: 65,000 Date Opened: May 15, 1993 Miles traveled: 41.6 miles Location: San Antonio, Texas
School: UTSA Tickets: UTSA Tickets Athletics Site: goUTSA.com Blogs and Forums: UTSA Rivals UTSA Scout Rowdytalk Cooler Chronicles Alamodome Seating Chart: 
Alamodome seating chart via goUTSA.com
Alamodome FeaturesThe Alamodome opened in 1993 and serves as a multi-purpose facility. The 65,000 seat dome was once home to the San Antonio Spurs and is now houses the UTSA Roadrunners.
The dome is set up into three different levels, Plaza Level, Club Level and Upper Level. The lowest level seating is the plaza level. The plaza level completely surrounds the field without any breaks in between sections. The seats are all chairbacks that are either blue or tan seats. The plaza level has the most seating out of the three levels. The Club Level has 6,000 club seats and 52 suites. The club level seats are tan. The Upper Level is separated into four different sections and doesn't connect all the way around. This section also features blue and tan seats. You'll find both scoreboards located in a corner of each end zone. In the end zones you'll find one strip of ribbon scoreboards. On the East and West of the dome you'll find two ribbon scoreboards on each side. The concourse on the plaza level has most of the permanent concession stands, pop up concession stands and restrooms. All the concourses go completely around. The dome has 88 restrooms. One concession stand that stood out was the "Dome Dog" which is an Earl Campbell product. One feature that makes the Alamodome standout on the outside are the four columns at each corner on top of the dome. The entry ways feature a convex glass window structure. |
Outside the Alamodome
Rowdy the UTSA mascot
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What To Do On Gamedays
San Antonio Riverwalk
#1 If you need a place to park, the garage on Commerce Street is pretty close to the stadium. (When I went parking was free at all meters and public parking garages.)
#2 Check out the famed Riverwalk and take a ride on the river.
#3 With plenty of dining favorites on the river you are sure to find something to please everyone's taste.
#4 Head to Sunset Station for the "Spirit Walk" to see the Roadrunners make their way into the dome!
#5 Head to the Alamodome!
#2 Check out the famed Riverwalk and take a ride on the river.
#3 With plenty of dining favorites on the river you are sure to find something to please everyone's taste.
#4 Head to Sunset Station for the "Spirit Walk" to see the Roadrunners make their way into the dome!
#5 Head to the Alamodome!
Alamodome Photos
Alamodome Overview
Alamodome: The dome has good bones, but it won't wow fans. Most of the Alamodome seems to be in the same state as when it was built. The concourse could use some work. It seemed a little dark, not much flare. The outside of the dome looks more up to date and looks good. The views from the upper level weren't too bad.
I know that the Alamodome isn't just the home stadium of the Roadrunners, but I would gear the dome towards the Roadrunners. The seat colors should be Orange and Blue. The upperdeck should have UTSA in Orange in the end zones and Roadrunners in Orange behind the sidelines.
The city of San Antonio needs to go all in on the Roadrunners and forget about an NFL team coming to town. I know that UTSA has plans of a football stadium (Likely way down the road) on campus, but the Alamodome could make a move and make that idea a thing of the past. And if UTSA did go for an on campus stadium I would be fine with that if the city doesn't upgrade the dome.
This was the first dome that I've reviewed. Overall, it's not too bad. You never have to worry about weather issues. It also, provides a loud atmosphere. They sell beer here at the dome which is becoming more popular among college programs.
UTSA: (Same review from the UTSA Convocation Center Review) UTSA has over 31,000 students and the campus sits on 725 acres. Walking around campus you will see several statues paying homage to Mexican heritage. Check out the Sombrilla Plaza. The plaza is surrounded by the John Peace Library, MS Building, McKinney Humanities Building and Business Building. The Paseo area is nice with a park like setting.
The campus is constantly evolving and the Park West development will be one to keep an eye on.
Scoreboard: The two scoreboards in the end zones are a decent size. If they get rid of the non-digital advertising it would allow the screens to be even bigger. The Alamodome has plenty of ribbon scoreboards throughout the stadium.
Atmosphere: A great turnout at the Alamodome for the Arizona game. The students were out in force and for a college game the students are the heartbeat of the atmosphere. The rest of the crowd got into the game as well. If UTSA can continue to get the same student support I saw on Thursday, the dome will be a very tough place to play. The announced attendance was a shade over 33,000.
San Antonio: (I used my AT&T center review, San Antonio write up) This is a great city to have a weekend getaway in. There are plenty of things to do in San Antonio from Sea World to the Alamo.
If you're looking for an adventure Sea World, Six Flags or Schlitterbahn will keep you entertained. With only three Sea World's left in the US, this is the perfect time to visit. Take a ride on the Great White or check out over 100 penguins at the Penguins Encounter. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is located about 20 minutes from Downtown. The park has eight roller coaster. Schlitterbahn is about 40 minutes away from downtown and is consider one of the best water parks in the world by MSN Travel!
The Riverwalk is the biggest tourist attraction in Texas and I see why. The Riverwalk's sidewalks navigate the city below street level and along the San Antonio River. One of the best ways to see the city of San Antonio and the Riverwalk is by taking a Rio San Antonio boat ride on the river. The river boat ride provides great facts about the city and river and is a relaxing way to see the city. If you get hungry you can choose from over 25 restaurants on the Riverwalk. From national favorites like the Hard Rock Cafe and Rain Forest Cafe to Riverwalk favorites Las Canarias and La Magaritas. If you're looking to get some shopping done on your trip, Rivercenter Mall should do the trick. The Riverwalk has plenty of lodging options, for visitors looking to stay right in the action.
Downtown San Antonio has plenty to offer outside of the Riverwalk. The city takes a lot of pride in the Alamo. The Alamo is a symbol of Liberty for Americans and you can walk the same paths of the brave defenders of the Alamo. After a visit to the Alamo head over to HemisFair Park, the park served as the main ground for the World's Fair of 1968. The iconic structure that came with the World's Fair is the Towers of the Americas. The Towers of the Americas is actually taller than the more famous Seattle Space Needle by 87 feet. The Tower includes a restaurant and an observation deck for great views of San Antonio. Near the HemisFair Park is the Alamo Dome, the old home of the San Antonio Spurs.
If you’re interested in seeing an area filled with Mexican culture visit San Antonio's Market Square. El Mercado is located here and is the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. Great Mexican dining can be found at La Margarita and Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery. With the squares vibrant colors and live music this is a place you have to visit.
I know that the Alamodome isn't just the home stadium of the Roadrunners, but I would gear the dome towards the Roadrunners. The seat colors should be Orange and Blue. The upperdeck should have UTSA in Orange in the end zones and Roadrunners in Orange behind the sidelines.
The city of San Antonio needs to go all in on the Roadrunners and forget about an NFL team coming to town. I know that UTSA has plans of a football stadium (Likely way down the road) on campus, but the Alamodome could make a move and make that idea a thing of the past. And if UTSA did go for an on campus stadium I would be fine with that if the city doesn't upgrade the dome.
This was the first dome that I've reviewed. Overall, it's not too bad. You never have to worry about weather issues. It also, provides a loud atmosphere. They sell beer here at the dome which is becoming more popular among college programs.
UTSA: (Same review from the UTSA Convocation Center Review) UTSA has over 31,000 students and the campus sits on 725 acres. Walking around campus you will see several statues paying homage to Mexican heritage. Check out the Sombrilla Plaza. The plaza is surrounded by the John Peace Library, MS Building, McKinney Humanities Building and Business Building. The Paseo area is nice with a park like setting.
The campus is constantly evolving and the Park West development will be one to keep an eye on.
Scoreboard: The two scoreboards in the end zones are a decent size. If they get rid of the non-digital advertising it would allow the screens to be even bigger. The Alamodome has plenty of ribbon scoreboards throughout the stadium.
Atmosphere: A great turnout at the Alamodome for the Arizona game. The students were out in force and for a college game the students are the heartbeat of the atmosphere. The rest of the crowd got into the game as well. If UTSA can continue to get the same student support I saw on Thursday, the dome will be a very tough place to play. The announced attendance was a shade over 33,000.
San Antonio: (I used my AT&T center review, San Antonio write up) This is a great city to have a weekend getaway in. There are plenty of things to do in San Antonio from Sea World to the Alamo.
If you're looking for an adventure Sea World, Six Flags or Schlitterbahn will keep you entertained. With only three Sea World's left in the US, this is the perfect time to visit. Take a ride on the Great White or check out over 100 penguins at the Penguins Encounter. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is located about 20 minutes from Downtown. The park has eight roller coaster. Schlitterbahn is about 40 minutes away from downtown and is consider one of the best water parks in the world by MSN Travel!
The Riverwalk is the biggest tourist attraction in Texas and I see why. The Riverwalk's sidewalks navigate the city below street level and along the San Antonio River. One of the best ways to see the city of San Antonio and the Riverwalk is by taking a Rio San Antonio boat ride on the river. The river boat ride provides great facts about the city and river and is a relaxing way to see the city. If you get hungry you can choose from over 25 restaurants on the Riverwalk. From national favorites like the Hard Rock Cafe and Rain Forest Cafe to Riverwalk favorites Las Canarias and La Magaritas. If you're looking to get some shopping done on your trip, Rivercenter Mall should do the trick. The Riverwalk has plenty of lodging options, for visitors looking to stay right in the action.
Downtown San Antonio has plenty to offer outside of the Riverwalk. The city takes a lot of pride in the Alamo. The Alamo is a symbol of Liberty for Americans and you can walk the same paths of the brave defenders of the Alamo. After a visit to the Alamo head over to HemisFair Park, the park served as the main ground for the World's Fair of 1968. The iconic structure that came with the World's Fair is the Towers of the Americas. The Towers of the Americas is actually taller than the more famous Seattle Space Needle by 87 feet. The Tower includes a restaurant and an observation deck for great views of San Antonio. Near the HemisFair Park is the Alamo Dome, the old home of the San Antonio Spurs.
If you’re interested in seeing an area filled with Mexican culture visit San Antonio's Market Square. El Mercado is located here and is the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. Great Mexican dining can be found at La Margarita and Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery. With the squares vibrant colors and live music this is a place you have to visit.
Ratings For the Alamodome
The Alamo
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Dome 6.75/10
Scoreboard 6.5/10 Atmosphere 6.5/10 UTSA (Campus) 5/10 X-Factor (Birds Up) +1 Total 25.75/40 San Antonio, TX 8.2/10 |
The fans celebrate at UTSA touchdown
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