Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57
Manuel Rivero Gymnasium
1675 Baltimore Pike
Lincoln University, PA 19352
Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 2,500
Lions of PA
Lincoln University is a public state-related HBCU near Oxford, Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, Temple, Pitt, Penn State, and Lincoln have this state-related designation. Legally, the universities remain separate and private entities, operating under their charters, governed by independent boards of trustees, and with assets under their ownership and control, thereby retaining much of the freedom and individuality of private institutions. The nearby University of Delaware also has a similar structure.
Lincoln was founded as the private Ashmun Institute in 1854, it has been a public institution since 1972. It is the United States' first degree-granting HBCU. Lincoln has an impressive list of famous alumni including US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, poet Langston Hughes, and jazz artist Gil Scott-Heron.
Manuel Rivero Gymnasium is part of the bigger Manuel Rivero Hall which also includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, classrooms, a wrestling room, a dance studio, and an eight-lane bowling alley. The facility was originally called Alumni Memorial Gymnasium and was renamed Manuel Rivero Hall in 1986. Manuel Rivero played football at Columbia University and played professional baseball in the Negro leagues for the Cuban Stars (East) and Pollock's Cuban Stars. Rivero went on to coach various teams at Lincoln between 1933 and 1977. He passed away in 2001.
The Lincoln Lions play in NCAA Division II as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The Track and Field program has been the university's most successful program. The basketball team set many records in 2006 by winning 201-78 over Ohio State Marion.
Food & Beverage 1
There are no permanent food stands at the game. There was a simple drink vending machine in the lobby. We are assuming that on certain games there would be some foods sold in the lobby of the facility.
Atmosphere 5
Manuel Rivero Gymnasium is a simple facility with 3 seating sections. You will be close to the action, no matter where you choose to sit.
There is a great cheer squad that dances and cheers loudly and effectively throughout the game. There is also likely to be a pep band, or at least a drumline to add to the atmosphere.
Lincoln Lions Intros, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
We attended a doubleheader men's/women's event, which is a great value if you choose to do so. Both games are lively and fun to see.
Neighborhood 3
Lincoln university is located outside of the town of Oxford, which is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania The Oxford Historic District and Oxford Hotel are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are a few interesting restaurants in the small town and we can recommend Hollow Earth Brewing, Margherita's Italian Restaurant, and Bellybusters Sub Shoppe. You can also stock up on food at the Landhope Farms convenience store or the Wawa in nearby Nottingham.
Nottingham is also home to Herr Foods, which offers tours on weekdays. Check on the hours of their gift and outlet shop if in the area. Herrs also has a very good, and free, Christmas light display from December to January.
Fans 5
The fans are very engaged in the game and create a great atmosphere inside Manuel Rivero Gymnasium. They are knowledgeable and loud.
Access 3
Lincoln is located off a section of US Route 1 which is a divided highway so access is fairly decent. The only issue is that even though it is in the Mid-Atlantic region, this area of Chester County is much more isolated than you would expect. If you are traveling through this area you may know it as between Herr's Factory and Longwood Gardens.
The university has guards at the entrance to their lots but if you let them know you are attending a sports event they will wave you through. There is plenty of parking near the gym.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets to the game cost $10 for general admission. With it being Division II and the cheap cost of attending a game, the return on investment is quite good.
Extras 3
There is a great display case in the entrance lobby showing off all of the athletic accomplishments of Lincoln's teams.
The cheer squad is pretty amazing and is a great enhancer of the atmosphere.
The color choices and phrases on the seating sections are a nice touch.
Final Thoughts
Lincoln University is a great sports stop if you are looking for an event between Baltimore and Philadelphia.