It was weird for a long time. For decades, if you wanted to watch Tulane football, you had to trek over to the Superdome. Imagine a college game in a cavernous, 70,000-seat professional vacuum where the air feels sterile and the crowd noise just... disappears into the rafters. It didn't feel like Saturday. It felt like a business trip. But then 2014 happened.
The opening of Yulman Stadium wasn't just about brick and mortar. It was about coming home. When the Tulane University football stadium finally moved back to the Uptown campus after nearly 40 years of "renting" downtown, the entire energy of the program shifted. You can feel it when you walk down Willow Street on a game day. The smell of jambalaya hits you blocks away.
The end of the Superdome era
For 39 years, Tulane was a tenant in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. While playing in an NFL stadium sounds cool on paper for recruiting, the reality was bleak. Unless Tulane was playing a massive opponent, the stadium stayed 70% empty. It killed the vibe.
Building an on-campus stadium in a historic New Orleans neighborhood like Uptown is basically a logistical nightmare. You have neighbors who have lived there for 50 years and don't want 30,000 screaming fans in their backyard. The university had to jump through endless hoops. They promised no permanent lights (at first), strict noise controls, and a footprint that wouldn't swallow the surrounding residential streets.
The result? A tight, intimate "jewel box" of a stadium. It fits 30,000 people, and honestly, every seat feels like you're on top of the play.
Benson and Yulman: The names behind the turf
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the money. The stadium is named after Richard Yulman, the former chairman of Serta. He and his family were the driving force. But the playing surface itself? That's Benson Field, named after Tom and Gayle Benson. If those names sound familiar, it's because Tom Benson owned the New Orleans Saints. It was a huge gesture of local support that bridged the gap between the pro scene and the college ranks.
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What makes the Tulane University football stadium actually special?
It’s the location. Period. Most modern stadiums are surrounded by massive concrete parking lots that feel like heat deserts. Yulman is nestled right into the athletic corridor of the campus. It’s flanked by Turchin Stadium (baseball) and the Hertz Center.
The "Glazer Family Club" offers the high-end experience, but the student section is where the actual chaos happens. Because the stadium is compact, the sound bounces off the premium seating structures and stays trapped on the field. It gets loud. Way louder than the Superdome ever did for a Green Wave game.
One detail people often miss is the "Jill H. and Avram A. Glazer Family Club." It has 1,500 premium seats, but it also serves as a functional space for the university during the week. It’s not just sitting empty 350 days a year.
The 2022/2023 surge
The real validation for the Tulane University football stadium came during the historic 2022 season. When Tulane beat UCF to win the AAC Championship, the field was a sea of blue and green. If that game had been in the Superdome, it would have been a great win. At Yulman? It was a religious experience for the fans.
Seeing the team climb to a Cotton Bowl victory against USC started right here on this turf. The stadium has become a fortress. Since 2022, the "home field advantage" isn't just a cliché you hear on ESPN; it’s a measurable stat. The Green Wave has one of the highest home winning percentages in the G5 (and now as a top-tier playoff contender) over the last few years.
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Navigating the neighborhood drama
If you're going to a game, don't try to park right next to the stadium. Just don't. The streets are narrow, and the New Orleans Parking Enforcement is legendary for their efficiency in handing out tickets.
Most people use the shuttle services or park further down in the Garden District and Uber over. Or better yet, take the St. Charles streetcar and walk the few blocks through the beautiful oak trees. It’s the most "New Orleans" way to experience a game.
- Capacity: 30,000 (roughly).
- Surface: Hellas Matrix Turf (fast and durable for that NOLA humidity).
- Architecture: Designed by Gould Evans and Gould Turner Group.
- Cost: Around $73 million.
Is it big enough?
Some critics argue that 30,000 is too small, especially now that Tulane is consistently ranked in the Top 25. But that’s the point. It’s better to have a packed, loud house of 30,000 than a yawning gap of 50,000 seats. The scarcity of tickets has actually driven up the value of season tickets for the first time in modern history.
Common misconceptions about Yulman Stadium
A lot of people think the stadium has no lights. That was a rumor during the initial construction because of the neighborhood agreements. Tulane actually uses state-of-the-art LED lighting that minimizes "spillover" into the neighbors' living rooms while keeping the field bright for primetime broadcasts.
Another myth is that it's only for football. While it’s the primary home for the Green Wave, it’s a multi-purpose beast. It’s hosted high school championships and major community events. It’s a hub for the Uptown area, not just a sports vacuum.
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Real-world tips for your visit
If you want the best food, skip the standard hot dog. Look for the local vendors. You can usually find some form of specialized NOLA cuisine that beats any stadium popcorn you've ever had.
Also, the sun is a factor. The west side of the stadium gets the brunt of the afternoon heat during those September 3:00 PM kickoffs. If you aren't a fan of melting, try to find seats on the east side or under the club level overhang.
Practical next steps for fans and visitors:
- Check the Schedule: Tickets for games against rivals like Memphis or big Power 4 opponents sell out weeks in advance now. Use the official Tulane Green Wave site to avoid the massive markups on secondary markets.
- Download the App: Tulane uses digital ticketing almost exclusively now. Don't show up with a printed email and expect a smooth entry.
- Respect the Neighborhood: This is a residential area. The "Good Neighbor Policy" is a real thing. Keep the tailgating to the designated spots like Newcomb Quad to ensure the stadium keeps its positive relationship with the locals.
- Arrive Early for the Wave: The "Green Wave" walk is a tradition worth seeing. Watching the players march through campus toward the stadium really hammers home why on-campus football is superior to the old pro-stadium days.
The transition to Yulman Stadium saved Tulane football. It took them from a forgotten tenant to a program with an identity. Whether you're a die-hard alum or just a tourist looking for a Saturday vibe that isn't Bourbon Street, this is the place to be.