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. Previously, the team played their homes games at Pritchett Field, which currently plays host to the University's women soccer team. The Bearkats are members of Conference USA.

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.

Renovations

In 2012, new orange chair backs were installed, replacing the older chair backs previously in their place along with new parking lot locker rooms.
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.
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. The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved a $60 million renovation in Aug. 2024, and the Bearkats are scheduled to play their home games at Shell Energy Stadium home to the Houston Dynamo in Houston, 71 miles south of Huntsville, in 2025. The Bearkats have not played at Shell Energy Stadium since 2012 back when the stadium was known as BBVA Stadium which ended in a 50-6 win over Texas Southern.
For the 2026 football season, the Bearkats are set to return home to a renovated Bowers which will include a brand new 60,000-square-foot 5-level press box with a covered concourse with cantilevered club seating, a fan shop, a grand entrance stairwell leading to the concourse, and improved concessions and restrooms.

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.

Home Record

The Bearkats are 161–57–1 since opening Bowers Stadium, and ranks as one of the toughest venues in Conference USA. The Bearkats were also undefeated at home during the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs and won the 2020–21 NCAA Division I FCS national championship played in the spring of 2021.

Attendance records