The Southern Illinois football team moved into the brand-new $29.9 million Saluki Stadium for the 2010 season, after playing the previous 73 seasons at historic McAndrew Stadium. SIU, which was ranked No. 5 in the nation at the time, opened Saluki Stadium on Sept. 2, 2010 with a 70-7 win over Quincy in front of a sellout crowd of 15,276.
At the time it was built, Saluki Stadium was the newest of 12 stadiums constructed by an FCS school since 2000*. The horseshoe-shaped facility has a seating capacity of 15,000.
Seating includes 1,080 prime chairback seats as well as spots on the grass berm enclosing the north end zone.
The two-story press box features 12 club suites, a 2,500-square foot VIP Club Room, along with traditional booths for radio, television, coaches and the print media. A 20x40 foot TS Sports scoreboard with video replay capabilities in the North end zone and expanded concessions and restrooms significantly enhance the fan experience.
FieldTurf, a Tarkett Sports Company, installed its Duraspine PRO turf system and its patented sand and rubber infill at Saluki Stadium. The top of the line artificial turf is the same that has been installed at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, and numerous other high-profile collegiate institutions and pro football organizations.
Saluki Stadium was a part of the $80 million Saluki Way Project, which included a renovation to the 46-year old SIU Arena and the construction of the Donald Boydston Center that features new football offices, an athletic training room and a 5,000-square foot locker room for the team.
360 Architecture designed Saluki Stadium and J.E. Dunn Construction was the general contractor.
A half-cent sales tax increase approval by the city of Carbondale along with an increase in student fees, private donations and the sale of 12 new club suites will pay for the balance of construction costs.
From the West
Take Interstate 64 East to Route 127 South (mile marker 50). Route 127 joins Route 13 at Pinckneyville (23 miles south of I-64). Take Route 13 into Carbondale. Make a right at US 51. Turn right on Saluki Boulevard. The stadium and arena are on your right.
From the North and East
Take Interstate 57, exit at Marion and go west on Route 13. Stay on Route 13 until crossing the railroad tracks in downtown Carbondale. Make a left at US 51. Turn right on Saluki Boulevard. The stadium and arena are on your right.
From the South
Take U.S. Highway 51 North to Saluki Boulevard. Make a left on Saluki Boulevard. The stadium and arena are on your right.
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