Doak Campbell Stadium
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| Doak Campbell Stadium | |
|---|---|
| Name | Doak Campbell Stadium |
| Location | Tallahassee, Florida |
| Broke ground | 1950 |
| Opened | 1950 |
| Renovated | 2003–2006, 2013–2016 |
| Expanded | 1954, 1961, 1978, 1982, 1991, 1995, 2003 |
| Owner | Florida State University |
| Operator | Florida State University |
| Surface | Bermuda grass |
| Construction cost | $250,000 (initial) |
| Architect | Lloyd & Associates |
| Former names | Florida State University Stadium (1950–1977) |
| Seating capacity | 79,560 |
| Tenants | Florida State Seminoles football (NCAA) (1950–present) |
Doak Campbell Stadium is the home venue for the Florida State Seminoles football program located on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. Initially opening with a modest capacity, the stadium has undergone numerous expansions to become one of the largest college football stadiums in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the nation. The atmosphere on game days, particularly during contests against rivals like the Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes, is renowned for its intensity, amplified by the presence of the Marching Chiefs and the tradition of Chief Osceola and Renegade.
History
The stadium was constructed in 1950 under the leadership of university president Doak S. Campbell, for whom it was renamed in 1977. Its first game was a victory over the Randolph–Macon Yellow Jackets on October 7, 1950. For many years, the facility was a simple bowl structure until a series of major expansions, beginning in the 1980s, transformed its profile. The growth of the stadium paralleled the rise of the Seminoles' football program under legendary coaches including Bill Peterson, Bobby Bowden, and Jimbo Fisher, evolving from a small college venue into a national powerhouse's home.
Features and facilities
The stadium's most distinctive architectural feature is the continuous upper deck that completely encircles the playing field, completed in 1995. This design creates a steep, bowl-like structure that contains crowd noise effectively. The complex houses the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility and the University Center Club, which offer premium seating and hospitality areas. The playing surface is a hybrid Bermuda grass system, and the stadium is flanked by the Moore Athletic Center and the Seminole Soccer Complex.
Notable events
Beyond hosting countless Florida State Seminoles football games, the stadium has been the site for several independent and Atlantic Coast Conference championship contests. It has hosted NFL preseason games for teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. Major concerts have featured artists like Billy Joel and The Rolling Stones. The stadium is also the traditional site for the Florida State University commencement ceremonies.
Renovations and expansions
Major projects have consistently modernized the venue. A significant expansion in 1991 added over 10,000 seats and began the enclosure of the bowl. The 1995 addition completed the upper deck, bringing capacity over 80,000. A comprehensive $100 million renovation from 2003 to 2006, known as the "University Center" project, added brick façades, the Dunlap Athletic Training Facility, and club seats. Further upgrades from 2013 to 2016 under coach Jimbo Fisher included new video boards, sound systems, and premium seating areas.
Attendance records
The stadium's official capacity is 79,560, making it one of the largest in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The all-time attendance record was set on September 18, 2016, when 84,392 fans witnessed a victory over the Louisville Cardinals. Consistently high attendance figures have placed the Seminoles among national leaders for decades, with notable crowds filling the venue for games against the Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes, and Clemson Tigers.
In popular culture
The stadium and its iconic pre-game ritual featuring Chief Osceola and Renegade have been featured in numerous films and television broadcasts, including segments on ESPN's College GameDay. Its imposing structure and the vibrant Garnet and Gold color scheme of the crowd provide a visually striking backdrop for national telecasts on networks like ABC and Fox Sports. The intense environment has been cited by many opposing players and coaches, including Steve Spurrier and Dabo Swinney, as one of the most challenging in college football.
Category:Football venues in Florida Category:Florida State University Category:Sports venues in Tallahassee, Florida Category:NCAA Division I FBS football venues