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NCAA FBS

Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix FieldBowling Green, Kentucky

Western Kentucky

👥
Capacity
22,113
🏆
Conference
CUSA
📅
Opened
1968
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

📖About Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field

Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field is the on-campus home of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Opened in 1968 and designed by Ryan Associated Architects, the stadium holds 22,113 on a FieldTurf surface. It is named for L. T. Smith, an early WKU football coach. Jimmy Feix's name was added to the field in 1991, honoring the coach who went 106-56-6 from 1968 to 1983. An expansion completed in 2008 raised capacity from 19,250 to its current figure ahead of the program's 2009 move to FBS. Houchens Industries joined the name in 2007 following a $5 million gift toward that project.

🏛️Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field History

Origins

Opened in 1968 to replace the original stadium. Built for $3M with 17,500 seats. Jimmy Feix Field named for WKU's winningest coach.

Major Renovations

2008$50M renovation: upper deck, Harbaugh Club, and new press box
2014FieldTurf and video board upgrades

Notable Moments

Oct 20, 2012Record attendance 23,252 vs Middle Tennessee
2023First Conference USA home game

🎟️Visiting Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field

Best Seats

Harbaugh Club offers premium views. West side grandstands are the "main" side. The Colonnades in the south end zone are iconic.

Parking Tips

Free gameday shuttle from Creason Lot and PS3. Campus parking is tight; arrive 3+ hours early for best access.

Game Day

Hilltopper football has a rich tradition. Experience the "Topper Walk" before the game. Big Red, the amorphous red mascot, is a national favorite. Wear red!

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Hilligans

$$

Popular WKU campus staple known for its energetic gameday atmosphere and Topper fans.

📍 0.4 miles1265 College St, Bowling Green, KY 42101

💡 A classic pre-game spot for students and alumni. Get here early if you want a table.

Pub by Novo

$$

Elegant bar food and craft beers in an industrial setting with plenty of sports coverage.

📍 1.2 miles2425 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101

💡 A great off-campus choice for fans looking for high-quality food and a good local draft list.

🍽️Restaurants

440 Main

$$$

Southern coastal cuisine in a historic downtown building with a refined atmosphere.

📍 1.0 miles440 E Main Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101

💡 Perfect for a celebratory post-game dinner. The seafood and steak options are highly regarded.

Wild Eggs

$$

High-energy breakfast and brunch spot, quintessential for gameday mornings.

📍 2.1 miles804 Campbell Ln, Bowling Green, KY 42104

💡 The 'Everything Muffin' and classic French toast are fan favorites before heading to the Hill.

Judy's Castle

$

No-frills Southern comfort food institution known for its biscuits and gravy.

📍 0.8 miles1502 US-31W Byp, Bowling Green, KY 42101

💡 A local legend. Expect a wait on gameday mornings but the portions are worth it.

🏨Hotels

Staybridge Suites Bowling Green

$$$

Modern all-suite hotel located close to the university and local attractions.

📍 1.5 miles680 Campbell Ln, Bowling Green, KY 42101

💡 Great for families or fans staying for the full weekend. Offers extra space and a full kitchen.

Hilton Garden Inn Bowling Green

$$$

Reliable and well-maintained hotel near the convention center and campus.

📍 2.3 miles1020 Wilkinson Trace, Bowling Green, KY 42103

💡 A solid preference for visiting fans who value consistency and on-site dining.

🎭Attractions

National Corvette Museum

$$

The home of America's sports car, featuring rare models and the famous sinkhole site.

📍 5.5 miles350 Corvette Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101

💡 A world-class museum and a must-visit for any car enthusiast in town for a game.

Lost River Cave

$$

Unique underground cave boat tour and nature trails in the heart of the city.

📍 1.8 miles2818 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101

💡 A cool (literally) spot for a morning tour before a sunny afternoon kickoff.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Creason Lot (Free Shuttle)

Free
Lot📍 0.8 miles

💡 The best free parking option. The Topper Transit shuttle provides a direct and easy link to the stadium.

🏢

Parking Structure 2 (Paid)

$20
Garage📍 0.2 miles

💡 Most convenient for gameday access, but it fills up several hours before kickoff.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field? Share it with us.

🔥Western Kentucky Rivals

Closest Stadiums to Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field

Frequently Asked Questions About Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field

What is the capacity of Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field?
Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field has a seating capacity of 22,113.
Where is Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field located?
Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field is located in Bowling Green, KY.
What team plays at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field?
Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field is the home stadium of Western Kentucky in the CUSA.
When was Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field built?
Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field opened in 1968.
Where are the best seats at Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field?
Harbaugh Club offers premium views. West side grandstands are the "main" side. The Colonnades in the south end zone are iconic.
What are the best parking tips for Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field?
Free gameday shuttle from Creason Lot and PS3. Campus parking is tight; arrive 3+ hours early for best access.
What type of surface does Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field have?
Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field has a fieldturf playing surface.
What stadiums are near Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field?
The closest stadiums to Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field are Fortera Stadium (58 mi), Roy Kidd Stadium (130 mi), Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium (165 mi), Great American Ball Park (181 mi), Busch Stadium (233 mi), Truist Park (241 mi).
Who are Western Kentucky's biggest rivals?
Western Kentucky's rivals include Middle Tennessee (100 Miles of Hate).

References

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