Bridgeforth Stadium, home of the James Madison University Dukes football team, is one of the premier facilities in the NCAA‘s Football Championship Subdivision. With a seating capacity of 25,000 passionate fans and top-notch amenities, Bridgeforth creates an electrifying atmosphere on gamedays in Harrisonburg. Here is an in-depth guide to everything you need to know about the size and features of this impressive stadium.
By the Numbers: Seating Capacity and Record Crowds
With 25,000 seats, Bridgeforth ranks among the larger FCS venues. The official capacity breaks down as follows:
- Lower bowl: 12,000 seats
- Upper deck: 6,000 seats
- Club section: 7,000 seats
- 15 luxury suites with 12-18 seats each
- 4 youth-league boxes
The stadium has been filled to the brim on numerous occasions. The attendance record was set in 2019 when 25,698 screaming Dukes fans packed the stands for a rivalry showdown vs Villanova.
Several other memorable capacity crowds:
- 25,031 – Playoff game vs North Dakota State in 2017
- 25,000 – Regular season matchup vs Richmond in 2004
- 24,877 – Home opener vs NC State in 2019
The passionate JMU fan base turns Bridgeforth into one of the best home field advantages in the FCS. Opposing teams have to contend with crowds reaching over 25,000 loud and proud Dukes supporters!
Stadium Dimensions, Layout, and Playing Surface
In addition to seating capacity, Bridgeforth Stadium measures:
- Length: 630 feet
- Width: 740 feet
The field itself runs 120 yards long by 53.3 yards wide, with 10 yard end zones.
The stadium features a natural grass playing surface composed of Bermuda grass. Having a grass field allows for greater durability with the stadium‘s busy event schedule. The field gets plenty of sunlight thanks to an open southeast orientation.
Seating sections are named for key figures in JMU history, including former coaches and star players. The student section, known as "The Dog Pound," is located behind the south end zone. This creates an energetic atmosphere right along the goal line.
Premium club seats lie between the 40 yard lines on the press box side. 15 suites occupy the middle section of the west grandstand.
Renovations and Expansions Over the Years
Bridgeforth Stadium opened on September 20, 1975 with a capacity of 15,000 seats. The facility was constructed at a cost of $3.9 million.
Major expansions came in:
- 1990: Capacity grew to 20,000 with new upper deck seating
- 2011: Seating increased to 25,000 after a $62.5 million renovation. This included construction of:
- The 7,000 seat club level
- 15 luxury suites
- Improved media facilities
Luxury amenities were added through the years including new video boards and premium seating. In 2018, JMU announced a $10 million project to further upgrade club and suite options for donors and alumni.
These renovations not only enhanced the fan experience, but also laid the groundwork for a potential jump to the elite FBS level down the road.
Premium Seats and Suite Options
In addition to general admission seating, Bridgeforth Stadium offers premium, upgraded seating:
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Club Level Seating: 7,000 chairback seats in the club section located between the 30 yard lines. Club ticket holders get exclusive access to the 12,000 square foot Madison Club Lounge which offers:
- Premium food and drinks
- Flat screen TVs
- Private restrooms
- Indoor/outdoor club spaces
- 15 Private Suites: Luxury boxes accommodate between 12 and 18 fans each. Suites come equipped with HDTVs and premium audio in an indoor lounge space. Outdoor suite seating overlooks the field.
- 4 Youth-League Boxes: These mini-suites cater to local youth league fans and families. They provide a comfortable separate space with great views.
- Loge Boxes: Located on the front row of the press box upper level. Fans enjoy padded seats and access to a private lounge with concessions.
With seating options for groups of all sizes, Bridgeforth provides premier accommodations coupled with a prime vantage point of Dukes action on the field.
VIDEO: Take a Virtual Tour of Bridgeforth Stadium
Gameday Atmosphere and Amenities
Bridgeforth Stadium brings an unbeatable atmosphere on Saturdays in the fall thanks to amenities like:
- Video scoreboards: Massive high def screens at both ends of the stadium keep fans engaged with replays, stats, and graphics.
- Premium sound: A state-of-the-art audio system pumps up the crowd during pre-game, timeouts, and big plays.
- Concessions: Classic stadium fare like burgers, pizza, hot dogs, nachos, and more are available throughout the concourses.
- Dukes Dining: The Madison Club Lounge provides upscale buffet options for club seat holders.
- Merchandise: Stop by the JMU team store in the stadium or vendors around the concourse for the latest Dukes apparel and gear.
- Parking: Car parking is available in lots surrounding the stadium. Shuttle buses run from outer lots to the stadium entrance.
- Tailgating: Fans arrive early to set up tents and grill in the parking lots. Live music and TVs help keep the pregame party going for hours.
Bridgeforth provides everything needed for an outstanding gameday: comfort, convenience, and community. And of course, the chance to cheer on your Dukes surrounded by 25,000 screaming fans!
Transportation and Directions
Bridgeforth Stadium sits close to the heart of JMU‘s campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Directions and transportation options include:
- Driving: Bridgeforth Stadium is located just off Interstate 81. Take exit 245 and follow signs to the stadium entrance.
- Parking: On-campus parking lots open 4 hours before kickoff. Shuttles are available from overflow lots.
- Ridesharing: Dropoff/pickup available at Entrance B. Access from Carrier Drive.
- Biking: Bike racks are available outside the stadium for free.
- Walking: The stadium sits close to campus dorms and tailgating areas for easy walking access.
With options ranging from parking passes to rideshares to shuttles from outer lots, getting to and from Bridgeforth is a breeze on gameday.
Ticket Prices and Seating Options
JMU offers a range of seating choices at Bridgeforth Stadium to fit different budgets and needs:
- Single Game Tickets: Priced at $25 for adults, $18 youth, and $18 seniors bought ahead of time. Limited general admission may also be available at the box office on gameday.
- Club Level: Club seats are sold at a premium price but include access to exclusive lounge areas.
- Student Tickets: Students can purchase special discounted single game tickets for $30 each. Tickets come with a free student designed t-shirt.
- Season Tickets: Packages for the full 6-game home schedule start around $135 for reserved sideline seats. Significant savings versus buying individually.
- Group Tickets: Groups of 10+ can take advantage of discounted bulk ticket pricing. Perfect for clubs, organizations, families, etc.
- Theme Games/Promotions: Special value deals offered for select games like a Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night.
With options ranging from discounted student deals to season passes, JMU aims to make home games accessible for all fans.
Beyond Football: Events and Community Usage
While JMU football games make up the bulk of the calendar, Bridgeforth gets utilized year-round:
- University events like graduation ceremonies and freshman convocation
- Local high school football games and state playoffs
- Major concerts – Acts like Kenny Chesney and Pink have played here
- Festivals, fairs, and fireworks displays
- Youth football camps and clinics
The stadium‘s retractable stands allow for quick conversion to stage floors or exhibition space. Events can spread out onto the turf field.
Combined with its downtown location and proximity to campus, Bridgeforth serves as an invaluable community asset beyond just Saturdays in the fall.
Debating a Move to the FBS Level
As one of the top programs in the FCS, could a move up to the elite FBS level ever be in the cards for JMU football? There are compelling cases on both sides:
The Case For Moving Up:
- Increased prestige at the highest level of NCAA football
- Ability to compete for a New Year‘s 6 bowl game and national title
- Attract better recruits with FBS status
- Generate more revenue through bigger TV contracts and bowl payouts
- Opportunity to join a conference like the Sun Belt
- Existing fan passion would translate to strong FBS attendance
- Academic reputation would appeal to a strong FBS conference
The Case For Staying Put:
- Budget increases required for larger FBS rosters and staff salaries
- Expansion costs for stadium, facilities, and infrastructure
- Questionable whether fan support could sustain consistent high FBS attendance numbers
- Not a given JMU would consistently compete and win at the FBS level
- Loss of rivalries with FCS opponents
- Additional costs like increased travel in a new FBS conference
JMU must weigh excitement vs economics if considering this move. But Bridgeforth‘s renovations have kept that door open.
Final Thoughts on Bridgeforth Stadium
With its 25,000 seats full of purple-clad fans igniting the Saturday night atmosphere, Bridgeforth Stadium stands as one of the FCS‘ premier football venues. The recent expansions and luxury additions have Bridgeforth poised for even greater things ahead.
As both an elite football facility and a versatile hub for campus life, Bridgeforth enriches the entire Harrisonburg community. Here‘s hoping this storied stadium continues to play host to many more thrilling gridiron battles as the Dukes march onward and upward!
