Elliott T. Bowers Stadium is a great place to watch college football. It’s the home field of the Sam Houston State University Bearkats in Huntsville, Texas. The stadium seats 14,000 fans and has been around since 1986.
I’ve been to a few games there, and it’s a fun spot. The stadium is right on campus, which makes it easy to get to. There are plenty of parking lots nearby, and you can grab a bite at some fast food places close by.
Big changes are coming to Bowers Stadium. The school has plans for a major upgrade that will make the fan experience even better. They’re adding a new press box, more concessions, and even luxury suites. It’s exciting to see how the stadium will improve in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- Bowers Stadium offers a fun college football atmosphere for 14,000 fans
- The stadium is conveniently located on Sam Houston State’s campus in Huntsville
- Major upgrades are planned to enhance the fan experience at Bowers Stadium
History and Background
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium has a rich history tied to Sam Houston State University. It honors a former university president and was approved by an important governing board. Let me tell you more about how this stadium came to be.
Dedication to Dr. Elliott T. Bowers
The stadium is named after Dr. Elliott T. Bowers, who was a big deal at Sam Houston State. I learned that he served as the university’s president for many years. Dr. Bowers must have made quite an impact, since they decided to put his name on such an important building!
Bowers Stadium opened its doors in 1986. Before that, the football team played at a different field on campus. I think it’s cool how they honor important people by naming stadiums after them.
Texas State University System Board of Regents
The Board of Regents for the Texas State University System played a key role in making Bowers Stadium happen. These folks are in charge of big decisions for several Texas universities, including Sam Houston State.
I imagine they had to approve the plans and funding for building the stadium. It’s a big project to take on! The Board likely looked at things like how many seats it would have and how it would benefit the school.
Stadium Facilities
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium offers a range of modern amenities and facilities. I’ve found it to be a comfortable and well-equipped venue for watching football games.
Overview of Bowers Stadium
Bowers Stadium is a 14,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Huntsville, Texas. It’s been home to the Sam Houston State University Bearkats football team since 1986.
The stadium has a nice layout that makes it easy to get around. I like how the seating areas give fans a good view of the action on the field.
The facility has undergone some upgrades over the years to keep it modern. There are plans for more improvements, which I think will make it even better for fans.
Press Box and Media Center
The press box at Bowers Stadium is located on the west side. It gives media members a great vantage point to cover games.
I’ve noticed the media center has good working spaces for journalists. There are areas for post-game interviews and press conferences too.
The technology in the press box seems up-to-date. This helps ensure smooth broadcasts and reporting.
Exclusive Suites and Premium Seating
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Bowers Stadium has some nice options for fans who want a more luxurious experience. There are exclusive suites available that offer great views and added comfort.
The premium seating areas give fans extra legroom and padded seats. I find these seats make watching long games more enjoyable.
Some premium areas include additional perks like in-seat food service. This is a nice touch for those who don’t want to miss any of the action.
Concessions and Amenities
I’ve found the concessions at Bowers Stadium to be pretty good. There are several stands around the stadium offering a variety of food and drinks.
The restroom facilities are clean and well-maintained. There are enough of them to handle crowds during busy games.
For fans’ convenience, there are ATMs and merchandise stands in the stadium. I appreciate how these amenities make game day easier and more fun.
The stadium also has good accessibility features for fans with disabilities. This includes wheelchair seating areas and accessible restrooms.
Recent Upgrades and Revitalization
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium is getting a major facelift! I’m thrilled to share the exciting changes happening at this beloved venue. The upgrades focus on the west side and involve top architecture firms.
West Side Revitalization Project
The stadium’s west side is the star of this upgrade. It’s a $60 million endeavor that will change how fans experience games. I can’t wait to see the new look!
The project aims to make the stadium more modern and comfortable. New seating, better concessions, and improved facilities are all part of the plan.
I think fans will love the enhanced amenities. The west side will feel like a whole new stadium when it’s done.
Page Southerland Page and DLR Group Contribution
Sam Houston State University picked two great firms for this project. Page Southerland Page and DLR Group are working together to make it happen.
These companies bring tons of experience to the table. They’re known for creating amazing sports venues. I’m confident they’ll do a fantastic job with Bowers Stadium.
Their design will likely blend tradition with modern touches. I’m excited to see how they’ll honor the stadium’s history while making it better for today’s fans.
Athletics and Sports Programs
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium is a hub for exciting athletic competitions. I’ve seen amazing performances here that showcase the talent and dedication of Sam Houston State’s student-athletes.
Bearkat Football Legacy
Bearkat football has a rich history at Bowers Stadium. I’ve cheered as the team moved up to join the FBS in 2023, bringing a new level of competition to the field. The orange-clad fans create an electric atmosphere on game days.
The stadium has witnessed many thrilling victories. I remember when Sam Houston clinched the FCS National Championship in 2020. It was an unforgettable moment that highlighted the program’s strength.
Now competing in Conference USA, the Bearkats face tougher opponents. I’m excited to see how they’ll rise to the challenge in their upgraded home stadium.
Track and Field Programs
Bowers Stadium isn’t just for football. I’ve watched amazing track and field events here too. The facility hosts both indoor and outdoor competitions.
The track surrounding the football field is top-notch. I’ve seen records broken and personal bests achieved on this very surface. It’s inspiring to watch the dedication of the athletes as they sprint, jump, and throw.
Sam Houston’s track programs have produced notable athletes. I’m always impressed by the variety of events, from sprints to long-distance races. The stadium provides an excellent venue for these athletes to showcase their skills.
Fan Experience
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium offers a mix of seating options, great game day coverage, and strong community ties. I’ve found the fan experience to be welcoming and exciting.
Seating and Accessibility
I love the variety of seating at Bowers Stadium. The Orange Chairbacks are my favorite – they’re comfy and give a great view of the field.
There’s also outdoor balcony seating, which I think is perfect for those who want a more open feel. It’s great on nice days.
For fans with mobility needs, I’m happy to report that wheelchair accessible seating is available on both sides of the stadium. You can easily get tickets for these areas by calling the ticket office.
Game Day Coverage and Atmosphere
The game day atmosphere at Bowers Stadium is electric. I always feel the excitement building as I approach the stadium on game days.
The coverage is top-notch too. With the new press box upgrade, I expect even better broadcasting and media facilities.
I love how the stadium is surrounded by other athletic fields and campus buildings. It really adds to the college sports vibe.
Community Engagement and Alumni Relations
Bowers Stadium isn’t just for current students – it’s a hub for the whole Bearkat community. I’ve seen how it brings alumni back to campus and strengthens their connection to Sam Houston State.
The Bearkat Athletics Director has done a great job fostering community ties. I’ve noticed more local events and outreach programs centered around the stadium.
Game days often feel like big reunions. I always run into old friends and make new ones in the stands or tailgating areas.
Funding and Support
The renovation of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium relies on a mix of funding sources and strong support from the university community. I’ve learned about the key players and financial strategies behind this exciting project.
Donor Contributions and Bonds
I’m thrilled to see how generous donors have stepped up to support the stadium upgrades. Benefactors are playing a crucial role in making this dream a reality. Their contributions are helping to create a top-notch facility for our Bearkats.
But that’s not all! The university is also using bonds to finance part of the project. This smart move allows for a bigger budget without relying solely on donations.
I’ve noticed a real sense of excitement among alumni and fans. Many are eager to leave their mark on the new stadium through various giving opportunities.
Role of University Advancement
I’ve been impressed by the hard work of our University Advancement team. They’re the driving force behind securing funds for the Bowers Stadium renovation.
Matthew Bethea, our Vice President of University Advancement, has been leading the charge. His team is working tirelessly to connect with potential donors and share the vision for the upgraded stadium.
I’ve seen how they organize events and campaigns to drum up support. They’re not just raising money – they’re building relationships and getting people excited about the project.
The team also works closely with university leadership to make sure the funding plan aligns with SHSU’s overall goals. It’s a big job, but they’re making it happen!
Future Projections and Goals
Exciting changes are coming to Elliott T. Bowers Stadium. I’m thrilled to share the plans for upgrades and improvements that will make our beloved stadium even better.
Long-Term Vision for Bowers Stadium
I’ve heard that the university wants to make Bowers Stadium a top-notch facility for years to come. They’re looking at ways to improve the fan experience and support our athletes better.
One big goal is to upgrade the west side of the stadium. This will give us nicer seating and better views of the action on the field.
I’m also excited about plans to enhance the scoreboard. A bigger, brighter display will make it easier for everyone to follow the game.
The field itself might get an upgrade too. There’s talk of installing a new Real Grass Pro Artificial Surface. This would be great for our players and look amazing on game days.
Planned Construction and Developments
Construction at Bowers Stadium is already underway. I’ve noticed work happening on different parts of the facility.
The biggest project is set to start after the 2024 football season. It’s a two-year plan that will revamp the west side and pressbox. This might affect some home games in 2025, but it’ll be worth it.
I’m happy to report that the university has hired architects for the project. They’re working on designs to make our stadium even more impressive.
The field house is also getting some attention. I expect it’ll have better facilities for our players and coaches when it’s done.
Stadium Operations and Services
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium runs like a well-oiled machine. I’m always impressed by how smoothly things go on game days and how great the facility looks year-round. Let me tell you about what goes on behind the scenes.
Maintaining the Stadium’s Quality
I’ve noticed the stadium staff works hard to keep Bowers in top shape. They mow and paint Pritchett Field regularly to keep it looking sharp. The seats and walkways get cleaned after every game too. I once saw a crew repainting some of the faded Bearkat logos – that attention to detail really stands out.
During the off-season, bigger projects happen. Last year, they upgraded some of the bathrooms and fixed a section of cracked concrete. It’s cool to see how they keep improving things bit by bit.
Event Day Management
On game days, Bowers Stadium comes alive! I love watching the staff get everything ready. They set up ticket booths, security checkpoints, and concession stands hours before kickoff.
The ushers are always friendly and help fans find their seats. I’ve seen them quickly handle any issues that pop up too. Traffic flow is managed well – getting in and out of the parking lots isn’t a headache like at some other stadiums I’ve visited.
Bearkat Athletics does a great job coordinating with local police and emergency services. It’s reassuring to see them working together to keep everyone safe while we enjoy the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium has seen some exciting changes lately. I’ve got answers to common questions about upgrades, seating, and fan amenities.
What recent upgrades have been made to Elliott T. Bowers Stadium?
The stadium is getting a major facelift! The west side is being revitalized by Page Southerland Page, Inc. and DLR Group.
New turf is also being installed. These upgrades will really boost the game day experience for us Bearkats!
How many people can Elliott T. Bowers Stadium seat after the latest expansion?
I don’t have exact numbers on the new seating capacity yet. The recent upgrades are still in progress.
Once completed, I expect we’ll see a nice bump in how many fans can pack the stadium on game day.
Are there any plans for future expansions of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium?
Right now, the focus is on finishing the current west side revitalization project.
I haven’t heard of any specific plans for future expansions beyond this. But who knows what exciting changes might be in store down the road?
What amenities are available for fans at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium?
I’m excited about the new amenities coming with the upgrades! While I don’t have a full list yet, I expect we’ll see improved seating and possibly new concession areas.
The exact details are still under wraps, but I’m sure they’ll enhance our game day fun.
Can you purchase food and merchandise at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium during events?
Yes! I always enjoy grabbing a snack and some Bearkat gear at the games.
There are concession stands for food and drinks. You can also find merchandise booths selling Sam Houston State swag.
Is there special seating or accommodation for people with disabilities at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium?
Absolutely! The stadium has accessible seating areas for fans with disabilities.
I believe there are also ramps and elevators to help with mobility. It’s best to check with the ticket office for specific details on accessible seating options.
