Jackson State Pushes for On-Campus Stadium to Elevate HBCU Football Experience

As the premier HBCU football program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Jackson State University has long dreamed of having its own state-of-the-art, on-campus stadium to elevate the gameday experience for its passionate Tiger fans. Now, a renewed legislative push could make that vision a reality.

Led by Mississippi Rep. Robert Johnson, House Bill 117 was recently introduced, aiming to secure $40 million in state funding to help Jackson State build a modern, campus-based football stadium. This latest effort builds upon previous proposals, including HB137 and SB 3151, which were introduced during the 2025 legislative session but ultimately did not advance.

As one of the annual leaders in FCS attendance, Jackson State has made the most of its current home at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. However, alumni and administrators are united in their desire to bring the Tigers' gameday experience closer to campus, creating a more intimate and engaging atmosphere for students, faculty, and the Jackson community.

"This bill's introduction was driven by alumni and administration who want a modern, on-campus stadium to enhance student life and attract more students," Rep. Johnson told local TV station WLBT.

Jackson State's football program has been a powerhouse within the HBCU landscape, led by legendary coach Deion "Prime Time" Sanders. The Tigers have been among the FCS attendance leaders in recent years, including a 2025 season that saw them average an impressive 28,733 fans per game.

"I'm not real excited about Jackson State building a football stadium," said Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves in 2022. "At most of our universities, they build stadiums through donations of alumni."

Despite some hesitation from state leadership, the Jackson State community remains steadfast in its pursuit of an on-campus football stadium. The proposed $40 million in state funding would serve as crucial seed money to kickstart the planning, design, and initial construction phases of the project.

HBCUConnect Perspective: The push for an on-campus stadium at Jackson State University represents a significant milestone for the HBCU sports landscape. Not only would it enhance the gameday experience for Tigers fans, but it would also serve as a powerful symbol of the growth and ambition of HBCU athletics. A modern, campus-based stadium would elevate Jackson State's profile, attract top-tier talent, and inspire other HBCUs to dream big and invest in their athletic facilities. This project is about more than just football - it's about elevating the entire HBCU community and showcasing the excellence that exists within these storied institutions.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.