Fifth Third Stadium: The Evolving Home of Kennesaw State Owls Football

Kennesaw State University's football program, though relatively young, has quickly established a presence in the collegiate athletics landscape. Central to this success is Fifth Third Stadium, a multi-purpose venue that has evolved to meet the demands of a growing program and a passionate fanbase. Originally conceived as a soccer-specific facility, the stadium has undergone transformations to accommodate the excitement of football, offering a unique fan experience shaped by its design, location, and the spirited community it serves.

A Stadium's Genesis and Evolution

Fifth Third Stadium, initially known as Kennesaw State University Stadium, first opened its doors on May 2, 2010. Its construction was a deliberate step in expanding the university's athletic facilities, with a focus on creating a community-centric venue capable of hosting a variety of events, including concerts and future athletic endeavors. The stadium's design was intrinsically linked to its natural surroundings, with its roofline mirroring the contours of the nearby Kennesaw Mountains. This architectural choice, combined with the topography of the site allowing for a naturally recessed seating bowl, aimed to create a harmonious integration with the landscape and optimize sightlines for attendees. This initial phase of development was part of a larger vision for the Kennesaw State University Sports and Entertainment Park, which began to take shape in the fall of 2009.

The stadium's initial capacity for soccer was 8,318 seats. However, as Kennesaw State University made the pivotal decision in 2010 to implement a football program, a significant expansion was undertaken. This expansion, completed in preparation for the football team's debut, increased the stadium's seating capacity to over 10,000, specifically accommodating 10,200 fans. The playing surface itself has also seen enhancements, with the field being renamed Walens Family Field in 2025 following a substantial $4 million gift. The current playing surface is a PlayMaster hybrid, a testament to the commitment to providing a high-quality field for athletic competitions. The stadium's journey reflects a strategic adaptation, transforming from a soccer-centric venue to a capable home for a burgeoning FBS football program.

Architectural Identity and Fan Experience

The architectural identity of Fifth Third Stadium is a blend of industrial modernism and a thoughtful response to its natural environment. The exterior features black and yellow aluminum panels and steeply angled rooflines, contributing to a contemporary aesthetic. A distinctive element is the press box, designed to resemble shipping containers, which aligns with the stadium's industrial feel. While this design complements the overall theme, it can, at times, obstruct the view of the field from the concourse.

The seating arrangement offers a variety of options designed to maximize fan engagement. The main seating area primarily consists of individual fold-down and molded seats. The home side is distinguished by its proximity to suites located below the concourse level. Conversely, molded seats line a significant portion of the visitor's side, with an area specifically designated for the Kennesaw State Marching Owls band. The southern end of the seating bowl incorporates aluminum-backed benches and a section with high-top tables, providing alternative viewing experiences. Additionally, temporary bleachers are deployed at the northern end, which also serves as a venue for concerts, highlighting the stadium's multi-purpose nature.

The game-day atmosphere is curated through various elements. Stoppages in play are enlivened with advertisements, interactive scoreboard games, and fan engagement activities, which have become standard in modern sports venues. The "Owl" theme is consistently integrated into the fan experience. For instance, first downs are celebrated with the stadium announcer declaring, “That’s an Owl first down!” followed by the band playing the school's fight song, and culminating in fans emitting a collective “hooooooo.” This thematic reinforcement aims to create a unique and memorable experience for attendees. While the stadium functions effectively as a college football venue, its overall feel has been described as more akin to a high-quality soccer ground than a typical FBS-level stadium.

Culinary Offerings and Refreshments

Fifth Third Stadium provides a standard array of food and beverage options to cater to its attendees. Concessions typically include stadium staples such as hot dogs, nachos with cheese and salsa, soft pretzels, and popcorn. A selection of candy and chips are also available. For those seeking more substantial fare, the main seating areas offer additional choices, including pizza slices and burgers. Coca-Cola products are the exclusive beverage provider throughout the stadium.

Beyond the standard offerings, Fifth Third Stadium boasts an extensive beer and cocktail menu. In addition to common domestic beers, patrons can sample the Kennesaw State-New Realm collaboration, the "Owl In" American Lager, and the Hazy Like a Fox hazy IPA, both from New Realm. The stadium also features Avondale Estate, Georgia’s Emergency Drinking Beer, alongside canned cocktails from Long Drink and Good Days, and White Claw seltzers, providing a diverse range of alcoholic options for fans.

Strategic Location and Surrounding Amenities

Fifth Third Stadium is strategically situated in Kennesaw, Georgia, a significant northwestern suburb of Atlanta. Its location is defined by its proximity to major thoroughfares, being bordered by Interstates 75 and 575 to the east and west, and by Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road to the north and south, respectively. This positioning places it within easy reach of the heart of the Kennesaw State campus, just under a mile away. The area surrounding the stadium is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a plethora of dining, shopping, and lodging options.

The abundance of food choices in the vicinity ensures that all culinary preferences can be met. A popular local establishment is Taco Mac, a regional chain renowned for its refined pub-style menu and an impressive selection of over 100 beers available on tap, in cans, or bottles. The concentration of shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels within a mile radius makes it exceptionally convenient for out-of-town visitors planning a football weekend in Kennesaw. These amenities provide a comprehensive support system for fans, offering everything needed for an enjoyable visit.

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Beyond its modern conveniences, the Kennesaw area is steeped in history, notably as a site of significant Civil War battles. This historical legacy is recognized and preserved throughout the region. The Southern Railroad Museum offers insights into the Big Shanty Train Chase, while Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield provides a Civil War Museum, along with extensive trails for exploring Kennesaw Mountain. These historical attractions present compelling opportunities for visitors to enrich their experience and fill time, particularly before evening kickoffs.

The Owls' Journey Through Collegiate Conferences

Since its program's inception in 2015, the Kennesaw State Owls football team has navigated a dynamic conference landscape. For their initial seven seasons, from 2015 to 2021, the Owls competed in the Big South Conference. Following this period, they spent one season in the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2022. The subsequent season saw them compete as an independent program within the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The current year marks a significant milestone as the Owls embark on their inaugural season as members of the Football Bowl Series (FBS), having recently joined Conference USA.

During their tenure in the FCS, the Kennesaw State Owls achieved considerable success. They established a strong track record with seven consecutive winning seasons. This period was highlighted by capturing three Big South Conference titles and earning four invitations to the FCS playoffs. This consistent performance demonstrated the program's ability to compete at a high level and build a foundation for future growth as they transitioned to the FBS.

Fan Base and Atmosphere Dynamics

The Owls' fan base plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere at Fifth Third Stadium. On average, Owl fans contribute to filling the stadium each week, and the venue's size is an asset in this regard. The stadium's capacity of 10,200 helps to create an atmosphere that avoids feeling cavernous, which can detract from potential excitement in a sparsely populated setting. The student section, while modest in size, is noted for its spirited engagement with the game.

However, certain factors can influence the overall fan-generated atmosphere. The dispersed nature of Conference USA, with teams spread across the southeastern states, Texas, and New Mexico, can impact the number of traveling fans. While this is an external challenge not directly attributable to Kennesaw State, it can affect the collective energy of the crowd. Despite these challenges, the commitment of the home fans and the intimate setting of the stadium contribute to a palpable sense of community and support for the Owls.

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Access and Navigation to the Venue

Navigating to and from Fifth Third Stadium can present unique challenges, particularly given its location within the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, known for its traffic congestion. A portion of KSU games are scheduled for midweek or Friday evenings, which can complicate travel for a 7 pm kickoff. A strategic tip for simplifying access is to utilize the I-75 Peach Pass Lane, when possible. The Big Shanty exit is identified as providing the most straightforward access to the stadium's parking areas.

Most parking lots are conveniently located a short walk from the stadium's western main entrance. To facilitate pedestrian flow before games, Busbee Parkway, situated just outside the facility, is closed an hour prior to kickoff, allowing for the safe passage of fans across the street. Prior to this closure, crossing directly in front of the venue can be somewhat hazardous. A more advisable approach involves using Big Shanty Road and crossing at the intersection with Busbee Parkway, which leads directly to the southwestern gate for streamlined entry.

The typical fan entry point is the concourse that encircles the seating bowl, extending from the south end zone to the northwest corner of the stadium. The remaining section of the concourse descends to field level, which can be somewhat awkward in certain areas, particularly when passing by the visiting team as they finalize their pre-game preparations. Generally, the concourse at Fifth Third Stadium is spacious, allowing for comfortable movement. However, the concourse on the far side, which accommodates some visiting fans and the Kennesaw State student section, may be less intuitive to navigate compared to the opposite side.

Value Proposition: Tickets and Parking

Fifth Third Stadium offers a range of ticket prices designed to be accessible to a broad audience. Tickets for end zone bleacher seats at the northern end of the field start at an affordable $15. These seats are positioned slightly further from the field than their southern end zone counterparts, which begin at $20. Sideline seats are priced starting at $34, with midfield seats reaching $50. A significant advantage for fans is the absence of additional fees added to ticket purchases, a practice that enhances the perceived value.

Parking options are also reasonably priced. Satellite lots located away from the stadium are available for a $15 fee. While parking in the designated tailgating Black Lot comes at a higher price of $48, the prices for amenities within the stadium are generally consistent with those found at comparable venues. Kennesaw State aims to provide a fulfilling fan experience at accessible rates, aligning with the university's commitment to affordability for its community.

Unique Features and Enhancements

Fifth Third Stadium incorporates several unique features that enhance the overall fan experience. In the background of the tailgating area, the outline of the Kennesaw Mountain ridgeline is visible, serving as a scenic reminder of the school's namesake. Adjacent to the sidewalk, a strip of grass known as Owl Town offers a pre-game gathering space where fans can enjoy food and drinks, or listen to live music before entering the stadium.

For a memorable photo opportunity, fans can interact with Oscar the Grouch, a live owl, on the concourse. Oscar typically departs before halftime, encouraging early visits. The university's mascot, Scrappy, is a constant presence at Kennesaw State athletic events, actively engaging with fans, posing for photos, and participating in various aspects of the game, further embedding the school's spirit into the stadium experience.

The KSU Sports and Entertainment Park

Fifth Third Stadium is a central component of the Kennesaw State University Sports and Entertainment Park, a comprehensive athletic and recreational complex. This expansive park, developed across 88 acres acquired by the KSU Foundation, is designed to serve the university's growing student population and the wider community. The park features a diverse array of facilities, including seven competition fields, a dedicated practice facility, an NCAA regulation track, and sand volleyball courts.

A notable feature of the park is a nine-acre lake, bordered by a one-mile walking trail that is open to the public during daylight hours and welcomes dogs. The park also includes ample green space for general recreation. Within the stadium itself, there are premium seating options, including 14 indoor premium suites accommodating up to 272 VIP patrons, and 12 indoor luxury suites designed for smaller groups of up to 16 people. Two Super Suites are also available for larger gatherings of up to 40 guests. The Owl's Nest, opened in October 2009 as Phase I of the park, serves as a hub for student training and programming, supporting over 330 intramural teams and 42 club teams. Phase III of the park, The Perch, opened in April 2012, offering additional amenities and servicing over 200,000 visitors annually.

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