Saluki Stadium is a stadium on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. It is primarily utilized by the Southern Illinois Salukis football team.HistoryConstruction on Saluki Stadium was completed in August 2010. The horseshoe-shaped stadium seats 15,000 spectators and hosts the school's American football program, replacing McAndrew Stadium. It is the newest of the 12 facilities built by Football Championship Subdivision schools since 2000.Saluki Stadium is part of the $83 million Saluki Way Project, which includes a major renovation to the 46-year-old SIU Arena and a new athletic support facility (that features new football offices and football locker rooms). The first event held at the stadium was an open house on August 24, 2010. Southern Illinois christened its new stadium on September 2, 2010 with a game against Quincy.The stadium hosted a large watch party for the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse.FeaturesSeating includes 1,080 seat-back chairs as well as capacity for nearly 2,500 on the grass berm enclosing the north end zone. The two-story press box features 12 club suites, a 2500sqft VIP Club Room, along with traditional booths for radio, television, coaches and the print media. A 20x40 foot scoreboard with video replay capabilities in the North end zone and expanded concessions and restrooms enhances the fan experience.FieldTurf, a Tarkett Sports Company, installed its Duraspine PRO turf system and its patented sand and rubber infill at Saluki Stadium. The top of the line artificial turf is the same that has been installed at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, and numerous other high-profile collegiate institutions and pro football organizations.
