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Elliott T. Bowers Stadium - home of Sam Houston in Huntsville, TX
NCAA FBS

Elliott T. Bowers StadiumHuntsville, Texas

Sam Houston

πŸ‘₯
Capacity
14,000
πŸ†
Conference
CUSA
πŸ“…
Opened
1986
🌱
Surface
Artificial turf (AstroTurf 3D3-60 installed 2016; replaced with new artificial turf in 2024 as part of field renovation)

πŸ“–About Elliott T. Bowers Stadium

Elliott T. Bowers Stadium is a 14,000-seat on-campus football facility in Huntsville, Texas, home to the Sam Houston Bearkats (FBS). Opened September 13, 1986 as Bearkat Stadium, it was renamed in 1990 to honor Dr. Elliott T. Bowers, who served as SHSU president for 19 years. The stadium hosted Sam Houston's FCS national championship program in 2020–21. A $60 million renovation approved in 2024 will add a five-level press box and covered concourse with cantilevered club seating.

πŸ›οΈElliott T. Bowers Stadium History

Origins

Opened September 13, 1986 as Pritchett Field replacement. Named for Dr. Elliott T. Bowers, Sam Houston's president for 19 years. Built for $6.5M.

Major Renovations

2023Upgraded to meet FBS standards; new locker rooms and facilities
2024Expanded capacity and seating improvements

Notable Moments

2020Hosted games during FCS National Championship season
Sep 9, 2023First FBS home game

🎟️Visiting Elliott T. Bowers Stadium

Best Seats

West side stands offer best views of the field and afternoon shade. The newly added end zone seats provide an intimate perspective.

Parking Tips

Campus parking is generally available. The Johnson Coliseum lot is a reliable free option within a short walk of the stadium.

Game Day

Experience the "Bearkat Walk" before the game. The "Orange Out" games are particularly high-energy. Huntsville is a proud Texas college town.

πŸ—ΊοΈLocal Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Humphrey's Bar & Grill

$$

Popular Huntsville spot known for its energetic atmosphere and large beer selection.

πŸ“ 0.6 miles1930 Sam Houston Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340

πŸ’‘ A favorite for students and alumni. Expect a lively crowd before and after home games.

The Draft Bar

$$

Lively sports bar featuring numerous screens and a wide range of craft beers.

πŸ“ 0.8 miles1008 University Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340

πŸ’‘ Great for catching other college games while enjoying a gameday burger.

🍽️Restaurants

Sam's Table

$$$

Upscale bistro offering creative American dishes and a solid wine list in a modern setting.

πŸ“ 2.5 miles112 Broadmoor Dr, Huntsville, TX 77340

πŸ’‘ Perfect for a more refined post-game dinner. Their brunch is also highly regarded.

City Hall Cafe & Pie Bar

$

Quaint downtown cafe known for its homemade pies and Southern comfort classics.

πŸ“ 1.1 miles1421 Sam Houston Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340

πŸ’‘ A must-visit for dessert lovers. Their buttermilk pie is a local legend.

Potato Shack

$

Unique local spot specializing in massive baked potatoes with various toppings.

πŸ“ 0.9 miles1229 Sam Houston Ave, Huntsville, TX 77340

πŸ’‘ Filing and affordable; a long-standing favorite for Huntsville students.

🏨Hotels

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Huntsville

$$$

Modern and comfortable hotel located near the I-45 corridor and university.

πŸ“ 2.1 miles148 S Interstate 45, Huntsville, TX 77340

πŸ’‘ Offers easy access to the highway and is just a short drive from the stadium.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Huntsville

$$$

Reliable hotel with a pool and free breakfast, located close to the campus.

πŸ“ 2.3 miles100 Interstate 45 S, Huntsville, TX 77340

πŸ’‘ A practical choice for fans visiting for the weekend.

🎭Attractions

Sam Houston Statue & Visitor Center

Free

Gigantic 67-foot statue of Sam Houston, the world's tallest statue of an American hero.

πŸ“ 3.5 miles7600 TX-75, Huntsville, TX 77340

πŸ’‘ A must-see landmark for anyone visiting Huntsville. Incredible for a quick photo stop.

Texas Prison Museum

$

Fascinating museum detailing the history of the Texas prison system, which is based in Huntsville.

πŸ“ 3.8 miles491 TX-75 N, Huntsville, TX 77340

πŸ’‘ Includes unique artifacts and a sobering look at Texas history. Very popular with visitors.

πŸ…ΏοΈParking Options

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Johnson Coliseum Lot (Free)

Free
LotπŸ“ 0.5 miles

πŸ’‘ The most reliable free parking option. A safe and relatively short walk to Bowers Stadium.

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Bobby K. Marks Drive (Street Parking)

Free
LotπŸ“ 0.1 miles

πŸ’‘ Limited street parking is available but it fills up very early in the morning.

Suggest a Tip

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

πŸ”₯Sam Houston Rivals

Closest Stadiums to Elliott T. Bowers Stadium

Frequently Asked Questions About Elliott T. Bowers Stadium

What is the capacity of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium?
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium has a seating capacity of 14,000.
Where is Elliott T. Bowers Stadium located?
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium is located in Huntsville, TX.
What team plays at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium?
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium is the home stadium of Sam Houston in the CUSA.
When was Elliott T. Bowers Stadium built?
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium opened in 1986.
Where are the best seats at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium?
West side stands offer best views of the field and afternoon shade. The newly added end zone seats provide an intimate perspective.
What are the best parking tips for Elliott T. Bowers Stadium?
Campus parking is generally available. The Johnson Coliseum lot is a reliable free option within a short walk of the stadium.
What type of surface does Elliott T. Bowers Stadium have?
Elliott T. Bowers Stadium has a artificial turf (astroturf 3d3-60 installed 2016; replaced with new artificial turf in 2024 as part of field renovation) playing surface.
What stadiums are near Elliott T. Bowers Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Elliott T. Bowers Stadium are Kyle Field (48 mi), Panther Stadium (51 mi), Daikin Park (67 mi), Shell Energy Stadium (67 mi), Rice Stadium (69 mi), John O'Quinn Field at Space City Financial Stadium (69 mi).
Who are Sam Houston's biggest rivals?
Sam Houston's rivals include Texas State, UTEP.

References

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