HAMPTON, Va. (June 30, 2026) … Hampton University's Armstrong Stadium, the oldest football venue in the Coastal Athletic Association and the 13th oldest in the FCS, is undergoing a major $3.2 million renovation during the summer of 2026.

"We are committed to providing a premier environment for all of our student-athletes to train, compete and succeed," said Hampton University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. "This project represents a significant investment in the future of Hampton Athletics, enhancing performance, safety and the overall student-athlete experience across multiple programs. We are especially grateful to our lead donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, for their belief in our vision, significant investment and their commitment to elevating Hampton University Athletics to new heights."

The current playing surface, AstroTurf 3D Decade, was installed in 2014. It has reached the end of its projected 10-year lifespan and has served as the home of Hampton's football and lacrosse programs for both competition and daily training.

The football field will be replaced with Shaw Sports Turf's Legion 2.0 hybrid synthetic system, which was selected for its durability, resilience and consistent playability. The upgraded surface is designed to support multi-sport use, as it will now accommodate football, women's soccer, and lacrosse for both games and practices. The system also features enhanced safety technology for impact absorption and improved traction. It is recognized for their performance consistency and durability at the highest levels of competition.

"This upgrade is a game-changer for our program," said Hampton head football coach Van Malone. "Having a high-performance surface like this enhances player safety, supports the speed and physicality of our game and creates a championship-level environment for our student-athletes. It also plays a major role in recruiting, as prospects want to see that we are investing in their development and overall experience."

As part of the upgrade, the field will be lined for soccer, allowing the Hampton women's soccer program to host home matches on campus for the first time in recent years after previously playing in Williamsburg and Norfolk.

"This is a significant step forward for our program," said Hampton women's soccer head coach Sam Cain. "Being able to play on campus in a first-class facility strengthens our identity, enhances the student-athlete experience, and gives us a true home-field advantage. It also allows us to better engage with our campus community and build stronger support around our program."

The surrounding eight-lane track will also be refurbished and replaced with the Beynon BSS 1000 system. This 13-millimeter fully encapsulated Beynon track surface is engineered to provide optimal shock absorbency, superior energy return, and long-lasting durability. Field event areas for jumps, throws, and puts will be relocated adjacent to Armstrong Stadium to improve functionality and meet competition standards.

"The new state-of-the-art track facility shows the continued commitment from the administration that has always supported our sport," said Director of Cross Country/Track and Field Maurice Pierce. "It also increases and elevates our future recruiting opportunities and allows our track and field teams the opportunity to compete at home. We also look forward to hosting youth, high school and college championship meets at our facility."

"This investment elevates everything we do as a program," said Hampton men's lacrosse head coach Vincent Culpepper. "From daily training to game-day performance, having a consistent, high-quality surface allows our athletes to compete at their best. It also demonstrates the university's commitment to providing the resources necessary for us to grow and compete at a high level."

NPSG Built, LLC, headquartered in Woodstock, Ga., through its affiliated sports field construction company, Advanced Sports Group, LLC, is leading the renovation efforts. Advanced Sports Group is serving as the project manager for construction and has completed numerous high-profile field installations, including projects for the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders and ACC member Georgia Tech. Civil ForSite, PLLC is serving as the Engineer of Record, providing civil engineering design, permitting and construction administration services.

Opened in 1922, Armstrong Field began without permanent seating, with spectators gathering on blankets and temporary benches. The first formal structure, built by Hampton students in 1928, seated 1,500 fans and remains part of the stadium today. The facility was officially dedicated on October 6, 1928.

Armstrong Stadium is named in honor of Brig. Gen. Samuel Chapman Armstrong, founder and first president of the university, who led the institution for 25 years until his passing in 1893. He is buried on campus at the Hampton University Cemetery.

Over the decades, Armstrong Stadium has undergone numerous enhancements. Recent additions include the TowneBank Club premium hospitality suite and a video board installed in 2014 that provides in-game statistics, video and replay capabilities. End zone seating expansions increased capacity to 9,710.

Additional historical upgrades include the construction of a press box in 1978; new west- and east-side bleachers in 1985 and 1986; installation of stadium lighting and a new track in 1988; and a second press box with camera towers in 1991. In 1999, the north end zone was expanded to include additional seating, a new entrance, and upgraded team facilities, including coaches' offices, locker rooms, meeting spaces, and player amenities. Subsequent enhancements added seating in the south end zone.