Centennial Bank Stadium, a prominent feature of Jonesboro, Arkansas, has been the proud home of the Arkansas State University Red Wolves football team since 1974. This stadium, deeply interwoven with the spirit of both the university and the Jonesboro community, stands as a testament to growth, continuous improvement, and strong local partnerships, notably with Centennial Bank.
Originally opened on September 28, 1974, Centennial Bank Stadium has expanded and modernized significantly from its initial capacity of 16,343 seats. Today, it boasts a seating capacity of 30,406, reflecting decades of dedicated investment in creating a top-tier athletic venue. These expansions underscore the commitment of Arkansas State University and the surrounding community to fostering a vibrant and successful football program.
The playing surface at Centennial Bank Stadium has also seen significant advancements. Initially a grass field, the stadium transitioned to artificial turf before the 2006 season. This upgrade was further enhanced in 2010 with the installation of a state-of-the-art GEO Surfaces field turf. This modern surface not only provides a consistent and durable playing field for the Red Wolves but also features striking visual elements. The field proudly displays a large A-State logo at its center, complemented by red end zones emblazoned with white “ARKANSAS STATE” lettering. Further enhancing the aesthetic are Red Wolves logos and Sun Belt Conference logos located on the 25-yard lines, along with a sleek black trim outlining the field. This multi-purpose surface supports year-round training for various A-State sports, highlighting its value beyond just football.
A major milestone in the stadium’s development was the construction of a three-story football complex in the south end zone in 2002. This followed an earlier expansion in 1991 that dramatically increased seating capacity from 16,343 to over 30,000. These structural additions have been crucial in accommodating growing fan support and providing enhanced facilities for the football program.
Centennial Bank Stadium also features a comprehensive multi-level press box, a vital hub for media operations, coaching staff, and game day management. This press box houses media areas, coaching booths, broadcasting locations, a video control booth, camera areas, suites, and a club area. It is the nerve center for game day operations and media coverage, ensuring smooth communication and high-quality broadcasting.
In a significant development, a $5 million donation from alumnus Johnny Allison, the largest individual donation in A-State Athletics history, fueled the “Centennial Expansion” project. This ambitious construction and renovation project focused on the stadium’s press box and west-side concourse during a recent offseason. This donation underscores the strong connection between Centennial Bank and Arkansas State University, demonstrating a shared commitment to enhancing the university’s athletic facilities.
The Centennial Expansion project encompassed a substantial 40,000 square feet, with a complete overhaul of the press box, expanding it from 7,120 to an impressive 36,000 square feet. The redesigned face of the stadium now incorporates 42 loge boxes, 20 suites, a club area spanning nearly 8,000 square feet, and 344 club seats in its premium, revenue-generating sections. This expansion has not only modernized the stadium but also created enhanced hospitality and viewing experiences for fans and supporters.
The expanded press box now stretches from approximately the 15-yard line to the 15-yard line, significantly improving facilities for media, coaching staff, broadcasting teams, video control, visiting athletic directors, and camera operations. This expanded space allows for more efficient and comfortable working environments for all personnel involved in game day operations and media coverage.
Beyond the press box, the Centennial Expansion included substantial upgrades to the concourse areas. Improvements to bathrooms, concessions, gating, and ticketing areas have significantly enhanced the overall game-day experience for all Arkansas State fans. These upgrades focus on improving fan comfort, convenience, and accessibility, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone attending Red Wolves games.
Centennial Bank Stadium Facts & Figures:
- Opened: 1974
- Original cost: $2,500,000 (with $1.4 million raised by friends and alumni)
- Original Capacity: 16,343 (revised to 18,709 in 1980)
- Current Capacity: 30,382 (after 1991 enlargement and 2015 revision due to construction)
- Surface: Field turf (installed 2006/2010), formerly Bermuda grass (through 2005)
- Largest Crowd: 31,243 (December 1, 2012 vs. Middle Tennessee)
- Best Average Season Attendance: 26,398 in 2012
- First Game: September 28, 1974 (Louisiana Tech 21, A-State 7)
- First A-State Victory: October 5, 1974 (A-State 14, Eastern Michigan 7)
- Dedication Game: November 2, 1974 (A-State 17, Northeast Louisiana 14)
Centennial Bank Stadium stands as a cornerstone of Arkansas State University and a source of pride for Jonesboro. Its continuous evolution reflects a commitment to providing a premier venue for college football and a vibrant gathering place for the community. The partnership with Centennial Bank further solidifies its role as a key landmark in Jonesboro, Arkansas, representing the strong ties between local institutions and community development.
