ARMSTRONG STADIUM
Hampton University's Armstrong Stadium, the oldest football venue in the Coastal Athletic Association and the 13th oldest in the FCS, underwent a major facelift during the summer of 2026.
During the summer of 2026, the turf on the football field was replaced. The revamped playing surface included lines for soccer allowing the women's soccer team to play their home games on the turf for the first time. In addition, the eight-lane track surrounding the football field was replaced with a new state-of-the-art synthetic composition turf. The turf is recognized for its playability and consistent performance. Improved safety features absorb impact and longevity and provides optimal traction.
Armstrong Field opened in 1922 and there were no provisions for stands. Fans sat on blankets and makeshift benches. The first structure was built by Hampton students in 1928 and had a seating capacity of 1,500. Those seats are still in use today.
The stadium was dedicated on Oct. 6, 1928. A simple dedication ceremony marked the first use of the venue. Hampton faced Virginia Seminary (now Virginia University-Lynchburg). Athletic Director C.H. Williams spoke briefly about the history of the stands and Lee thank the alumni for their support. Alumni contributed $10,000 of the total $12,900 cost of construction. In the inaugural game, Hampton upset Virginia Seminary 13-0.
Armstrong Stadium is named in honor of the founder and first President of the university, Brig. General Samual Chapman Armstrong. He served as president of the university for 25 years before being partially disabled following a stroke in 1892. He died in 1893 after a second stroke and is buried at the Hampton University Cemetery on campus.
Armstrong Stadium has seen many renovations over the years. Recent upgrades to Armstrong Stadium include the TowneBank Club premium seating hospitality suite. A Jumbotron was added in 2014 providing game information, video and replays. Endzone seating was added bringing seating capacity to 9,710. A new press box was built in 1978 and new bleachers were installed on the west side in 1985 and on the east side in 1986.
In 1988, lights were added making night games possible and a new track was installed. A new press box was built in 1991 on the east side along with camera towers for televised games. In 1999, seating was added in the north end zone along with construction of a new entrance to the facility. The additions included coach’s offices, team rooms, conference rooms, multipurpose audio/visual rooms, reception area, and a player lounge Later construction included the addition of bleachers in the south endzone.
