Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium is a special place for college football fans. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this historic venue in Jacksonville, Alabama. The stadium, home to the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, offers a mix of tradition and modern amenities that make for a great gameday experience.
The field has been around since 1947, but it’s seen some big changes over the years. In 2010, it was renamed to honor former coach Bill Burgess, who led the team to a national championship. Recently, it got another name update to Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium.
I love how the stadium keeps improving while holding onto its history. For the 2024 season, fans can look forward to new turf and renovations on the north side. It’s exciting to see the stadium grow along with the Gamecocks’ move to FBS football.
Key Takeaways
- Burgess-Snow Field blends history with modern updates for a great fan experience
- The stadium has undergone recent renovations, including new turf for 2024
- JSU’s move to FBS football is driving continued improvements to the facility
History of Burgess–Snow Field
Burgess–Snow Field has a rich history spanning over 70 years. The stadium has undergone several name changes and renovations to become the impressive facility it is today.
From Paul Snow Stadium to Burgess–Snow Field
I remember when the stadium was first called Paul Snow Stadium back in 1961. It kept that name for almost 50 years! In 2010, the Jacksonville State University Board of Trustees decided to rename it Burgess–Snow Field at JSU Stadium. This new name honors two important figures – Paul Snow and Bill Burgess.
Bill Burgess was an amazing coach. He led the Gamecocks to win the 1992 NCAA Division II National Championship. That’s why they wanted to include his name too.
Key Milestones and Renovations
The stadium has seen some big changes over the years. In 1965, they made it bigger. They added more seats, going from 5,000 to 8,500. They also put in a new press box on the north side.
I was excited when they built the field house in 1977. It made the whole place feel more professional. Today, Burgess–Snow Field can hold 24,000 people! That’s a lot of Gamecock fans.
The most recent big change happened in 2010. They spent $80 million to fix up the stadium. Now it’s better than ever for players and fans alike.
JSU Gamecock Football
I love the energy and excitement of JSU football games. The Gamecocks have a proud history of success on the gridiron, including championship wins and a recent move up to the FBS level.
An Overview of the Football Program
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team represents JSU in NCAA Division I competition. I’ve seen the program grow over the years, moving from the FCS to the FBS level in 2023. The team now competes in Conference USA against tougher opponents.
JSU’s football tradition dates back to 1904. Over the decades, I’ve watched the Gamecocks build a winning culture. Their red and white uniforms are a familiar sight each fall at Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium.
The stadium holds 24,000 fans, creating an electric atmosphere on game days. I love seeing the passionate JSU supporters cheering on the team.
Championships and Success
The Gamecocks have achieved impressive success on the field. One of my favorite memories is when they won the 1992 NCAA Division II National Championship under legendary coach Bill Burgess.
JSU has also claimed multiple conference titles:
- 8 Ohio Valley Conference championships (2003-2004, 2011, 2014-2018)
- 2 Gulf South Conference championships (1981-1982)
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I’ve seen the team make 10 NCAA Division I FCS playoff appearances. Their highest ranking was #1 in the FCS polls during the 2015 season.
The move to FBS in 2023 brings new challenges, but I’m excited to see how JSU competes at the highest level of college football.
Stadium Features and Amenities
Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium has some cool features that make it a great place to watch football. I’ve checked out the stadium’s layout, new facilities, and food options. Let me tell you what I found.
Seating Capacity and Arrangement
The stadium can hold 24,000 fans, which is pretty impressive for a college venue. I love how the seating wraps around the field, giving everyone a good view of the action.
The main seating areas are on the north and south sides. There are also bleachers in the end zones. I’ve sat in different spots, and I think the best seats are on the north side. You get a great view of the game and the campus beyond.
In 1965, they expanded the seating from 5,000 to 8,500. Since then, they’ve added even more seats to reach the current capacity. It’s cool to see how the stadium has grown over time.
The Loring and Debbie White Football Complex
The new football operations building is a game-changer. It’s located in the west end zone, and it’s packed with great stuff for the players and coaches.
Inside, there are new locker rooms, meeting spaces, and training facilities. I haven’t been inside, but I’ve heard it’s top-notch. The complex also includes expanded suites for fans who want a premium game-day experience.
This addition really shows JSU’s commitment to their football program. It’s exciting to see the stadium evolve and offer better facilities for everyone involved.
Concessions and Cashless Operations
When I’m at a game, I always look forward to grabbing some food. The stadium has upgraded its concessions recently, which is great news for hungry fans like me.
One big change is that all concessions are now cashless. I was a bit unsure about this at first, but it’s actually made buying food and drinks much faster. No more fumbling for cash or waiting for change!
They’ve also added new food options. I haven’t tried everything yet, but there’s definitely more variety than before. It’s nice to have choices beyond just hot dogs and popcorn.
Fan Experience at JSU Stadium
JSU Stadium offers fans an exciting game day atmosphere. I’ve seen how it brings together students, alumni, and the Jacksonville community to cheer on the Gamecocks. The stadium has some great traditions and aims to be welcoming for all fans.
Game Day Traditions for Students and Alumni
As a long-time Gamecocks fan, I love the energy on game days. Students pack the student section, decked out in red and white. The marching band, the Marching Southerners, puts on an amazing pre-game and halftime show.
One of my favorite traditions is the Gamecock Walk. Two hours before kickoff, fans line up to cheer on the team as they enter the stadium. It really gets everyone pumped up for the game.
During big plays, you’ll hear fans ringing cowbells. It creates an incredible atmosphere. After touchdowns, Cocky the mascot does pushups to match the score. It’s always fun to watch, especially when we’re putting up a lot of points!
Accessibility and Support for Fans
I’m impressed by how JSU tries to make games enjoyable for all fans. The stadium has wheelchair accessible seating and elevators to help fans get around. There are also assisted listening devices available.
The staff is always friendly and helpful. I’ve seen them go out of their way to assist elderly fans and families with young kids. There are plenty of concession stands and restrooms, which helps cut down on lines.
For fans driving to games, there’s ample parking near the stadium. Tailgating is popular, with many fans arriving hours early to set up. It’s a great way to connect with other Gamecocks supporters before kickoff.
Athletics and Academic Integration
At JSU, we blend sports and studies to help our student-athletes excel. We’ve put programs in place to support their growth both on the field and in the classroom.
Encouraging Student-Athlete Success
I’m proud of how we help our athletes balance sports and school. We offer study halls where they can focus on their work. Our tutoring program pairs students with experts in different subjects. This extra help makes a big difference.
We also have academic advisors just for athletes. They help plan class schedules around practice times. This way, our student-athletes don’t miss important lessons.
I’ve seen many athletes improve their grades thanks to these programs. It’s great to watch them succeed in both areas of their college life.
Campus Contributions to Athletics
The whole JSU campus gets involved in supporting our sports teams. I love seeing students from all majors attend games at Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium.
Our business students help with game day operations. They learn real-world skills while supporting the teams. Art students design posters and flyers for events. It’s a win-win situation.
Faculty members often work with coaches to make sure athletes keep up in class. This teamwork helps create a strong bond between academics and athletics at JSU.
Tickets and Scheduling
Getting tickets to see the Jacksonville State Gamecocks play at Burgess-Snow Field is easy and exciting. I’ll share all the info you need to plan your game day experience.
Purchasing Tickets and Schedule Information
I’m happy to report that tickets for JSU football games are readily available. On game days, I’ve found that you can buy tickets right at the stadium for $15. It’s super convenient!
For the 2024 season, I’m thrilled about the new changes. The stadium has a new name – Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium. I can’t wait to see the renovated north side and the brand new turf they’ve put in.
If you’re a real fan like me, you might want to consider season tickets. I’ve heard that Stadium Club season tickets are a great deal at $500. They even include pregame meals and snacks!
I’m looking forward to the upcoming games. With Kennesaw State joining the conference in 2024, I think we’ll see some exciting new rivalries forming. It’s going to be a great season!
Stadium Expansion and Future Plans
Jacksonville State University is making big changes to Burgess-Snow Field. The stadium is getting bigger and better. I’m excited to tell you about the new additions and what’s coming next.
Recent and Projected Expansions
I’ve seen a lot of growth at JSU Stadium lately. It used to hold 8,500 fans, but now it can fit 15,000 people. That’s almost double! The school spent $80 million on this big project. They added:
- A new dining hall
- 350 new dorm rooms
- More seats for fans
I think it’s great that students can now live and eat right next to the stadium. The renovations finished in 2023, just in time for JSU to join Conference USA.
Future Investments and University Goals
I’m thrilled about what’s coming next for AmFirst Stadium. JSU has big plans:
- New turf for the 2024 season
- Upgrades to the north side of the stadium
- A fresh athletics fieldhouse behind the west end zone
These changes will make game days even more fun. I believe JSU wants to grow its football program and attract more students. The new stadium helps with both goals. It’s an exciting time to be a Gamecock fan!
Leadership and Sponsorships
JSU’s stadium has seen big changes lately in how it’s run and who supports it. The athletic department and sponsors have made some cool moves that I think fans will be excited about.
Athletics Director and Board Decisions
As a fan, I’ve been really impressed with Athletics Director Greg Seitz. He’s been pushing hard to improve our stadium. The Board of Trustees has backed him up too. They’ve given the green light to some major upgrades.
I noticed they added new seating a while back. That was a smart move. It lets more of us come cheer on the team. They also put in a better press box. That helps get our games on TV more often.
Partnerships and Naming Rights
The biggest news lately? Our stadium has a new name! It’s now Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium. This is huge for JSU. It’s the first time we’ve had a corporate sponsor for the stadium name.
AmFirst stepped up in a big way. Their support means more money for our athletics program. I think that’ll help us compete even better. Don’t worry though – we’re still honoring our history. The field keeps the Burgess-Snow name to remember our past coaches.
Community Involvement and Legacy
Football brings people together in Anniston and Jacksonville. The stadium has shaped the area’s identity and created lasting memories for fans and players alike.
The Role of Football in the Anniston and Jacksonville Areas
I’ve seen how Burgess-Snow Field unites our community. On game days, the streets buzz with excitement. Local businesses thrive as fans flock to restaurants and shops.
The stadium isn’t just for football. It hosts events year-round, keeping us connected. High school graduations and concerts bring different groups together under one roof.
I love how the team gives back too. Players often volunteer at schools and charities. It teaches young fans about teamwork and community spirit.
Building a Legacy through College Football
College football has deep roots here. I’ve watched generations of families cheer for JSU. The stadium’s expansions over the years show our growing passion.
Players become local heroes. Many stay in the area after graduating, building careers and families. They inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders.
The team’s success puts our town on the map. When JSU does well, we all feel a sense of pride. It’s more than just a game – it’s part of our identity.
Media and Broadcasting
I’ve seen firsthand how media coverage plays a big role in spreading the excitement of JSU football games. Local and national outlets help bring the action to fans who can’t make it to the stadium.
Coverage by Local and National Media
WBRC, the FOX affiliate in Birmingham, often reports on JSU football news. I’ve noticed they cover important updates about the stadium and team.
Local radio stations broadcast the games live, which I love listening to when I can’t attend in person. It really brings the stadium atmosphere right to my living room.
National sports networks sometimes feature JSU games too, especially for big matchups like against Coastal Carolina. This wider coverage helps put JSU football on the map.
I’ve seen how social media has become a huge part of game day. The team’s official accounts share live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content that make me feel connected even from afar.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gathered some key info about Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium. Let’s dive into the details about its updates, capacity, fan experiences, location, facilities, and history.
How has the JSU Stadium evolved after its renovation?
JSU Stadium got a big upgrade recently. It’s now called Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium. The change came with a new football operations building and more suites.
I’ve learned they’re adding new turf for the 2024 season. The north side of the stadium is also getting fixed up.
Can you share the capacity of the Burgess–Snow Field at JSU Stadium?
The stadium can hold 24,000 fans. That’s a lot of people cheering for the Gamecocks!
What are some of the fan experiences at Jacksonville State football games?
I’ve heard about some cool new stuff for fans. There are new food options now. You don’t need cash anymore – it’s all cashless.
They also have free digital game programs. It’s a neat way to follow along with the action.
Where can one find Burgess–Snow Field at JSU Stadium?
I can tell you exactly where it is. The stadium’s address is 700 Pelham Rd N, Jacksonville, AL 36265.
What facilities are available at JSU Stadium for special events?
I know they’re building a new athletics fieldhouse. It’s going up behind the west end zone.
The stadium also has suites. They even added more with the recent changes.
Are there any notable historical moments at Burgess–Snow Field?
I’ve learned the stadium has been around for a while. It opened in 1947.
It’s seen lots of great football over the years. The Gamecocks have surely made some amazing memories there.
