Jackson State Aims to Build New On-Campus Stadium, Bolstering HBCU Pride

In a renewed push to elevate the Jackson State Tigers' football program, the Mississippi Legislature is considering a plan to provide $40 million in state funds as seed money for the construction of a new multi-purpose stadium on the HBCU's campus.

State Representative Robert Johnson has introduced House Bill 117, which would kickstart the planning, design, and early construction phases of this highly anticipated project, set to begin in July.

The concept of a new on-campus stadium for Jackson State is not entirely new, as similar attempts have been made in recent years, including 2025's HB137 and 2022's Senate Bill 3151. However, this latest iteration of the plan seems to have gained more traction, with a state-funded feasibility study pointing to an on-campus site as the top option.

Representative Johnson acknowledged that the plan has faced resistance in the past due to cost concerns and the state's history of limited investment in athletic facilities. But he remains optimistic about the prospects of this year's version, stating that it "has legs" after years of efforts to get the project off the ground.

Currently, the Jackson State Tigers play their home games at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, which opened in 1950 and has been owned and operated by the university since 2011.

However, the future of the "Thee Vet," as it's affectionately known, remains uncertain. In the past, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has expressed interest in acquiring and redeveloping the property. Representative Johnson indicated that UMMC's plans may have shifted, creating uncertainty around the long-term future of the current stadium site.

"The money gap is still massive. Johnson estimated a new stadium could cost roughly $250 million—far beyond what the state appropriation would cover. He said the remaining funds would need to be raised privately, and referenced significant corporate sponsorship interest, along with support discussed by previous administrations."

The proposed new stadium would seat between 30,000 to 35,000 fans, aligning closely with Jackson State's current average attendance of 28,733 in 2025, which placed them among the national leaders in FCS attendance.

HBCUConnect Perspective: The potential construction of a new on-campus stadium for the Jackson State Tigers represents a significant opportunity for the HBCU community to come together and celebrate the rich tradition and promising future of the program. This project not only provides a state-of-the-art facility for the student-athletes to showcase their talents, but it also serves as a symbol of the unwavering resilience and pride that define the HBCU experience. By investing in the infrastructure and resources of Jackson State's football program, the state of Mississippi can demonstrate its commitment to supporting the growth and success of its HBCU institutions, which have long been bastions of academic excellence, social justice, and community empowerment.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.