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Roy Stewart Stadium - home of Murray State Racers in Murray, Kentucky
NCAA FCS

Roy Stewart StadiumMurray, Kentucky

Murray State Racers

πŸ‘₯
Capacity
16,800
πŸ†
Conference
Missouri Valley
πŸ“…
Opened
1973
🌱
Surface
N/A

πŸ“–About Roy Stewart Stadium

Roy Stewart Stadium, home to the Murray State Racers, is a 16,800-seat multi-purpose stadium in Murray, Kentucky that opened in 1973. Named after legendary coach Roy Stewart, who compiled a 60-33-11 record from 1932 to 1945, the stadium sits on the north end of campus along US Highway 641. After decades in the Ohio Valley Conference, Murray State joined the prestigious Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2023, bringing championship-caliber football to this well-appointed FCS facility.

πŸ›οΈHistory

Origins

Roy Stewart Stadium was built in 1972-73 to replace the aging Cutchin Football Stadium, which had served Murray State from 1934 to 1972. The new facility was constructed on the north end of campus along US Highway 641 to provide modern amenities and greater capacity for the growing Racers football program.

Major Renovations

1973Stadium construction completed on north campus
1974Official dedication ceremony held on September 9

Notable Moments

Sep 1973First game played - Murray State defeated Western Carolina 27-25
Sep 9, 1974Stadium officially dedicated in honor of coach Roy Stewart
2023Murray State joins Missouri Valley Football Conference after leaving OVC

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Midfield seating on both sides offers excellent views of the entire field. The press box side provides shade during afternoon games. End zone seating puts fans close to the action and the student section.

Parking Tips

Parking is available in designated lots around the stadium along US Highway 641. Arrive 2-3 hours early for prime spots and tailgating. Additional parking available in campus lots within walking distance.

Game Day

Roy Stewart Stadium provides a classic college football atmosphere. The stadium's location on the north end of campus along Highway 641 makes it easily accessible. Explore downtown Murray's restaurants and shops before or after the game. The stadium also hosts Murray State's rifle team and women's track and field events.

πŸ—ΊοΈLocal Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Tap 216

$$

Upscale bar with college scene vibe located right on Murray State campus.

πŸ“ 0.8 miles216 North 15th Street

πŸ’‘ Popular gathering spot for students and alumni on game days.

Hop Hound Brew Pub

$$

Local microbrewery with upscale bar food and craft beer selection.

πŸ“ 1.2 miles912 S. 12th Street

πŸ’‘ Try the locally brewed beers and signature pub fare.

Mr. B's Pizza and Wings

$

Sports bar atmosphere with pizza, wings, salads and sandwiches.

πŸ“ 1.5 miles807 Walmart Drive

πŸ’‘ Multiple TVs for watching other games, casual family-friendly environment.

🍽️Restaurants

The Keg

$$

Steaks, seafood, and barbeque with a Cajun twist in a welcoming atmosphere.

πŸ“ 1 mile1051 North 16th Street

πŸ’‘ Locally popular for special occasions and pre-game dinners.

GOFOR Pizza

$

New York style pizza with scratch-made sauce, a local favorite.

πŸ“ 0.9 miles317 Chestnut Street

πŸ’‘ Great for groups, takeout available for tailgating.

The Big Apple

$$

Local tradition serving Tex-Mex and barbeque with pub atmosphere.

πŸ“ 1.3 miles1005 Arcadia Circle

πŸ’‘ Murray State staple for decades, arrive early on game days.

🎭Attractions

Murray State Curris Center

Free

Student union and campus hub with dining options and bookstore.

πŸ“ 0.6 milesMurray State Campus

πŸ’‘ Great place to explore campus before the game.

πŸ…ΏοΈParking Options

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Stadium Parking Lots

$10
LotπŸ“ 0.1-0.3 miles

πŸ’‘ Lots along Highway 641 and campus lots, arrive early for tailgating.

Suggest a Tip

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

Stadiums Near Roy Stewart Stadium

References

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