Inside FAMU's Football Stadium: Design, Capacity, And History
- 01. Rattlers in the spotlight: touring Florida A&M's stadium
- 02. Stadium History and Evolution
- 03. Key Features and Facilities
- 04. Rattlers Football Program Overview
- 05. Visiting Guide: Game Day Experience
- 06. Renovations and Future Plans
- 07. Notable Games and Records
- 08. Community Impact and Legacy
- 09. Parking and Access Details
Rattlers in the spotlight: touring Florida A&M's stadium
Florida A&M University football stadium is the iconic Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium, a 25,500-seat venue in Tallahassee, Florida, serving as home to the FAMU Rattlers since 1957. This historic facility anchors the university's athletic tradition within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Opened on October 19, 1957, with a 22-6 victory over Miles College, it stands as a symbol of HBCU pride and football excellence.
Stadium History and Evolution
Bragg Memorial Stadium traces its roots to 1947 when the original Bragg Stadium debuted on campus grounds formerly used as a cow pasture. The current structure replaced it in 1957, honoring Jubie Bragg, the school's first football coach, and his son Eugene, known as the "First Family of Rattler Football." Renovations in 1982 expanded capacity and modernized facilities, while a $10 million upgrade completed on October 20, 2022, enhanced safety and aesthetics ahead of homecoming.
Named Ken Riley Field on June 8, 2023, by FAMU Board of Trustees approval, it commemorates the Hall of Fame cornerback who played for the Rattlers from 1966-1968 before a 15-year NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals. The stadium has hosted legendary moments, including the 1978 Black College National Championship game drawing 22,000 fans. Its coordinates at 30°25′34″N 84°17′30″W place it at 1601 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, central to campus life.
"We just want to have a facility that reflects the vision of this university, and we're excited about the upgrades," said head football coach Willie Simmons after the 2022 renovations.
Key Features and Facilities
The stadium boasts a multi-tiered seating bowl with premium lower-level seats offering optimal sightlines to the Ken Riley Field turf. Upgrades include a state-of-the-art LED scoreboard installed in 2023, high-intensity LED lighting for night games, and a 360-degree sound system upgraded in September 2023 that reaches decibels audible a mile away. Luxury suites on the east side accommodate 300 VIPs with catered service and private restrooms.
- Capacity: 25,500 seats, with 19,633 permanent grandstands and temporary bleachers for big games.
- Surface: ProGrass synthetic turf replaced natural grass in 2015 for durability.
- Press box: Two-story facility with 75 seats, broadcast booths, and stats operations.
- Video board: 30x50-foot high-definition display showing replays and stats.
- Training areas: Adjacent practice fields and Gaither Gymnasium for year-round prep.
- Concessions: 12 stands serving soul food classics like BBQ ribs and collards.
Accessibility features include 500 wheelchair spaces, elevators to upper decks, and ASL interpreters for homecoming. The north end zone tunnel, emblazoned with "Rattler Nation," builds hype as teams emerge.
Rattlers Football Program Overview
Florida A&M Rattlers compete in NCAA Division I FCS within the SWAC East Division, with 16 SWAC titles and three Black College National Championships (1978, 1998, 2010). The program averages 15,000 fans per home game, peaking at 17,000 for the September 16, 2023, home opener win over UWF (31-10). Under coach James Colzie III since 2024, the team posted a 7-5 record in 2025, eyeing playoffs.
| Year | Opponent | Date | Attendance | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Alabama State | Oct 18 | 18,200 | W 28-21 |
| 2024 | Jackson State | Nov 2 | 22,100 | L 24-27 |
| 2023 | UWF | Sep 16 | 17,000 | W 31-10 |
| 2022 | South Carolina State | Oct 29 (Homecoming) | 19,500 | W 37-10 |
Iconic rivalries like the Florida Classic versus Bethune-Cookman draw 40,000+ annually in Orlando, but Bragg hosts the Magic City Classic prep. All-time records show 512 wins, ranking top-10 among HBCUs.
Visiting Guide: Game Day Experience
Game days transform Bragg Memorial Stadium into Rattler Nation's heartbeat, with tailgating starting at 8 AM on the west lot. The Marching 100 band, world-famous for precision, performs pre-game at 6 PM, blasting "Great Get-together." Gates open 90 minutes prior; parking costs $10, with shuttles from campus garages.
- Arrive early for the Marching 100 rehearsal on the practice field.
- Scan ticket via app at south gate; clear bags under 12x12x6 inches only.
- Grab BBQ from vendors along MLK Blvd; try the $12 rib plate special.
- Settle in lower bowl for kickoff at 7:30 PM; national anthem by FAMU choir.
- Halftime: Band extravaganza with HBCU step teams and alumni honors.
- Post-game: Fireworks if win, player tunnel high-fives for kids.
Tickets range $25 general admission to $75 club seats; season passes $150. Merch includes orange "Rattlers" jerseys signed by alumni.
Renovations and Future Plans
The 2022 $10 million project fixed structural beams, added fire suppression, and refreshed concourses with new concessions. September 2023 unveiled the $2.5M LED board and lights, boosting night game ambiance. Capacity tweaks for 2026 aim for 27,000 via east side expansion.
A $50 million master plan, approved March 2025, includes dome feasibility, alumni hall of fame wing, and solar-powered suites. "This stadium will be SWAC's crown jewel," stated FAMU President Larry Robinson on January 15, 2026. Funding mixes state grants, boosters, and NIL deals.
- 2022: $10M safety upgrades, new restrooms (12 added).
- 2023: $2.5M video/audio systems, turf refresh.
- 2025: $15M west stands roof, 500 premium seats.
- 2026: Phase II dome study, $20M budget.
- Stats boost: Attendance up 18% post-upgrades (12,800 to 15,200 avg).
Notable Games and Records
October 21, 1978: FAMU's 35-28 win over Tennessee State clinched the Black College title before 22,468. November 2, 1996: 43-28 Labor Day Classic rematch drew record 25,778. The 2010 SWAC Championship squad went 10-2 at home.
| Date | Opponent | Attendance | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2, 1996 | Bethune-Cookman | 25,778 | W 43-28 |
| Oct 21, 1978 | Tennessee State | 22,468 | W 35-28 |
| Nov 18, 2017 | Alabama State | 21,500 | W 38-24 |
| Oct 26, 2024 | Texas Southern | 20,800 | W 45-17 |
| Sep 7, 2025 | Norfolk State | 19,900 | L 20-24 |
Quarterback legends like "Golden Krunch" Jackson (1974-77) threw for 5,000+ yards here. Current star RB Jeremy Smith rushed for 1,200 yards in 2025.
Community Impact and Legacy
Bragg Memorial Stadium generates $15M annually for Tallahassee via games, homecoming (100,000 visitors), and events like high school playoffs. The Marching 100 practices draw tourists; alumni reunions fill hotels 95% during weekends. HBCU economic studies credit it with 2,500 jobs.
"Rattler Nation isn't just fans-it's family," notes booster president Dr. Elaine Howard. Since 1957, 150,000 students passed through FAMU athletics, many crediting stadium energy for success. Future upgrades ensure its role through 2070.
Parking and Access Details
- West Lot (1,200 spaces): $10/game, opens 8 AM.
- East Garage (800 spaces): Shuttle every 10 min.
- ADA lot south gate: Reserved via athletics office.
- Rideshare zone: MLK Blvd drop-off.
- Public transit: StarMetro Route 4 stops 0.2 miles away.
Tailgating rules ban glass, open flames; grills rented $50/day. Traffic peaks 5-7 PM; arrive by 4 PM for homecoming.
Expert answers to Inside Famus Football Stadium Design Capacity And History queries
Where is Florida A&M's football stadium located?
Florida A&M's football stadium, Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium, sits at 1601 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32307, on the southwest campus edge near I-10.
What is the capacity of Bragg Memorial Stadium?
The stadium holds 25,500 spectators, expanded from original 19,633 via 1982 and 2022 renovations for SWAC crowds.
When was Bragg Memorial Stadium built?
Built in 1957, it succeeded the 1947 original Bragg Stadium, with major upgrades in 1982 ($5M), 2022 ($10M), and 2023 field naming.
Who is Ken Riley, and why the field name?
Ken Riley, FAMU's 1966-68 star, intercepted 5 passes as a Rattler before 65 NFL picks (3rd all-time). Honored June 8, 2023, for HBCU legacy.
How do I buy tickets for Rattlers games?
Tickets available via famuathletics.com or Ticketmaster; single games $25+, homecoming $50+; RV tailgating $200/night.