Bridgeforth Stadium and Zane Showker Field

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".cite web
url = http://dpb.virginia.gov/Budget/vabud/vabud.cfm?vTable=C&vBiennium=2006-2008&vSecretary=Educa&vSort=N
title = Capital Projects
accessdate = 2007-11-15
format = HTML
publisher = Virginia Department of Planning and Budget
language = English]

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.

tadium 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.cite web
url = http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14400&ATCLID=1366904
title = JMU presents plans for Bridgeforth Stadium expansion
accessdate = 2008-01-13
format = HTML
publisher = JMUSports.com
language = English]

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.

External links

* [http://www.championshipsubdivisionnews.com/?disp=fcsmap Interactive Map Of FCS College Football Stadiums] : Click on the James Madison Logo to get a satellite view & directions to the stadium

References