Elliott T. Bowers Stadium is a 14,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Huntsville, Texas. The stadium has been home to the Sam Houston State University Bearkats football since 1986.[3] Previously, the team played their homes games at Pritchett Field, which currently plays host to the University's women soccer team.[4] The Bearkats are members of Conference USA (CUSA).
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| Location | 620 Bowers Boulevard Huntsville, Texas 77340 |
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| Coordinates | 30°42′50″N 95°32′30″W / 30.71389°N 95.54167°W |
| Owner | Sam Houston State University |
| Operator | Sam Houston State University |
| Executive suites | Pressbox-Upper Level: 5 premium suites and President's box Fieldhouse: Bearkat Lounge |
| Capacity | 14,000 (2014–present)[1] 12,976 (2011–2013)[2] 14,000 (1982–2010) |
| Record attendance | 16,148 October 24, 1994 vs. Alcorn State |
| Surface | Real Grass Pro artificial Surface (2007–present) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1985 |
| Opened | September 13, 1986 |
| Tenants | |
| SHSU Bearkats (NCAA) (1986–present) | |
History
editBowers stadium was named in honor of Dr. Elliott T. Bowers, a former president of Sam Houston State University. The stadium is located on campus at Sam Houston State University. The address for Bowers Stadium is 620 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, Texas.[5]
Renovations
editIn 2012, brand-new orange chairbacks were installed, replacing the older chairbacks previously in their place along with new parking lot locker rooms.[6]
In April 2013, The stadium added a video replay system scoreboard, an elevator leading up to the press box, and guest suites in the place of the old coach's press box section. New video graphics were designed and put in place for the video scoreboard as well.[7][8]
In October 2021, the Ron Mafridge field house is expected to be completed. The field house is expected to feature a new interior and exterior worth $11,667,000 in renovations. The planning for the renovation took just over 15 years and will have an area of 27,000 square feet.
In 2024, the stadium underwent a field renovation that saw the turf being replaced as well as the removal of the track.[9]
The West side of Bowers Stadium is about to undergo a $60 million dollar renovation pending review from the Texas State University System Board of Regents.
Features
editThe stadium includes several suites. In addition to the Presidential suite seating 50 people, there are five other suites in the press box third level. Two of the five can seat up to eight while the remaining three can seat up to six. Additionally, the Bearkat Lounge in the Ron Mafridge Fieldhouse can hold up to 100 and the adjacent deck can hold another 75–100 individuals.[10]
Home Record
editThe Bearkats are 148–48–1 (.754) since opening Bowers Stadium,[3] and ranks as one of the toughest venues in the Western Athletic Conference. The Bearkats are also undefeated at home during the Division 1 FCS playoffs and won the 2020 Division 1 FCS national championship played in spring of 2021.
Attendance records
edit| Rank | Attendance | Date | Game Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16,148 | October 24, 1994 | SHSU 48, Alcorn State 23 |
| 2 | 15,134 | September 14, 2024 | SHSU 31, Hawaii 14 |
| 3 | 14,566 | September 28, 2023 | SHSU 28, Jacksonville State 35 |
| 4 | 13,110 | October 15, 1988 | SHSU 10, Stephen F. Austin 17 |
| 5 | 13,059 | September 21, 2024 | SHSU 31, New Mexico State 11 |
| 6 | 12,941 | September 18, 2004 | SHSU 41, Montana 29 |
| 7 | 12,863 | September 23, 2017 | SHSU 66, Nicholls State 17 |
| 8 | 12,367 | December 16, 2011 | SHSU 31, Montana 28 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Bearkat Game Notes" (PDF). Sam Houston State Athletics. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
- ^ "Sam Houston State BearKats 2013 Football Media Supplement" (PDF). Sam Houston State Athletics. p. 2. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
- ^ a b "Elliot T. Bowers Stadium". Sam Houston State Athletics. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ "Joseph Pritchett Field". Sam Houston State Athletics. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ "Elliott T. Bowers Stadium and Fieldhouse". Sam Houston State University. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ "Bowers Stadium gets a face lift". Sam Houston State Athletics. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ "Bowers Stadium elevator policies announced". Sam Houston State Athletics. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ "Regents Approve Construction, Tuition Increase". SHSU Today@Sam. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ cfoster@itemonline.com, Colton Foster (22 June 2024). "Construction at Bowers in full motion". Itemonline.com. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ "Bowers Stadium Premium Suites". Sam Houston State University. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
External links
edit- Bowers Stadium at buildingshsu