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NCAA FCS

Strawberry StadiumHammond, Louisiana

Southeastern Louisiana Lions

About Strawberry Stadium

Strawberry Stadium has been home to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions in Hammond, Louisiana since 1937. Built in 16 weeks as a WPA project with strong backing from Governor Richard Leche, the steel-and-concrete venue was named to honor the region's strawberry farming heritage rather than the governor. It seats 7,408 on artificial turf. The Lions compete in the Southland Conference at the FCS level.

Strawberry Stadium History

Origins

Originally constructed in 1937 as the Lions established their football program during the Great Depression era.

Major Renovations

1960Major stadium expansion and modernization
1984Seating and facility improvements
2000Press box renovation and stadium upgrades

Notable Moments

1937Strawberry Stadium opened, one of oldest FCS venues
1980s-90sHosted powerful Lions teams in NCAA Division I-AA playoffs

Visiting Strawberry Stadium

Best Seats

Traditional stadium seating provides good views despite the facility's age. The intimate size creates a classic college football atmosphere.

Parking Tips

Campus parking is available near the stadium. Hammond is conveniently located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, making it accessible from both cities.

Game Day

Experience one of FCS football's most historic venues. The Lions have a dedicated fanbase, and the stadium's longevity adds to the game day ambiance.

Local Recommendations

Restaurants

Don's Seafood

$$

Louisiana seafood chain known for crawfish, gumbo, and po-boys.

2 miles

Order the seafood platter for a taste of everything.

Tope La

$

Local favorite for Creole and Cajun cuisine with daily specials.

1 mile

Great lunch spot with authentic Louisiana cooking.

Attractions

Kliebert's Turtle & Alligator Farm

$

Family-run alligator farm offering tours and hands-on experiences.

5 miles

Educational and fun tour of Louisiana's famous reptiles.

Zemurray Park

Free

A 33-acre city park with a large pond, a 0.7-mile walking/jogging track, the Hammond Dreamland Skate Park, playground, baseball fields, and a seasonal public swimming pool. A convenient stop before or after the game.

1 mi400 S Oak St, Hammond, LA 70401

The park grounds are open daily; the swimming pool operates seasonally (typically summer). Worth a stroll around the pond even if you are not swimming.

Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts

Free

A beautifully restored 1928 downtown movie palace — now an 830-seat performing arts venue owned by Southeastern Louisiana University — worth a look inside or outside for its original architectural details and lobby.

1 mi220 E Thomas St, Hammond, LA 70401

Even if no show is scheduled, the exterior and lobby are often accessible during box office hours (Mon-Wed 10am-2pm in summer). Check columbiatheatre.org for current programming.

Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum & Veterans Archives

$

A community-operated museum preserving African American history, murals, artifacts, and veterans' records from the Florida Parishes region, open since February 2007. Eight galleries cover local history, the Underground Railroad, African American achievers, and a genealogy lab.

1.5 mi1600 Phoenix Square, Hammond, LA 70403

Hours are limited (Mon-Fri 8am-2pm, Sat 10am-3pm), so plan ahead. Admission is $10 general, $5 students, $7 seniors 65+, $2 children under 5. Call 985-542-4259 to confirm before visiting on a game weekend.

Tickfaw State Park

$

A 1,200-acre state park on the Tickfaw River where boardwalk trails wind through cypress-tupelo swamps and hardwood forests, with a nature center housing an 800-gallon aquarium, paddling access, and strong swamp wildlife viewing in southeastern Louisiana.

15 mi27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462

Admission is $3 per person (free for ages 3 and under and seniors 62+). The boardwalk loop is easy and gives a genuine Louisiana swamp experience in under an hour. Gates open at 7am daily; nature center open 9am-4:30pm.

Parking Options

Strawberry Stadium Parking

Lot0.1 miles

Campus lots near the stadium.

Suggest a Tip

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

Closest Stadiums to Strawberry Stadium

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Stadium

What is the capacity of Strawberry Stadium?
Strawberry Stadium has a seating capacity of 7,408.
Where is Strawberry Stadium located?
Strawberry Stadium is located in Hammond, Louisiana.
What team plays at Strawberry Stadium?
Strawberry Stadium is the home stadium of Southeastern Louisiana Lions in the Southland.
When was Strawberry Stadium built?
Strawberry Stadium opened in 1937.
Where are the best seats at Strawberry Stadium?
Traditional stadium seating provides good views despite the facility's age. The intimate size creates a classic college football atmosphere.
What are the best parking tips for Strawberry Stadium?
Campus parking is available near the stadium. Hammond is conveniently located between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, making it accessible from both cities.
What type of surface does Strawberry Stadium have?
Strawberry Stadium has a artificial turf playing surface.
What stadiums are near Strawberry Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Strawberry Stadium are A. W. Mumford Stadium (43 mi), Tiger Stadium (43 mi), Benson Field at Yulman Stadium (44 mi), Caesars Superdome (45 mi), Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium (54 mi), Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium (88 mi).

References

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