The651.com

As Brett Favre piles up victory over victory for the Vikings and the new Gophers stadium, “The Bank,” piles up national accolades, there are several opportunities to take in football in the capital city on a crisp Saturday afternoon this fall.

Saint Paul is home to a slew of liberal arts colleges and many people have said, “We’re like Boston, without the snobs!”

Snobs or not many of these schools have football programs and beautiful venues to get away to on a Saturday for a few hours of gridiron fun with the family.  And unlike the football played in Minneapolis, the outings in Saint Paul won’t sack your wallet.

Check out a game for free at MAC this Season.

Macalester College, located at 1600 Grand Avenue, plays football in Macalester Stadium, built in 1965.  While the 4,000 seat stadium has seen its fair share of football, the field itself was renovated from grass to turf just a few years ago.   A trip to Macalester Stadium will cost you nothing at the gate–that’s right it’s free.  And while you won’t find Dome Dogs, you will find a Scot Dog reasonably priced at $2.  Another great perk is the aromas that waft over the field throughout the game from the nearby St. Clair Broiler.  It’s great marketing for one of Saint Paul’s finest diners and will likely draw you in for a post game meal or beverage.  Catch Macalester playing Martin Luther on 10/24 or Hamline on 11/7.

Just down the street is O’Shaughnessy Stadium at the University of St. Thomas which was built in 1947.  Tickets for a Tommie game will run you $7 for adults and $4 for children age 5-17–the wee ones are free!  Indulge in some sweet corn, or a frothy cup of hot cocoa on a brisk Saturday.  Old Tommie gear from various sports is usually being sold so if you’re an alum or just in need of some purple in your wardrobe, buy it here for cheap.  Talk about the game afterward at Tiff’s–a Tommie hang out just a few miles away on Ford Parkway.  The Tommies play Augsburg on 10/31 and Northwestern on 11/14.

Lastly, Concordia University boasts the newest football stadium experience in Saint Paul at Sea Foam Stadium.   This $14.5 million stadium holds 3,500 spectators.  You may wonder later in the season what the large marshmallow is off of Hamline and 94.  It is in fact a temporary dome that will cover the field and allow for temperature control usage in the cold winter months.  The Concordia Golden Bears play Wayne state on 10/31 and Bemidji State on 11/7 at Sea Foam Stadium.

So enjoy Favre this season as he leads the Vikings to victory and take in a Gopher game if you can, but when it comes to quality time with the family or friends for a small amount of ching, find your way to one of these stadiums above and see how football is played Saint Paul style.