Strengths
One of the strengths of Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, MS, is its clear lines of sight from the seats, providing an unobstructed game view. Steep-angle seats provide a better view of the game. Moreover, the distance from the ground, with or without the track, provides a comfortable viewing experience. The stadium’s columns are also positioned to avoid obstructing fans’ views.
Furthermore, the stadium offers a range of facilities, including a roof, comfortable seating, directional boards, restrooms, ticketing services, food services, and more (Arkenberg, Giorgio, & Deweese, 2019). The stadium has elevators and escalators available to access all areas for those with disabilities. In addition, the stadium is located close to the city and is easily accessible by car or public transportation (What They Say About Davis Wade Stadium, n.d.). Enough parking spaces and gateways are available for fans attending the game (Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, n.d.). The security guards and stadium guides create a professional, welcoming atmosphere.
Weaknesses
Even though the steep angle of the seats can be enjoyable for some fans, it can also be dangerous, particularly for older people and children. Another weakness is that the stadium lacks designated smoking areas, which may be inconvenient for some fans. Moreover, the area surrounding the stadium lacks amenities such as restaurants and shops, making it difficult for fans to find places to eat or grab a drink before or after games. Starkville is located in the South, where hot and humid weather can be a factor during the fall football season. This can make it uncomfortable for fans and players and affect the quality of play on the field.
Opportunities
The foremost opportunity for the stadium is to expand its facilities. In other words, the stadium could expand its facilities by adding additional restrooms, food options, and entertainment options to improve the overall experience. The stadium could also improve accessibility by adding more public transportation options and increasing the number of parking spaces. Additionally, the stadium could upgrade its security measures to ensure fan safety, such as adding fire- and earthquake-resistant structures and enhancing security against terrorism.
The stadium could host other events such as concerts, festivals, or even high school or college football games, generating additional revenue and promoting the stadium to a broader audience (Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field, n.d.). As MSU grows and becomes a more prominent institution, the stadium and the city of Starkville can attract more tourists and visitors. This would benefit the local economy and raise the profile of the stadium and the university.
Threats
One of the main threats is competition from other stadiums. The stadium may face contention from other stadiums in the area, which could lead to decreased attendance. Moreover, changes in consumer preferences, such as a shift towards online sports viewing, could reduce stadium attendance. Both nationally and locally, economic conditions can affect the financial stability of the university and the stadium, potentially leading to budget cuts and decreased funding for improvements and upgrades. Furthermore, Starkville is located in an area prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, which can damage the stadium and disrupt game schedules.
References
Arkenberg, C., Giorgio, P., & Deweese, C. (2019). Redesigning stadiums for a better fan experience. Deloitte Insights.
What They Say About Davis Wade Stadium. (n.d.). Mississippi State.
Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. (n.d.). Vivid Seats.