Homer Bryce Stadium Explained

Stadium Name:Homer Bryce Stadium
Former Names:Lumberjack Stadium (1973–1986)
Location:North University Drive
Nacogdoches, TX 75961
Broke Ground:1973
Opened:September 8, 1973[1]
Owner:Stephen F. Austin State University
Operator:Stephen F. Austin State University
Surface:Hellas Matrix® Turf
Suites:Touchdown Club (90 seats) and five private suites (40 seats)
Tenants:Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks football (NCAA) (1973–present)
Seating Capacity:14,575 (1989–present)
14,640 (1973–1988)
Record Attendance:23,617
October 28, 1995
vs McNeese State

Homer Bryce Stadium, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, is the home of Stephen F. Austin State University's Lumberjack football and Ladyjack and Lumberjack track and field events. The stadium includes a walking and running track open to the public. After renovations to take place over the summer of 2021 the track will be closed to the public. Recent renovations to the area include a sports medicine and academic center addition to the field house that houses the new athletic training program and the installation of a new artificial turf surface provided by a donation from a former Lumberjack football letterman. A state of the art video board with replay screen was completed in September 2016, home to largest video board in the South land Conference.

History

Opened in 1973 as Lumberjack Stadium, the stadium seats 14,575 fans. Using the hill surrounding the playing field ups the capacity to nearly 25,000. Record attendance at the stadium was set on October 28, 1995 when 23,617 fans witnessed a game against the McNeese State Cowboys.[2] Homer Bryce Stadium is also home to many premier high school football playoff matchups and track meets.[1]

In 1986, the stadium was renamed Homer Bryce Stadium in honor of SFA benefactor Homer Bryce.[3]

Renovations

The stadium underwent renovations in 2003 with the addition of five luxury suites and the Touchdown Club located in the remodeled press box. Total capacity is 130 including the 90 seats in the Touchdown Club.[4] [5] Prior to the start of the 2013 season, SFA replaced the surface at Homer Bryce Stadium. During the summer, a Hellas Matrix® Turf surface was installed.[1] [6]

Following the 2015 season the scoreboards at both ends were demolished to make way for a new 80feetx36feetft (xft) video scoreboard from Daktronics. The new board would be the largest in the Southland Conference and third largest in FCS Football behind only South Dakota State and Northern Iowa.[7]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2013 Media Guide. Stephen F. Austin State Athletics. September 17, 2013. September 15, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130915081509/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/sasu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2013-14/misc_non_event/2013-FB-Media-Guide.pdf. dead.
  2. Web site: 2014 SFA Football Media Guide. Stephen F. Austin Athletics. November 22, 2014. 5.
  3. Web site: Homer Bryce. Archie P.. McDonald. Texas Escapes. February 24, 2001. September 17, 2013.
  4. Web site: Construction Underway On New Pressbox. Stephen F. Austin Athletics. November 22, 2014. December 5, 2002.
  5. Web site: Press Box / Suites Nearing Completion. Stephen F. Austin Athletics. November 22, 2014. August 18, 2003.
  6. Web site: New Turf for Homer Bryce Stadium Set for 2013 Season. Hellas Construction, Inc.. November 22, 2014. April 29, 2013.
  7. Web site: New Videoboard To Be Among Nation's Largest.