Centennial Bank Stadium stands as a testament to Arkansas State University’s commitment to athletic excellence and fan experience. Home to the Arkansas State Red Wolves football team, this stadium has a rich history and has continually evolved to meet the needs of both athletes and fans. From its humble beginnings to its modern amenities, Centennial Bank Stadium embodies the spirit of Red Wolves football and the generous partnership with Centennial Bank.
A Legacy of Red Wolves Football at Allison Field
Opened in 1974, Centennial Bank Stadium, initially known as Indian Stadium, has been the heart of Arkansas State football for nearly five decades. The first game on September 28, 1974, marked the beginning of countless memorable moments on Allison Field, named in honor of Johnny Allison. While the inaugural game resulted in a loss against Louisiana Tech, the stadium soon witnessed its first Red Wolves victory just a week later against Eastern Michigan.
The stadium’s vital statistics speak to its significance:
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30,382 |
| Year Opened | 1974 |
| Field Name | Allison Field |
| Surface | GEO Surfaces Field Turf |
| First Game | Sept. 28, 1974 vs. Louisiana Tech |
| First A-State Victory | Oct. 5, 1974 vs. Eastern Michigan |
| All-Time Record | 163-82-1 (entering 2021 season) |
Allison Field, the playing surface within Centennial Bank Stadium, carries a distinguished name. Johnny Allison, a former Arkansas State letterman and a significant contributor to the university, is honored through this field designation. His connection to the 1968 football team and his service on the ASU Board of Trustees underscore his deep commitment to Arkansas State.
Continuous Enhancements for Players and Fans
Centennial Bank Stadium has undergone numerous renovations to enhance both player facilities and the fan experience. Recognizing the importance of top-tier facilities in attracting and developing student-athletes, Arkansas State has consistently invested in upgrading the stadium.
North End Zone Expansion: The Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center
A major milestone in the stadium’s evolution was the construction of the Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center in the north end zone, completed in 2019. This 66,500-square-foot, two-level facility significantly elevated the stadium’s capabilities.
The Operations Center prioritizes the student-athlete experience, housing:
- State-of-the-art Weight Room: Equipped with 18 power lift racks, inlaid platforms, a nutrition center, and modern cardio equipment, this facility, spearheaded by Assistant Athletics Director for Athletics Performance Jake Miller, is designed to maximize player strength and conditioning.
- Enhanced Training and Rehabilitation Area: Providing ample space and advanced equipment for sports medicine, this area ensures Red Wolves athletes receive top-notch medical care and rehabilitation services.
- New Team Locker Room: Spacious and modern, the locker room features customized lockers for each player and multiple media centers, creating a comfortable and technologically advanced environment.
- Position Meeting Rooms, Players’ Lounge, Academic Rooms, and Team Theater: These dedicated spaces support team strategy, player relaxation, academic support, and team meetings, fostering a holistic development environment.
For fans, the north end zone expansion introduced the Red Wolves Den, a premium outdoor seating area featuring loge boxes and terrace seating. This area offers premium food options and cash bars, creating an electric game-day atmosphere and enhancing the home field advantage.
Centennial Expansion Project: Press Box and West-Side Concourse Overhaul
Prior to the 2015 season, the “Centennial Expansion” project, made possible by a significant donation from Johnny Allison, transformed the stadium’s press box and west-side concourse. This 40,000-square-foot project included:
- Expanded Press Box: Growing from 7,120 to 36,000 square feet, the press box now extends from the 15-yard line to the 15-yard line, providing enhanced space for media, coaches, broadcasting, and game operations.
- Premium Seating Areas: The redesigned stadium face incorporated 42 loge boxes, 20 suites, a club area, and 344 club seats, creating revenue-generating premium experiences.
- Concourse Upgrades: Significant improvements to bathrooms, concessions, gating, and ticketing areas improved the game-day experience for all fans.
Technological Enhancements: Daktronics Video Scoreboard
In 2014, Arkansas State partnered with Daktronics Inc. to integrate cutting-edge technology into Centennial Bank Stadium. A large 1,600-square-foot LED video display scoreboard was installed in the south end zone, accompanied by a custom audio system, delay-of-game clocks, and locker room clocks. This enhanced the in-stadium experience with dynamic visuals and clear game information.
Field Surface Evolution
Centennial Bank Stadium has also seen upgrades to its playing surface. Transitioning from natural grass to artificial turf in 2006, the stadium further enhanced the field with state-of-the-art GEO Surfaces field turf in 2010 and again in 2016. This multi-use surface provides a consistent and high-quality playing field for football and other Arkansas State sports programs year-round.
South End Zone Football Complex
Adding to the stadium’s infrastructure, a three-story football complex was built in the south end zone in 2002. This followed a 1991 stadium expansion that increased seating capacity to over 30,000, demonstrating continuous growth and improvement.
Top Crowds and Game Day Excitement
Centennial Bank Stadium has hosted numerous passionate crowds, creating an electric atmosphere for Red Wolves football games. The top home crowds reflect the strong fan support:
| Crowd | Year | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 31,243 | 2012 | Middle Tennessee |
| 30,451 | 2013 | UAPB |
| 30,427 | 2004 | Memphis |
| 30,243 | 2012 | ULM |
| 29,872 | 2011 | Memphis |
| 29,465 | 1997 | Central Arkansas |
| 29,317 | 2014 | ULM |
| 29,143 | 2015 | Missouri |
| 29,029 | 2014 | Utah State |
| 28,041 | 2012 | Memphis |
These impressive attendance figures highlight the stadium’s role as a central gathering place for the Arkansas State community and Red Wolves fans. The continuous upgrades and expansions are aimed at further enhancing this game-day experience, ensuring Centennial Bank Stadium remains a premier destination for college football.
Centennial Bank: A Vital Partnership
The name “Centennial Bank Stadium” reflects a significant and enduring partnership. Centennial Bank’s $5 million sponsorship not only contributed to stadium enhancements but also extended the bank’s naming rights to 2037. This collaboration underscores Centennial Bank’s commitment to Arkansas State University and the surrounding community.
Centennial Bank’s investment has been instrumental in facilitating the stadium’s growth and modernization. The financial support has directly translated into improved facilities for student-athletes, enhanced fan experiences, and an elevated profile for Arkansas State University’s athletic program.
Looking Ahead
Centennial Bank Stadium stands as a symbol of progress and a source of pride for Arkansas State University. Its ongoing development ensures it will continue to be a top-tier venue for college football, attracting fans and supporting the success of the Red Wolves for years to come. The commitment to providing exceptional facilities, coupled with the strong partnership with Centennial Bank, positions Centennial Bank Stadium as a cornerstone of Arkansas State Athletics and a valuable asset to the university and the wider Jonesboro community.
