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Alumni Memorial Field - home of VMI Keydets in Lexington, Virginia
NCAA FCS

Alumni Memorial FieldLexington, Virginia

VMI Keydets

👥
Capacity
10,000
🏆
Conference
Southern
📅
Opened
1962
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Alumni Memorial Field

Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium has been home to VMI Keydets football since 1962, when it was built with funding from the Virginia General Assembly and VMI Alumni Association. The 10,000-seat stadium underwent a major $12 million renovation in 2006, adding modern amenities while preserving VMI's rich military traditions, including the iconic "Little John" cannon that fires at the start, end, and after every VMI score.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1962 at a cost of around $250,000 allocated by the General Assembly of Virginia and the VMI Alumni Association. The stadium opened during VMI's golden era under coach John McKenna, who led the Keydets to four Southern Conference championships in six years (1957-1962).

Major Renovations

2006$12 million renovation with new ticket booths, concourses, restrooms, scoreboard, and jumbotron
2024Football field replacement

Notable Moments

1962Stadium opened same year VMI won Southern Conference championship under coach John McKenna
1957-1962Golden era - VMI won four SoCon championships (1957, 1959, 1960, 1962) under McKenna

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The west side stands offer the best overall views. Get there early to watch the Corps of Cadets march from barracks to the field with the regimental band playing "Shenandoah" - one of college football's most stirring pregame traditions.

Parking Tips

Limited parking on VMI's compact campus. Street parking available in Lexington. Consider parking downtown (0.3 miles) and walking to the stadium. Arrive 2+ hours early to witness the Corps of Cadets march.

Game Day

The Corps of Cadets marching onto the field with "Shenandoah" playing is unforgettable. The "Little John" cannon fires at kickoff, final whistle, and after every VMI score. Lexington's historic downtown is walking distance - visit before or after games. Washington and Lee University's campus is adjacent.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Juniper Lounge

$$

Bar at The Gin Hotel with craft cocktails. Alfresco dining available.

📍 0.3 miles

💡 Upscale downtown option.

🍽️Restaurants

Taps Restaurant

$$

Restaurant at The Georges hotel. Made-to-order complimentary breakfast for guests.

📍 0.3 miles

Downtown Lexington Eateries

$$

Historic Main Street with local shops and diverse dining options.

📍 0.3 miles

💡 Explore downtown for various cuisines.

🏨Hotels

The Gin Hotel

$$$

Ascend Collection hotel steps from VMI and Washington & Lee. Features The Juniper Lounge.

📍 0.3 miles

💡 Centrally located, book early for games.

The Georges

$$$

Luxurious 4-star hotel in national historic building. Taps restaurant on-site.

📍 0.3 miles

💡 Premium option in historic setting.

Hampton Inn Lexington Historic Area

$$

3-star hotel downtown, short walk from VMI. Pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, tennis court.

📍 0.4 miles

💡 Good mid-range choice.

🎭Attractions

Stonewall Jackson House

$

Historic home where Stonewall Jackson lived while teaching at VMI.

📍 0.3 miles

💡 Pre-game history tour.

Washington and Lee University

Free

Beautiful adjacent campus with historic architecture.

📍 0.2 miles

💡 Walk the campus before games.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Campus Lots

Lot📍 0.1-0.3 miles

💡 Very limited. Arrive 2+ hours early.

🚗

Downtown Street Parking

Street📍 0.3-0.5 miles

💡 Park downtown and walk. Easier than campus parking.

Suggest a Tip

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References

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