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Saluki Stadium - home of Southern Illinois Salukis in Carbondale, Illinois
NCAA FCS

Saluki StadiumCarbondale, Illinois

Southern Illinois Salukis

πŸ‘₯
Capacity
15,276
πŸ†
Conference
Missouri Valley
πŸ“…
Opened
2010
🌱
Surface
N/A

πŸ“–About Saluki Stadium

Saluki Stadium is a modern horseshoe-shaped facility on the Southern Illinois University campus in Carbondale, Illinois, that opened in 2010. With a capacity of 15,276, this $29.9 million stadium replaced the historic McAndrew Stadium after 73 seasons. Part of the ambitious $83 million Saluki Way Project, the stadium features 1,080 prime chairback seats, a grass berm in the north end zone, and a Daktronics video board installed in 2019. At the time of construction, Saluki Stadium was the newest of 12 stadiums built by an FCS school since 2000, representing SIU's commitment to competitive excellence.

πŸ›οΈHistory

Origins

Saluki Stadium was built to replace the aging McAndrew Stadium, which had served SIU football from 1937 to 2009. The new facility was part of the comprehensive Saluki Way Project, a $83 million initiative to renovate and restructure the university's athletic facilities, including the SIU Arena and a new athletic support facility.

Major Renovations

2010Saluki Stadium opened September 2 with $29.9M construction cost as part of $83M Saluki Way Project, featuring horseshoe design, 15,000 capacity, chairback seats, and grass berm end zone
2019Daktronics video board installed in north end zone with expanded concessions and restrooms

Notable Moments

Sep 2, 2010Stadium grand opening - sellout crowd of 15,200 watched Salukis defeat Quincy 70-7

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The 1,080 prime chairback seats offer premium comfort and excellent views. Mid-level seating on the horseshoe sides provides great sightlines of the entire field. The grass berm in the north end zone offers a unique, relaxed atmosphere at affordable prices perfect for families.

Parking Tips

Campus parking lots surround Saluki Stadium. Arrive 2 hours early for best availability. The stadium's location on campus makes it accessible from multiple directions. Follow parking attendant directions on game days.

Game Day

Saluki Stadium represents a new era for SIU football. The modern facility includes significantly expanded concessions and restrooms compared to the old stadium. The Daktronics video board enhances the game experience. The nearby athletic support facility houses football offices and locker rooms. Explore Carbondale's vibrant restaurant scene before or after games.

πŸ—ΊοΈLocal Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Hangar 9

$

College campus bar with very good draught beer selection, popular with students and alumni.

πŸ“ 0.8 milesNear SIU campus

πŸ’‘ Great beer selection for a college bar, fills up on game days.

Key West

$$

Known for amazing Bloody Marys and really good cocktails, popular SIU bar.

πŸ“ 0.9 milesNear SIU campus

πŸ’‘ Don't miss their signature Bloody Marys.

PK's Bar

$

Locally-owned favorite in Carbondale with casual atmosphere.

πŸ“ 1.2 miles308 S. Illinois Avenue

πŸ’‘ Classic college bar, part of the Carbondale scene for years.

🍽️Restaurants

Global Gourmet

$$

Locally-owned restaurant featuring international cuisine and innovative dishes.

πŸ“ 1.3 miles102 E. Jackson Street

πŸ’‘ Diverse menu with global influences, great for adventurous eaters.

Flame Grill and Bar

$$

Popular Carbondale establishment with American fare and full bar.

πŸ“ 1.5 miles501 E. Walnut Street

πŸ’‘ Solid all-around option for groups.

Underground Public House

$$

Gastropub atmosphere with craft beers and elevated pub fare.

πŸ“ 0.7 miles717 S. University Avenue

πŸ’‘ Close to campus, good beer selection.

πŸ…ΏοΈParking Options

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Stadium Campus Lots

$10
LotπŸ“ 0.1-0.3 miles

πŸ’‘ Arrive 2 hours early for best spots. Campus location offers multiple lot options.

Suggest a Tip

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

Stadiums Near Saluki Stadium

References

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