Saluki Stadium is a stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. It is primarily utilized by the Southern Illinois Salukis football team.

Saluki Stadium
Map
Location2 Arena Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901
Coordinates37°42′31″N 89°12′58″W / 37.7086°N 89.2162°W / 37.7086; -89.2162
OwnerSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
OperatorSouthern Illinois University Carbondale
Capacity15,000 (2010–present)
SurfaceFieldTurf
Construction
Broke groundMarch 3, 2009
OpenedAugust 24, 2010
Construction cost$25.3 million
($35.3 million in 2023 dollars[1])
Architect360 Architecture
Image Architects, Inc.[2]
Services engineerHenneman Engineering, Inc.[3]
General contractorJ. E. Dunn/Holland
Tenants
Southern Illinois Salukis (NCAA) (2010–present)
Saluki Stadium on October 16, 2021 vs North Dakota
Saluki Stadium from the suites
Saluki Stadium entrance

History edit

Construction on Saluki Stadium was completed in August 2010. The horseshoe-shaped stadium seats 15,000 spectators and hosts the school's American football program, replacing McAndrew Stadium.

McAndrew Stadium was built in 1938 and stood as the main track and football stadium for 73 years. It was replaced by Saluki Stadium in 2010. The demolition of McAndrew Stadium began and was completed in February 2011.

Saluki Stadium is part of the $83 million Saluki Way Project, which includes a major renovation to the 46-year-old SIU Arena and a new athletic support facility (that features new football offices and football locker rooms). The first event held at the stadium was an open house on August 24, 2010.[4] Southern Illinois christened its new stadium on September 2, 2010, with a game against Quincy.

Salukis Stadium itself is valued at $29.9 million. Along with the 15,000 seats, the stadium has a two-story press box with 12 club suites, a 2,500-square foot VIP Club Room, as well as booths for radio, television, coaches, and print media. A Daktronics video board and a new FieldTurf were also added in 2019. [5]

The stadium hosted a large watch party for the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse and did the same for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse.

Features edit

Seating includes 1,080 seat-back chairs as well as a capacity for nearly 2,500 on the grass berm enclosing the north end zone. The two-story press box features 12 club suites, a 2,500-square-foot (230 m2) VIP Club Room, along with traditional booths for radio, television, coaches, and the print media. A 20x40 foot scoreboard with video replay capabilities in the north end zone and expanded concessions and restrooms 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.

Attendance records edit

Rank Attendance Date Game Result
1 15,276 September 2, 2010 5 Southern Illinois 70, Quincy 7
2 13,356 October 9, 2010 21 Southern Illinois 45, 15 Northern Iowa 38 OT
3 13,271 September 24, 2011 14 Southern Illinois 20, Missouri State 18
4 13,170 September 27, 2014 17 Southern Illinois 34, Western Illinois 17
5 13,078 September 18, 2010 5 Southern Illinois 21, Southeast Missouri State 24
6 12,796 October 15, 2011 Southern Illinois 23, Youngstown State 35
7 12,166 September 29, 2012 Southern Illinois 3, Indiana State 24
8 11,927 October 21, 2023 12 Southern Illinois 10, 1 South Dakota State 17
9 11,886 September 26, 2015 Southern Illinois 34, 10 Liberty 13
10 11,408 September 28, 2013 Southern Illinois 27, Youngstown State 28
11 11,150 September 17, 2016 Southern Illinois 50, Murray State 17
12 11,136 October 16, 2010 15 Southern Illinois 10, South Dakota State 31
13 11,121 October 19, 2013 Southern Illinois 10, 1 North Dakota State 31
14 10,644 October 16, 2021 4 Southern Illinois 31, 22 North Dakota 28
15 10,575 October 13, 2012 Southern Illinois 34, Northern Iowa 31
16 10,385 September 13, 2014 20 Southern Illinois 50, Southeast Missouri State 23
17 10,359 September 30, 2023 10 Southern Illinois 33, Missouri State 20
18 10,255 October 25, 2014 20 Southern Illinois 26, 22 Indiana State 41
19 10,118 October 15, 2022 16 Southern Illinois 30, Western Illinois 7
20 10,038 September 7, 2013 Southern Illinois 37, 14 Eastern Illinois 40 2OT

Design edit

360 Architecture and Image Architects, Inc. designed Saluki Stadium and J. E. Dunn Construction Group/Holland Construction Services Joint Venture is the general contractor.[6]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  2. ^ "Holland, JE Dunn Start $83M SIU-C Athletic Complex". St. Louis Business Journal. February 2, 2009. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  3. ^ "New Football Stadium and Sports Facilities Southern Illinois University". Henneman Engineering, Inc. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  4. ^ "Samron Midwest Overcomes Cold, Wet Conditions to Drive New Football Stadium Over the Goal Line". Bobcat Company. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  5. ^ "Gameday Guide".
  6. ^ "Saluki Stadium". Southern Illinois Athletics. June 28, 2010. Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2013.

External links edit