At a recent Florida State Board of Trustees meeting, a unique gesture highlighted the ongoing renovations at Doak Campbell Stadium. Board Chair Peter Collins provided a tangible piece of Seminoles history to fellow trustees by distributing rocks collected from the demolition of the venerable stadium. The small pieces of debris served as mementos of the massive 18-month construction project underway, sparking laughter and perhaps a bit of nostalgia among the board members.
Florida State University has embarked on an ambitious journey to revamp its iconic sports venue, a project that began with the dismantling of the West sideline bleachers. This significant overhaul is poised to transform the historic stadium into a state-of-the-art facility for the Seminoles and their fans.
Despite the construction, FSU’s athletic director, Michael Alford, revealed plans to offer fans a unique opportunity to own a part of the original stadium. In partnership with Steiner Sports, now a subsidiary of Fanatics, a variety of memorabilia pieces will be made available for purchase. These items range from actual bricks and metal bleacher portions to signage and chairs, all remnants of the stadium’s prior glory.
Alford hinted at the possibility of incorporating stadium fragments into more accessible items such as drink coasters, enabling a broader spectrum of fans to hold onto a piece of FSU history. While specifics remain under wraps, the promise of such memorabilia has sparked anticipation among the Seminole faithful.
Steiner Sports, known for offering authentic pieces from notable venues like Notre Dame’s football stadium and Kentucky’s Memorial Coliseum, is expected to provide a similar array of options for Doak Campbell Stadium enthusiasts. Though the end of the renovation project is set for August 2025, the allure of owning a piece of the old stadium is already generating buzz.
In the meantime, the Seminoles have navigated the challenges presented by the renovation, ensuring that the 2024 home games proceed as scheduled. Despite reduced seating capacity, fans can look forward to experiencing the revamped stadium environment with seating numbers in the mid to high 50,000s this fall. Additionally, the upcoming spring game on April 20 will offer a limited but eager audience a sneak peek into the future of Doak Campbell Stadium.
The unique initiative to distribute pieces of the dismantled stadium underscores a broader effort to bridge the old with the new. As FSU fans eagerly await the completion of the renovations and the opportunity to claim their piece of Seminoles history, the project represents a melding of tradition and progress, ensuring that the spirit of Doak Campbell Stadium lives on even as its physical form evolves.
