Shawnee State University is rolling out plans to breathe new life into the historic stadium, turning it into a modern home for football, events, and community pride. And the upgrades? They’re not small.
What’s Getting Fixed, Built, and Upgraded
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s coming:
- A brand-new playing surface (goodbye worn-out turf)
- Fresh track resurfacing
- New locker rooms for both home and visiting teams
- Repairs and upgrades to the grandstands and seating
- A bigger, improved press box (VIP suites could come later)
- New parking areas and safer walkways
- A cleaned-up, improved main entrance
- Upgrades to the concourse (where fans walk, snack, and gather)
- Possible museum to celebrate the stadium’s history
- Potential new weight room and coaches’ offices
- Repairs to walls, fencing, and the overall structure
When it’s all said and done, the stadium will seat about 8,500 people — big enough for game days, but still keeping that hometown feel.
The Price Tag
The renovation is expected to cost somewhere between $7 million and $10 million — a serious investment aimed at long-term growth for the university and the city.
Funding for the project will come from private donations, meaning community and regional support will play a major role in bringing these plans to life. The university is expected to launch a capital campaign soon, with more details on how to support the project coming in the near future.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about fixing up an old stadium. It’s about bringing football — and energy — back to Portsmouth.
Earlier this year, Shawnee State announced Mark Snyder as the school’s first-ever head football coach. The university is moving to NCAA Division II and joining the Mountain East Conference, with football kicking off in fall 2028.
And Spartan Stadium will be right at the center of it all.
A Stadium With Real History
This place isn’t just old — it’s legendary.
- Built starting in 1928
- Home to the Portsmouth Spartans, one of the original NFL teams
- Site of a 1932 win over the Green Bay Packers before the league’s first playoff game
- Later renamed Spartan Municipal Stadium
- Recognized as a state historic site
Now, after decades of wear and tear, it’s getting a second act.
The Bottom Line
This is one of those projects that checks all the boxes — preserving history, creating new opportunities, and giving the community something to rally around again.
In short:
Old stadium, new life… and football is finally coming back.