Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium

Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium at Jimmy Feix Field is a 22,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Bowling Green, in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It is home to the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers football team.

Houchens Industries–LT Smith Stadium
"The Houch"
Outside of LT Smith Stadium, October 2013
Houchens Industries–LT Smith Stadium is located in Kentucky
Houchens Industries–LT Smith Stadium
Houchens Industries–LT Smith Stadium
Location in Kentucky
Houchens Industries–LT Smith Stadium is located in the United States
Houchens Industries–LT Smith Stadium
Houchens Industries–LT Smith Stadium
Location in the United States
LocationBowling Green, KY
Coordinates36°59′5″N 86°27′34″W
OwnerWestern Kentucky University
OperatorWestern Kentucky University
Capacity19,250 (1968–1989)
17,500 (1990–2007)
22,113 (2008–present)[1]
Record attendance25,171 (Sept. 25, 2021)
SurfaceFieldTurf (2009–present)
Astroplay (2002–2008)
Grass (1968–2001)
Construction
Opened1968
Renovated2008
Construction cost$2.7 million
$50 million (renovation)
ArchitectRyan Associated Architects
Heery International & Taylor-Whitney Architects (renovation)
Tenants
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (NCAA) (1968–present)

History

When the stadium was built in 1968 it seated 19,250 fans. The facility was expanded to a seating capacity of 22,000 in a project that was completed in 2008. This was planned to prepare for the Hilltoppers' move to the highest level of NCAA football competition, Division I FBS (formerly known as Division I-A), completed in 2009. However, the facility remains one of the smallest stadiums in the FBS.[2]

Renovations

A 1989 renovation reduced the seating capacity to 17,500 seats. Lights were installed in 1987 and an Astroplay playing surface was installed in 2002. On July 19, 2007, WKU reported that Houchens Industries, a long-time corporate supporter of WKU, made a $5 million commitment to an expansion and renovation project for the school's football stadium. In honor of the gift, WKU added Houchens Industries to the name of L. T. Smith Stadium. Today, the stadium is now titled as Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium.

Notable events

Smith Stadium has been the site of marching band competitions, high school football games, the university's graduation ceremonies and the Special Olympics. Starting in 2009, it became the site of Kentucky's high school football championship games, which had been previously held at the current Cardinal Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisville. Although the contract with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) had been extended through 2018,[3] the KHSAA decided to move the championships away from WKU in 2017. One of the reasons cited was the Hilltoppers' recent football success, specifically their hosting of the 2015 and 2016 Conference USA championship games, which forced the rescheduling of several high school championship games on short notice. Accordingly, the 2017 and 2018 KHSAA championships were moved to the University of Kentucky's Kroger Field.[4]

Record crowds
Highest attendance at
Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium
Rank Attendance Opponent Date
125,171IndianaSept. 25, 2021
223,674VanderbiltSept. 24, 2016
323,252Southern MissSept. 22, 2012
422,323Louisiana–MonroeOct. 20, 2012
522,297Murray StateSept. 21, 2013
620,973Morgan StateSept. 29, 2018
720,811MarshallSept. 29, 2018
820,772IndianaSept. 18, 2010
920,568South FloridaSept. 12, 2009
1020,428Eastern KentuckyOct. 26, 1968

Homecoming 2012:

Homecoming 2013:

See also

References
  1. "Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium". wkusports.com. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  2. L. T. Smith Stadium
  3. "KHSAA Extends Football Championship Agreement With Russell Athletic, Western Kentucky University Through 2018" (Press release). Kentucky High School Athletic Association. November 18, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  4. "Board of Control Addresses Championship Sites for Football, Girls' Basketball, Dance" (Press release). Kentucky High School Athletic Association. May 10, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
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