Dr. Elliott T. Bowers

The stadium opened on Sept. 13, 1986, with a 23-6 victory over Montana State.

The largest crowd ever to see a game in Bowers Stadium (more than 16,000) watched Sam Houston State defeat nationally-ranked Alcorn State and future Super Bowl quarterback Steve "Air" McNair in 1994 in a contest aired on ABC-TV.

Since the stadium opened, the Bearkats produced a record of 81 victories, 40 losses and one tie in the facility.

Prior to the opening of Bowers Stadium, the Bearkats played in the old stone stadium at historic Pritchett Field.

Home to both Sam Houston State University's football and track programs, the stadium features a Real Grass Pro artificial surface installed during the summer of 2007.

The 27,000 square-foot Ron Mafrige Field House adjacent to the stadium contains athletic department administrative offices, three dressing rooms, training room, team meeting rooms, and the Sam Houston State University Athletics Learning Enhancement Center.

The video/scoreboard with replays plus special interviews and features on the Sam Houston football team was added in 2006.

Bowers Stadium also hosts several UIL high school football playoff games each season.

SEATING FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED FANS
Specially constructed areas are available to accommodate our physically challenged fans inside Bowers Stadium. Fans with disabilities may enter and proceed to the concourse level on either the west or east sides where seating is available. Parking is available in the southwest lot for fans possessing state-issued disabled person license plates or placards.

PUBLIC RESTROOMS
Public restrooms are clearly marked on the concourse levels on both the west and east sides. The restrooms are located on the north and south ends of the concession stands.

CONCESSION STANDS
There are two concession stands, one on each side of the stadium on the concourse level. Stadium regulations prohibit fans from bringing outside foot or drink into Bowers Stadium.

NOT PERMISSIBLE AT BOWERS STADIUM
The Bearkat athletic department wants to make your game experience as fun and enjoyable as possible.

In this regard, the athletic department asks for fan cooperation in adhering to the following facility rules:
   * No smoking
   * No pets
   * No outside food or drink
   * No umbrellas

These four restrictions are within University, Southland Conference and NCAA Division I guidelines and are enforced for the safety and comfort of our patrons.

Umbrellas are not allowed as their use obstructs the view of other spectators and is a safety hazard.

BOWERS STADIUM ELEVATOR POLICY

The elevator was designed as the primary means to get working press and suite guests into the pressbox.  Wheelchair and other special needs spectators will be accommodated on a case by case basis.

However, the handicart will still be operational for those spectators who just need a little extra assistance into the stadium. The elevator will not be an option for these individuals. The elevator was not implemented as a way to get fully-able fans to the concourse level.

Elevator service for suite guests with tickets will begin two hours prior to game time. Guests are requested to refrain from holding or propping open the doors as this will cause the elevator to shut down. Media and other press box personnel with heavy equipment are requested to complete their use of the elevator by at least two hours before kickoff.

An elevator operator will be on duty to control the elevator at all times. All patrons of the elevator are asked  to comply with any and all direction given by the operator of the elevator

MEREDITH & MIRIAM YORK TRACK & FIELD  CENTER

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