MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama played its final home opener at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as construction continues on Hancock Whitney Stadium, the Jaguars’ future on-campus home. The 25,000-seat Hancock Whitney Stadium is scheduled to open for the 2020 season.
New Stadium Taking Shape
The new stadium is being built on the site of the university’s former intramural fields, in front of the Jaguars Football Field House. When it opens, it will be the first on-campus football stadium in South Alabama history.
South Alabama launched its football program without building a stadium, instead constructing a field house and practice facility while playing home games at the city-owned Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Before the program began, the university’s club football team played at a track across from the Mitchell Center with bleacher seating.
Water Policy for Memphis Game
Fans attending South Alabama’s next home game, against Memphis at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, will again be allowed to bring up to two bottles of water per person in a soft-sided cooler. The policy was also in effect for Saturday’s game against Jackson State.
South Alabama first adopted the water policy after a home game against Mississippi State, played on a hot day before a large crowd, when some concession stands at Ladd-Peebles ran out of water and others lacked cold water. The stadium’s concessions were operated by an outside group. The policy was later discontinued before being reinstated this season.
Milestones at Ladd-Peebles
Ladd-Peebles Stadium has been home to several firsts for South Alabama football:
- First game: The Jaguars played their first football game at Ladd-Peebles against Hargrave Military Academy in 2009.
- First touchdown: Quarterback Myles Gibbon threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to Courtney Smith for the first score in program history.
- First win over a ranked team: South Alabama defeated San Diego State 42-24 for its first victory over a ranked opponent.
When Hancock Whitney Stadium opens, it will join the Mitchell Center, Stanky Field and Jaguar Field among South Alabama’s on-campus athletic venues.
