Bridgeforth Stadium and Zane Showker Field

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Bridgeforth Stadium and Zane Showker Field form a multi-purpose stadium on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The facility currently has approximately 13,559 permanent seats, with additional endzone seating added during the football season. The Virginia Department of Planning and Budget has recently approved a $10 million budget to "renovate and expand Bridgeforth Stadium".^[1]

The stadium was built in 1975 and enlarged in 1981, it also contains racquetball courts and houses several classrooms. Originally named JMU Stadium, it was renamed in 1990 for William E. Bridgeforth, former member of the JMU Board of Visitors, and in 2003 the field was named in honor of JMU benefactor Zane Showker. In 2004, the facility added a new scoreboard with video features and in 2006 the old turf was replaced with FieldTurf. It is home to the James Madison University Dukes football team. The stadium is situated in the Lakeside area of campus and is adjacent to the new, multi-million dollar athletic performance center.

[edit] Stadium expansion

On January 11, 2008 during the James Madison University Board of Visitors’ meeting, university officials presented Phase I of the planned expansion for Bridgeforth Stadium.^[2]

Phase I features will include:

• The demolition of the existing west stands (Home side) of Bridgeforth Stadium and the re-construction of a two-tiered complex in its place.
• Construction of 4200 permanent seats, restrooms and concessions in the north end zone
• Additional phase I seating will total 9,100 bringing total capacity to 24,878
• New premium seating such as suites and club seats
• Additional seating that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Increased fan amenities such as concourses, concessions and restrooms
• Relocated press box in the west stands
• Increased stadium lighting

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2009 with the majority of the project work taking place during each off-season. The stadium expansion is set for completion prior to the 2011 season.

[edit] References

v • d • e Football stadiums of the Colonial Athletic Association Bridgeforth Stadium (James Madison) • Cowell Stadium (New Hampshire) • James M. Shuart Stadium (Hofstra) • Meade Stadium (Rhode Island) • Minnegan Field at Johnny Unitas Stadium (Towson) • Morse Field at Alfond Stadium (Maine) • Parsons Field (Northeastern) • Tubby Raymond Field at Delaware Stadium (Delaware) • University of Richmond Stadium (Richmond) • Villanova Stadium (Villanova) • Walter J. Zable Stadium at Cary Field (William & Mary) • Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium (Massachusetts)

v • d • e College football venues in Virginia Division I FBS ACC Lane Stadium (Virginia Tech) • Scott Stadium (Virginia) FCS Big South Alumni Memorial Stadium (VMI) • Williams Stadium (Liberty) CAA Bridgeforth Stadium (James Madison) • Foreman Field (Old Dominion) • University of Richmond Stadium (Richmond) • Walter J. Zable Stadium at Cary Field (William & Mary) MEAC Armstrong Stadium (Hampton) • Dick Price Stadium (Norfolk State) Division II CIAA Hovey Field (Virginia Union) • Rogers Stadium (Virginia State) • St. Paul’s Athletic Field (St. Paul's) Division III Atlantic Central Apprentice Field (The Apprentice School) ODAC Day Field (Randolph-Macon) • Fullerton Field (Emory & Henry) • Jopson Field (Bridgewater) • Lewis C. Everett Stadium (Hampden-Sydney) • Wilson Field (Washington & Lee) USA South Hawkins Bradley Stadium (Averett) • Pomoco Stadium (Christopher Newport) • Shentel Stadium (Shenandoah) • W.B. Adams Stadium (Ferrum) NAIA Mid-South Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium (Virginia-Wise) Independent Lancer Stadium & Robert E. Williams Stadium (Southern Virginia) Salem Football Stadium