Mean Green and Accessible? A Look at DATCU Stadium During UNT vs USF

When the University of North Texas (UNT) faced off against the University of South Florida (USF) in Week 6 of the college football season, it was one of the most anticipated games in recent memory. UNT came into the matchup undefeated and had a real chance to take down a ranked opponent for the first time in a while. With all the buzz around the game, my brother, dad, and I knew we had to be there to support the Mean Green—even if it meant navigating the crowds of a sellout for the first time in DATCU Stadium’s history.

Getting to the Game

I had originally planned to get student tickets (UNT gives them out for free to current students), but I waited too long and the section sold out. I ended up buying three tickets on the other side of the stadium so we could still enjoy the game together. On game day, the drive to DATCU Stadium was easy overall, though traffic near the stadium was pretty heavy. Once we finally got parked, the walk into the stadium was smooth and accessible, which is always a plus when dealing with large crowds.

Finding Our Seats and Accessibility at the Stadium

We made our way to the ADA section, which has a dedicated area for wheelchair users. One thing to know is that this section doesn’t have permanent companion seats—you have to ask the staff for chairs. Unfortunately, since this was a sold-out Friday night game, all of the extra chairs had already been handed out. It wasn’t a huge surprise, though, considering how packed the stadium was.

Game Day Energy and Concessions

From kickoff to the final whistle, the atmosphere was electric. UNT fans were loud, proud, and full of energy, even as the game started slipping away in the fourth quarter. Getting to the concession stands was a bit of a challenge, as the concourse areas were crowded with fans trying to grab food or drinks during breaks. The lines and traffic in those areas made it harder to move around with my wheelchair, but the overall excitement made up for it.

Leaving the Game

When we decided to head out early, exiting the stadium was easy, and the walk back to the car was just as smooth as coming in. The only real difficulty came when trying to leave the parking lot, as the post-game traffic was heavy—something that’s expected when the stadium sells out.

Final Thoughts

Even with the packed crowd and limited seating for companions, DATCU Stadium proved to be a great venue for wheelchair users. The accessible sections were easy to reach, staff were accommodating, and the overall experience was fantastic. Watching UNT play under the bright Friday night lights with my family was something special, regardless of the final score.

⭐ 5 out of 5 rating. A thrilling game, an electric atmosphere, and a mostly smooth accessibility experience—Go Mean Green!