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Bridgeforth Stadium - home of James Madison in Harrisonburg, VA
Photo: P.H. · CC BY-SA 3.0
NCAA FBS

Bridgeforth StadiumHarrisonburg, Virginia

James Madison

About Bridgeforth Stadium

Bridgeforth Stadium is the home of James Madison Dukes football in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Opened in 1975 as Madison Stadium, it was renamed in 1990 to honor William E. Bridgeforth, a former member of the JMU Board of Visitors. The playing surface was designated Zane Showker Field in 2003. A $62 million renovation completed in 2011 demolished the west stands, removed the track, and expanded capacity to its current 24,877 seats on FieldTurf.

Bridgeforth Stadium History

Origins

Opened as Madison Stadium in 1975 with 5,200 seats. Named for William E. Bridgeforth (Board of Visitors member) in 1990. Field named for benefactor Zane Showker in 2003.

Major Renovations

1981First expansion doubled capacity to 12,000
2011$62M renovation added upper deck, suites, club level; capacity to 24,877
2022New turf installed for Sun Belt transition

Notable Moments

Nov 6, 2004Playoff win over Delaware en route to first national title
Sep 20, 2008Overcame 21-0 halftime deficit to beat #1 Appalachian State 35-32
Oct 28, 2023Record attendance of 26,239 for 11th straight win vs ODU

Visiting Bridgeforth Stadium

Best Seats

West side renovation features club level and 16 luxury suites. East side visitor stands may see future renovation.

Parking Tips

JMU campus parking available. Harrisonburg downtown has restaurants and shops.

Game Day

Dukes achieved fastest rise to Top 25 for FCS-to-FBS program. Purple and gold atmosphere is intense.

Local Recommendations

Bars & Drinks

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint

$$

Popular spot near JMU with creative burgers and extensive craft beer selection.

1.0 milesHarrisonburg

The burgers are legendary. Great gameday atmosphere.

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Clementine Cafe

$$

Downtown Harrisonburg spot with live music and local vibe.

1.5 milesDowntown Harrisonburg

Great atmosphere for pre-game drinks and food.

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Restaurants

Kline's Dairy Bar

$

JMU institution since 1943. Famous for ice cream and classic diner fare.

0.5 milesHarrisonburg

A must-visit JMU tradition. The ice cream is exceptional.

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Billy Jack's Wing & Draft Shack

$$

Local favorite for wings and craft beer near campus.

1.2 milesHarrisonburg

Great wings and gameday atmosphere.

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Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza

$$

Downtown Harrisonburg spot with wood-fired pizza and Italian cuisine.

1.5 milesDowntown Harrisonburg

Excellent pizza in a great downtown location.

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Hotels

Hotel Madison & Shenandoah Valley Conference Center

$$$

Full-service hotel close to JMU campus.

1.0 milesHarrisonburg

Closest hotel to campus. Book early for gameday weekends.

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Hampton Inn Harrisonburg South

$$

Comfortable hotel with easy access to campus.

2.0 milesHarrisonburg

Good value option close to the stadium.

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Attractions

Purple & Gold Tradition

Free

JMU's rapid rise from FCS to Top 25 FBS program. Experience the intense purple and gold gameday atmosphere.

0 milesBridgeforth Stadium

Fastest FCS-to-FBS rise to Top 25. The atmosphere is electric.

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Parking Options

Bridgeforth Stadium Parking Lots

$15-20
Lot0.1 miles

Campus parking available around the stadium. Arrive early.

JMU Campus Lots

$10
Lot0.3 miles

Additional parking on campus. Short walk to the stadium.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Bridgeforth Stadium? Share it with us.

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James Madison Rivals

Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard StadiumOld Dominion · Norfolk, VARoyal Rivalry

Closest Stadiums to Bridgeforth Stadium

Carl Smith Center, Home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott StadiumVirginia · Charlottesville, VA34 miAlumni Memorial FieldVMI Keydets · Lexington, Virginia54 miArthur L. Williams StadiumLiberty · Lynchburg, VA77 miE. Claiborne Robins StadiumRichmond Spiders · Richmond, Virginia94 miMountaineer Field at Milan Puskar StadiumWest Virginia · Morgantown, WV102 miCooper FieldGeorgetown Hoyas · Washington, District of Columbia102 mi

Frequently Asked Questions About Bridgeforth Stadium

What is the capacity of Bridgeforth Stadium?
Bridgeforth Stadium has a seating capacity of 24,877.
Where is Bridgeforth Stadium located?
Bridgeforth Stadium is located in Harrisonburg, VA.
What team plays at Bridgeforth Stadium?
Bridgeforth Stadium is the home stadium of James Madison in the Sun Belt.
When was Bridgeforth Stadium built?
Bridgeforth Stadium opened in 1975.
Where are the best seats at Bridgeforth Stadium?
West side renovation features club level and 16 luxury suites. East side visitor stands may see future renovation.
What are the best parking tips for Bridgeforth Stadium?
JMU campus parking available. Harrisonburg downtown has restaurants and shops.
What type of surface does Bridgeforth Stadium have?
Bridgeforth Stadium has a fieldturf playing surface.
What stadiums are near Bridgeforth Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Bridgeforth Stadium are Carl Smith Center, Home of David A. Harrison III Field at Scott Stadium (34 mi), Alumni Memorial Field (54 mi), Arthur L. Williams Stadium (77 mi), E. Claiborne Robins Stadium (94 mi), Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium (102 mi), Cooper Field (102 mi).
Who are James Madison's biggest rivals?
James Madison's rivals include Old Dominion (Royal Rivalry).

References

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