Bowers Stadium

Bowers Stadium
Death Row
	Interior view of the stadium in 2014
Full name	Elliot T. Bowers Stadium
Location	620 Bowers Boulevard; Huntsville, Texas 77340
Coordinates	30°42′50″N 95°32′30″W / 30.71389°N 95.54167°W
Owner	Sam Houston State University
Operator	Sam Houston St Univ. Athletics
Type	Stadium
Executive suites	Pressbox-Upper Level: 5 premium suites and President's box; Fieldhouse: Bearkat Lounge
Capacity	14,000 (2014–present); 12,976 (2011–2013); 14,000 (1982–2010)
Record attendance	16,148; (October 24, 1994,; vs. Alcorn State)
Surface	Real Grass Pro artificial turf (2007–present)
Current use	American football
Construction
Broke ground	1985
Opened	September 13, 1986; 38 years ago
Tenants
	Sam Houston Bearkats football (NCAA); (1986–present)
Website
	gobearkats.com/bowers-stadium

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 Sam Houston Bearkats football team 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).

History

Bowers 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

In 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 renovation after the August 2024 meeting of the Texas State University System Board of Regents approved it.

Features

The 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

The Bearkats are 161–57–1 (.739) since opening Bowers Stadium,^[3] and ranks as one of the toughest venues in Conference USA. 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

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	13,059	September 21, 2024	SHSU 31, New Mexico State 11
5	12,941	September 18, 2004	SHSU 41, Montana 29
6	12,863	September 23, 2017	SHSU 66, Nicholls State 17
7	12,367	December 16, 2011	SHSU 31, Montana 28
8	12,117	October 18, 2008	SHSU 17, McNeese 28
9	12,058	August 28, 2008	SHSU 58, East Central 14
10	11,931	October 16, 1999	SHSU 31, SFA 45

References

^ "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.
^ Foster, Colton (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.