Provost Umphrey Stadium (previously Cardinal Stadium) is a 16,000-seat[1] multi-purpose stadium in Beaumont, Texas. The stadium is located next to the Montagne Center on the campus of Lamar University It is home to the Lamar Cardinals football team.
[edit] History
Cardinal Stadium, as it was original known, was completed in 1964 for a cost of $1,000,000. The stadium was built as the home of the Lamar Cardinals football team. In 1989 the Lamar disbanded their football team. During the years between 1989 and 2009 the stadium hosted the university soccer team as well as the Ozen High School football team. In 2009 the university started renovation on the newly named Provost Umphrey stadium for the return of football in 2010.[2] The original capacity of the stadium was 17,500, but to comply with federal regulations and add handicap accessibility, 1,500 seats were removed, bringing the current capacity to 16,000 seats. Provost Umphrey Stadium and the Lamar athletic complex were renovated for $30,000,000. The Stadium is currently home to one of the largest video boards in FCS football at 50' x 24'.
[edit] Donations and gifts
On November 10, 2008 the stadium became Provost Umphrey Stadium in recognition of a $3 million contribution to Lamar University from the Provost Umphrey law firm and an additional $1 million gift from Walter and Sheila Umphrey.[3]
On March 19, 2009, alumnus Dan F. Smith donated $6 million dollars to the University, $1 million of which was earmarked for the return of football. In recognition of this gift the press box will bear his name. The renovated press box will include a presidential booth with seating for 25; a kitchenette; a media center with seating for 32; a TV broadcast booth; two radio broadcast booths; restrooms; two camera decks, two coaches booths; scoreboard booth, and public address booth.[4]
On February 15, 2010 Education First Federal Credit Union donated $1 million to Lamar Athletics. In recognition for their support the 50' by 24' ft digital score board will permanently have Education First FCU displayed.[5]
On May 6, 2010, the Morgan Charitable Foundation on behalf of Glen and Teri Morgan donated an undisclosed amount of money to build the Morgan Suites on the south east side of the Montagne Center. Seven new suites will be built and will lease for $25,000 per year with a three-year commitment. The leases include 16 tickets to each home game and parking passes. Revenue from leasing the suites will go to support football scholarships. Each suite includes a bar with four stools overlooking two tiered rows of 6 seats each, a total of 16 seats. The suites will open to the front and will feature motorized windows that can be lowered as desired. Each suite includes a small refrigerator and cabinet space. Food and beverage service will be available through the university catering vendor at additional charge.[6]
[edit] Gallery
Provost Umphrey Stadium as seen from the Morgan Suites inside the Montagne Center
Provost Umphrey Stadium as seen from the east side
Provost Umphrey Stadium entrance
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50' x 24' video and score board
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View of the west side (home side) of Provost Umphrey Stadium
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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Coordinates: 30°2′35″N 94°4′12″W / 30.04306°N 94.07°W / 30.04306; -94.07
