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Ernest Hawkins Field at Memorial Stadium - home of East Texas A&M Lions in Commerce, Texas
NCAA FCS

Ernest Hawkins Field at Memorial StadiumCommerce, Texas

East Texas A&M Lions

👥
Capacity
11,582
🏆
Conference
Southland
📅
Opened
1950
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Ernest Hawkins Field at Memorial Stadium

Ernest Hawkins Field at Memorial Stadium, known as "The Hawk," was built to honor 78 East Texas A&M students and alumni who fought and died during World War II. With a capacity of 11,582, this stadium has hosted some of FCS football's most memorable games, including the 1972 NAIA National Championship.

🏛️History

Origins

The stadium was constructed by the Ex-Students Association and university in 1949-1950 as a memorial to 78 East Texas A&M students and alumni who died during World War II. Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, an alumnus, dedicated the stadium in 1950.

Major Renovations

1973President's suite and aluminum bleachers added, capacity expanded
2006Natural grass replaced with FieldTurf, new digital scoreboard installed
2010East side stands rebuilt with new seating technology, capacity increased to 11,582
2013New playing surface with 50-yard Lion head logo added
2020Champions Center expansion with upgraded locker rooms and training facilities

Notable Moments

Sep 23, 1950Stadium dedication with Speaker Sam Rayburn, first game vs North Texas
Dec 1972Lions defeated Carson-Newman 21-18 for 1972 NAIA Division I National Championship
Nov 1972Lions defeated #1 Central Oklahoma 54-0 in NAIA national semifinals
Sep 4, 2014Record-breaking 98-20 victory over East Texas Baptist with 986 total yards
Dec 9, 2017Record attendance of 10,120 for NCAA Division II Semifinal vs Harding

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The west side offers traditional stadium seating with nearly 500 reserved season ticket holder seats added in 2013. The east side features newer seating technology installed in 2010 with an additional press box. Both sides provide excellent sightlines to the 50-yard Lion head logo.

Parking Tips

Multiple parking lots surround the stadium off Frontage Road in Commerce. Arrive early for playoff games and homecoming. The stadium also hosts Commerce High School games, so check the schedule to avoid conflicts.

Game Day

The stadium features 5 executive suites in the press box for premium viewing. The We Are Lions Lounge on the concourse level is available for letterwinners and donors. The Champions Center showcases the program's history, including the 1972 National Championship team.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Thirsty Lion

$

Popular college bar near campus with cold beer, pub food, and game day specials.

📍 0.5 miles2101 Monroe St, Commerce, TX

💡 Fills up fast on game days - great spot to mix with students and alumni.

Sideline Sports Bar & Grill

$

Sports bar with multiple TVs, wings, and burgers in a laid-back atmosphere.

📍 1 mileCommerce, TX

💡 Good pregame spot with plenty of screens to catch other college games.

🍽️Restaurants

Dos Laredos Tex-Mex

$

Popular Tex-Mex spot near campus with generous portions of fajitas, enchiladas, and margaritas.

📍 0.8 miles1229 Washington St, Commerce, TX

💡 A Commerce favorite among students and locals - the fajitas and queso are a must.

Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar

$

Family-friendly grill and bar serving burgers, sandwiches, and American comfort food.

📍 1 mile2203 Culver St, Commerce, TX

💡 Solid pregame meal spot with a full bar and hearty portions.

City Limits Cafe

$

Southern comfort food with daily lunch specials, chicken fried steak, and homemade pies.

📍 1.5 milesCommerce, TX

💡 Arrive early for lunch - popular with locals and portions are hearty.

🏨Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Commerce

$$

Clean, reliable hotel just off the highway with complimentary breakfast and easy stadium access.

📍 2 miles2901 University St, Commerce, TX

💡 Book early for homecoming weekends - it fills up fast in this small town.

Comfort Suites Commerce

$$

Modern suites hotel with indoor pool, perfect for families visiting for game day.

📍 2 milesCommerce, TX

💡 Suite-style rooms offer extra space for overnight game trips.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Memorial Stadium Main Lot

Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Primary parking area off Frontage Road. Fills up early for big games.

🅿️

Campus Parking

Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 Additional university lots available within walking distance.

Suggest a Tip

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.