Scott Stadium opened on October 15, 1931, as the home field for University of Virginia football, replacing the Cavaliers’ earlier campus grounds. Named for donor and university rector Frederic William Scott, the stadium began as a 22,000-seat venue and has grown into one of the oldest active FBS stadiums in the state.
Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, Scott Stadium has undergone several major expansions over the decades, most notably a 1981 upgrade that added upper decks and a 2000 renovation that brought capacity to its current 61,500. Beyond football, the stadium has hosted NCAA lacrosse championships and concerts by major touring acts, including U2 and the Rolling Stones.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): Virginia Cavaliers (NCAA, ACC)
- Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
- Opened: October 15, 1931
- Capacity: 61,500
- Original Capacity: 22,000
- Attendance Record: About 64,947 (Aug. 30, 2008, vs. USC)
The Ride Experience
Game days at Scott Stadium follow a tradition dating to 1995, when a mounted Cavalier rides onto the field ahead of kickoff amid orange-and-blue fireworks. The stadium’s video and sound systems have grown considerably since a 2024 upgrade added a roughly 6,700-square-foot videoboard, one of the largest displays among ACC venues.
The bowl-shaped seating layout, expanded in 1981 and again in 2000, brings fans close to the field while surrounding a natural grass playing surface that replaced an earlier artificial turf installation from the 1970s.
History and Renovations
Scott Stadium’s growth has tracked the rise of Virginia football, expanding from its original 22,000-seat capacity to 40,000 in 1981 and to its present 61,500 in 2000, when a pergola and “Hoo-Vision” scoreboard were also added. A new scoreboard followed in 2009, and further video upgrades arrived in 2024.
Beyond football, the stadium has hosted the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship in 1977 and 1982, and has staged large concerts, including performances by the Dave Matthews Band, the Rolling Stones, and U2, drawing crowds well beyond typical game-day attendance.
Explore more: Explore more legendary stadiums.
Scott Stadium FAQs
When did Scott Stadium open?
Scott Stadium opened on October 15, 1931, and remains one of the oldest active FBS stadiums in Virginia.
What is the capacity of Scott Stadium?
Scott Stadium holds about 61,500 fans, a capacity reached after a major renovation completed in 2000. It opened in 1931 with a capacity of 22,000.
Who is Scott Stadium named after?
The stadium is named for Frederic William Scott, a donor and rector of the University of Virginia, who died in 1939.
Get More from Scott Stadium
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Scott Stadium, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: Quintin Soloviev / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.