From a maximum capacity of 15,000 in 1953 to record crowds of 80,000 and more, to near record setting crowds almost every home game, Doak Campbell Stadium has risen alongside the Florida State football program. Since the stadium’s opening on October 7, 1950 millions of fans have packed the stadium to see the finest in college football action. Florida State first began play at Centennial Field for the inaugural 1947 season. In the three seasons that Florida State called Centennial Field their home, FSU had an overall home record of 8-4. Named for Doak S. Campbell, a past president of Florida State University, the stadium sits adjacent to the Moore Athletic Center on Pensacola Street and Stadium Drive. It has a Prescription Athletic Turf (PAT) system installed in 1988 and reseeded over the summers. It quickly alleviates any drainage problems through a series of underground pumps. The field can go from seemingly flooded, to merely wet in a matter of minutes. Once known as the giant erector set because of it’s once open steel gurder support system, the stadium is now one of the finest of any college due to numerous changes. The most recent beng the giant television screen named the War Board. The one change that didn’t catch on that some fans may remember, was the giant flaming lance, that would light up further and further towards the top as the crowd noise got louder. It was taken down after just a few seasons and is now in storage. But there is one tradition we don’t want to get rid of. Our winning record at home!
The first FSU football game played at Doak Campbell Stadium happened on October 7th, 1950 when FSU beat visiting Randolph-Macon by a score of 40-7.
The first FSU football game played at Doak Campbell Stadium happened on October 7th, 1950 when FSU beat visiting Randolph-Macon by a score of 40-7.