New PapaJohn’s Cardinal Stadium still loud, annoying

All the hype in Louisville has been about filling the renovated PapaJohn’s Cardinal Stadium, and a crowd of just over 55,000 pulled that feat off on Friday night. Unfortunately for those wearing Louisville red, the Cardinals lost to the UC Bearcats 35-27.

Can I be honest? I hate Louisville's stadium layout. It’s a great city, it’s a nice place to be, but their football stadium stinks to use a nice word. I’ve hated it ever since my first visit in 2008. At least this year, though, the weather was nice.
That horn above is one reason I absolutely cannot stand PapaJohn’s Cardinal Stadium. After each Cardinal touchdown, extra point or field goal the horn blows. Now, I come prepared for the horn’s noise with heavy duty headphones, but they do very little to deaden the sound of a horn that literally shakes every bone in one’s body.

Another reason I can’t stand the place is because I have to film out of a little box, which could be all some people need. I, however, love to feel the atmosphere of the stadium, and love to see what’s going on during TV timeouts. This is why I loved Oklahoma, NC State, and love each opportunity we have to play at Nippert Stadium.

You can feel the energy from the fans, you can watch the band play, and sometimes catch some fun and interesting things going on below you. You can’t do much of that at PapaJohn’s Cardinal Stadium—at least from my angle, and that’s all that matters today.

It's difficult to see much out of that tiny window

So I might seem harsh on the new digs, but to be honest, I’m harshly opposed to the stadium in general. I love the new additions of the third deck on the visiting side of the stadium and the terrace that connects the two sides of the stadium. Unfortunately, everyone else you talk to probably loves the place, and that’s what it’s all about.

The new deck, above the shadows, is a huge addition to the stadium

I’m not selfish, I just love to watch the entire game, and get the feel for the place I’m at. And that horn, well, we’re not on speaking terms to say the least.
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Join me tomorrow for some class work, which will be posted here for your reading enjoyment. The Big East weekly preview will be out this week along with a look back at the first 40 games in the endzone for yours truly, and a look back at the 24-10 UC/USF Thursday night game that took place in 2008 in Cincinnati. Until then, have a great day.