Directions to Dix Stadium

Dix Stadium Fast Facts

Opened: 1969
Capacity: 25,319
Named For: Robert C. Dix (Kent State Board of Trustees member)

Dix Stadium is in its fifth decade as the home for Kent State University football. The long-time home for the Golden Flashes has undergone significant improvements recently to amplify the fan experience as well as give Kent State a top-notch home for its football squad.

In 2008, Kent State completed Phase II of renovations to Dix Stadium, which were highlighted by a plaza and concessions area in the south end featuring a new Daktronics scoreboard that includes a state-of-the-art video board and sound system. Additional improvements to the stadium included a new entrance, ticket and concession area on the west side, a new fence line with brick pillars around the stadium as well as an upgrade to the Jim and Carolyn Phelan Varsity "K" room. In addition, entryways now feature decorative bricks, new graphics have been added to the stadium, HVAC improvements to the President’s and Blue & Gold loges and the addition of 30 ADA parking spots.


DSV Builders of Niles, Ohio also handled the $2 million Phase I renovation which was completed in 2007, and included new entryways into the east and west stands, improvements to the north stands, a new roadway leading to the field house, a canopied roof over the press box and stadium graphics.


Other recent upgrades include a FieldTurf surface (added in 2004), locker room upgrades (2002 and 2006), permanent lights (1996) and renovation of the east side stands, to increase seating for over 4,000 fans.

The facility, named in honor of former Kent State Board of Trustees member Robert C. Dix, was known as Memorial Stadium when it was built in 1969 at a cost of $3.5 million. The facility was renamed in 1971.


Prior to the completion of Dix Stadium, the Golden Flashes played their home games in the original Memorial Stadium, located on Summit Street at the current site of the Student Center parking lot. Construction on that stadium began in 1948 and was completed in time for the 1950 home opener, a 57-0 victory over Marietta on Oct. 14. From 1920 until the completion of Memorial Stadium, the Golden Flashes hosted foes on a humble field behind Merrill Hall on campus.


Dix Stadium, which opened with a 24-14 victory over Dayton before a crowd of 8,172 on Sept. 13, 1969. Since that opening day against Dayton the facility has hosted 208 KSU games, including over 20 night contests. The first night game at the Stadium was Sept. 29, 1990 against Cincinnati.


Up until 2005, Dix Stadium was also home to the Kent State field hockey team and served as the site of the 2001 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship. The facility has also hosted numerous Ohio high school playoff games.