Malone Stadium: Guide for Visiting Fans

Malone Stadium is very easy to get to, being not far at all from I-20. From I-20, take the Well Road/ULM exit (Exit 114) and follow Warhawk Way directly to the stadium — it's a straightforward five-minute drive from the interstate. No tricks, no confusing campus loops.

The nearest commercial airport is Monroe Regional Airport (MLU), located about 4 miles southeast of campus. Flying into MLU is the obvious move if you can get a connection; expect a 10–15 minute drive to the stadium. If you're flying into Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) or Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), budget 2–3 hours of drive time. Neither makes for a clean day trip.

Monroe Transit's Route 1 serves the University of Louisiana Monroe campus and is the most relevant public transit option — the adult fare is $1.25. That said, Route 1 runs on a fixed weekday/Saturday schedule that isn't built around game-day surge demand and may not run late enough for night games. Confirm the schedule at monroela.us before counting on it. Rideshare (Uber and Lyft both operate in Monroe) is the more reliable option for non-drivers, and because this is a small market, you'll want to pre-book your return ride before the game ends — more on that below.

You can park very close to the venue for only $10. That's the number — don't overthink it. Campus lots ring the stadium closely, and because on average the venue draws between 12K and 13K, you are almost never fighting a full house for a spot. Arrive 60–90 minutes early and you'll have your choice of lots.

The two grandstands are not really connected, so pay attention to where you are seated so you can park closer to the one you need — the east side has the student section, the west side has the reserved section, and both sides have general admission. Park on the side matching your ticket. Walking from the wrong side adds unnecessary distance, especially post-game.

Tailgating in the Pecan Grove near the stadium is a genuine scene — Malone Stadium offers unique game day experiences that include tailgating in the Pecan Grove. Get there early enough to actually enjoy it.

There are several hotels along I-20 to the south of the stadium. Courtyard and TownePlace Suites are the nicest ones and have reasonable rates, but there are some cheaper options in the same area if you are on a tighter budget. The I-20 corridor is where you want to be — it puts you close to the stadium, close to the airport, and close to the handful of solid restaurants worth your time. Rates at the Courtyard or TownePlace typically run $130–$180 on game weekends; budget chains (Red Roof, Quality Inn, Super 8) in the same corridor come in under $100. Monroe is not a city where you pay a premium for "the good neighborhood" — the spread between tiers is modest. Book at least a week out for rivalry games against Louisiana Tech or Grambling State; otherwise, last-minute is usually fine.

The closest restaurant to the stadium is Waterfront Grill, which is just across the DeSiard from the stadium, and there are several more a few miles away in the waterfront area next to the Ouachita, including Mohawk Seafood Tavern and Warehouse No. 1. Here's how to think about each:

Waterfront Grill — One local food guide describes it as "some of the best food in northern Louisiana." The location on Bayou DeSiard, right across from the stadium, makes it the obvious pre-game spot. Cajun seafood, solid prices, and walkable if you're parking near the east side.

Warehouse No. 1 — Sits on the Ouachita River waterfront downtown. Upscale for Monroe, great for a post-game dinner if you're not rushing home. Steaks, seafood, and a back porch that actually earns the word "scenic."

Parish Restaurant & Bar — A creation of Chef Cory Bahr, it offers an upscale yet unpretentious dining experience with Southern flavors, featuring innovative takes on Louisiana cuisine and house-made pastas alongside mains like Louisiana alligator and honey-glazed venison. This is the best restaurant in Monroe by most accounts — worth the short drive for a pre-game dinner the night before.

Fieldhouse Bar & Grill — A locally owned sports bar/restaurant on Sterlington Road, about 2.5 miles from I-20 on Highway 165. It's exactly what the name implies: TVs everywhere, cold beer, and burgers that'll hold you over. The right call if you want to watch other games before heading to Malone.

A clear bag policy is enforced at Malone Stadium. Small clear bags up to 12"×6"×12" and clutches are allowed; large bags are prohibited. Your standard NCAA-compliant clear tote is fine. Don't show up with a normal backpack and expect a smooth entry.

Gates typically open between 90 minutes and 2 hours before event time. Get there with time to spare — not because lines are brutal (they usually aren't), but because the tailgate scene in the Pecan Grove is worth experiencing before kickoff. ULM is a tobacco-free campus, so leave the dip in the truck.

The student section is located on the east stands. If you want to sit away from the loudest home crowd, the west side reserved sections are your friend. If you want the full atmosphere — student energy, band, noise — the east upper deck is where it happens.

Monroe Transit's fleet is 100% ADA accessible, and MTS also offers demand response paratransit service through its DIAL-A-VAN program for persons unable to use the fixed route service. At the stadium itself, ADA-accessible seating is distributed across both the east and west grandstands, with accessible restrooms and concourse-level entry points that avoid stair climbs. Persons requiring paratransit service must qualify for DIAL-A-VAN and schedule transportation 24 hours in advance.

For specific ADA seating locations, companion seating availability, or accessible parking placards, contact the ULM Ticket Office at 318-342-4295 before game day. Accessible parking is available in designated spaces near the stadium entrance — arrive early, as these fill ahead of general lots.

Malone Stadium has grandstands on both the east and west sides, with plazas and seating for alums and donors behind each end zone. The two grandstands are not really connected, so pay attention to where you are seated — the east side has the student section, the west side has the reserved section, and both sides have general admission.

For away fans, the west side is the move. The west side offers the best sightlines and shade. Almost all seats are aluminum benches without backs, but there are some chairback seats on the west side in the first few rows of the upper deck and in the upper middle section of the lower deck.

At such a small venue, it is actually easier to see the field from further away, so don't overpay for the lower level. West side upper deck, midfield — great view, some shade in afternoon games, and you're not surrounded by students.

Concessions have about what you'd expect from a venue of this size — hot dogs, Frito pie, pizza, nachos, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, and Dippin' Dots, with food items ranging from $2 to $6. Alcohol is available from separate stands; beer is only $4 and includes Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra. A $4 stadium beer at a college football game is legitimately rare — take advantage of it. Pizza comes from a specialty stand by Johnny's Pizza House, a local Louisiana chain that's worth tracking down.

The fans that do come tend to wear team gear and cheer loudly for their team, but the stadium also tends to clear out before the fourth quarter. That tells you everything about the vibe: this is a passionate but relaxed fanbase, not a hostile one. As an away fan you'll hear some ribbing — this is college football in Louisiana, not a library — but nothing that crosses a line. The one thing that genuinely surprises first-time visitors is the mascot entrance: the mascot, Ace, "flies" a P-40-styled car onto the field during pre-game when the players come on, which is legitimately one of the more unusual and cool traditions you'll see in the Sun Belt. Even away fans tend to appreciate it. The stadium's location across Bayou DeSiard creates a unique setting — water on one side, open sky above, and a sense that you're watching football somewhere that has its own distinct identity, not a cookie-cutter FBS factory.

Driving is by far the fastest exit. Monroe is a small city — traffic is manageable. With typical attendance under half capacity, the lots clear in 20–30 minutes. If you parked on the correct side for your section, you can be moving within 10 minutes of the final whistle. Head straight to Warhawk Way, then to I-20 — don't take surface streets through campus unless you know them cold.

Transit via Monroe Route 1 is not designed for post-game surge. The route serves ULM, but post-game frequency and late-night service are limited. If your hotel is along the Desiard corridor, it might work — confirm service times at 318-329-2207 before the game. Don't rely on it for night games.

Rideshare works in Monroe, but the driver pool is small. After the final whistle, walk 3–4 blocks off campus toward Louisville Avenue or Desiard Street before requesting a pickup — you'll get matched faster and avoid the surge that clusters right outside the main gates. Surge pricing is real but modest (Monroe isn't a $50-Uber city), and waits are typically 8–12 minutes if you've positioned yourself away from the crowd. Best tip: request your Uber during the final two minutes of the fourth quarter while you're still in your seat, then walk to your pickup point. By the time the app matches you, you're already moving.

What airport should I fly into? Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) is the closest, about 4 miles from campus — a 10–15 minute drive. Shreveport (SHV) and New Orleans (MSY) are 2–3 hours away and only make sense if you're already in the region.

What is the bag policy at Malone Stadium?

Small clear bags up to 12"×6"×12" and clutches are allowed; large bags are prohibited. Standard NCAA clear bag rules apply. Leave the backpack in the car.

How much does parking cost?

Parking near the venue costs around $10 in campus lots, and availability is rarely an issue given typical attendance levels.

When do gates open?

Gates typically open between 90 minutes and 2 hours before kickoff. Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes early.

What are the best seats for away fans? The west side upper deck midfield offers the best sightlines, some shade, and distance from the loudest home sections. At such a small venue, it's actually easier to see the field from further away.

Is alcohol sold at Malone Stadium? Yes — Malone Stadium offers beer and mixed drinks within the venue, which is uncommon for college football. Beer is $4.

Is the stadium cashless? No confirmed cashless-only policy — cash and cards are generally accepted at this venue. Bring a backup just in case.

What transit serves the stadium?

Monroe Transit Route 1 serves the University of Louisiana Monroe campus. However, it runs on a fixed schedule not optimized for game days — Uber/Lyft is more reliable for away visitors, especially for night games.