Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium
CFB

Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium

Jacksonville State Gamecocks

700 Pelham Road North Jacksonville, AL 36265

A Guide to Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium

Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium gives Jacksonville State football a distinctive 22,500-seat home in the middle of its Alabama campus. Meehan Hall rises above one end with residence rooms and suites, while students, premium cabanas and the powerful Marching Southerners make the compact bowl feel far larger. Campus lawn tailgates, Gamecock Walk and a close community atmosphere define the Jax State experience.

Getting to Burgess-Snow Field at AmFirst Stadium

The stadium is on the main campus at 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265. Alabama Highway 21/Pelham Road runs along campus, while Highway 204/Nisbet Street approaches from the west. Interstate 20 travelers generally exit near Oxford and follow Highway 21 north. Jacksonville is a compact city, but several streets become permit-controlled and pedestrian-heavy on game day.

Driving & Parking

  • Permit lots
    Red, Orange, Gold, Blue and Purple areas immediately around the stadium require a pre-issued digital pass. A game ticket alone does not authorize entry, and these spaces are not sold at the gate.
  • Green paid lots
    First-come game-day parking has recently operated in Green lots near University Recreation and Mason Hall. Availability and rates can change, so consult the current map before joining the campus traffic pattern.
  • Free remote parking
    Stone Center, Brewer Hall, Rowe Hall, Houston Cole Library and Pete Mathews Coliseum have served as free options with game-day shuttles. These are often easier for a first-time visitor than circling the stadium.
  • Accessible lot
    The designated area beside Curtiss Hall lies between the Orange and Gold lots, close to Gate D and a modern accessible seating section. Display a valid placard or plate and arrive early because inventory is finite.
  • Premium assignments
    Meehan Hall suite and club guests use Red, White Complex suite holders use Orange and north-side open-air suite guests use Gold when those benefits are included with the credential.
  • RV arrival
    The RV lot beside Red requires an advance pass and opens at 3 p.m. two days before the game. Verify the exact day for a weekday Conference USA kickoff.

Public Transit

  • No regional game-day network
    Jacksonville does not have a public bus or rail system designed to bring visiting fans from Birmingham or Atlanta. A car or prearranged private transfer is the practical regional choice.
  • Campus service is limited
    jsuRIDE serves authenticated students, faculty and staff and is normally closed on Saturday. It is not a public football shuttle.
  • Use athletics shuttles
    The useful game-day buses are the parking shuttles from designated remote campus lots. Follow the current map and event signs rather than an ordinary weekday transit schedule.
  • Airports
    Birmingham-Shuttlesworth is the most practical commercial airport for many visitors; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta is another option. Both require a substantial drive, so reserve the vehicle before flying.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

  • Jax State does not consistently publish a dedicated football rideshare zone. Use a legal, well-lit campus perimeter point outside the color-lot checkpoints and follow police direction.
  • Houston Cole Library or another active remote-shuttle location can be a clearer rendezvous than a stadium gate, provided the current game map lists it as open.
  • Drivers may be limited in a small college town, particularly after a night game. Prearrange the return or have a designated driver rather than assuming immediate app availability.
  • After the game, walk beyond the pedestrian core before requesting the car. Never ask a driver to stop on Pelham Road or inside a permit lane while traffic is being released.

Pregame Festivities

Gamecock Walk is the essential pregame marker. About two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff, the team unloads in the Meehan Hall lot, walks along the west side of the building and continues toward the White Football Complex. Gates open two hours before kickoff, so the procession naturally leads into the entry window. Download digital tickets and parking passes before arriving; cellular demand rises quickly.

Tailgating

  • The Roost A
    The Theron Montgomery Building lawn offers reserved turnkey tents, a table, one parking space and setup and teardown. It is the most established central option.
  • The Roost B
    The area behind University Recreation provides another reserved package location with convenient access to Green parking.
  • The Roost C
    This premium tailgate area beside Red Lot at Mountain Street and Cole Drive sits closest to the east-end activity.
  • Student Quad
    Students gather on the campus quad north of the stadium. It is a high-energy pedestrian area managed separately through Student Life.
  • General rules
    Do not claim a lawn with ropes or furniture before the published opening. Keep generators and grills at least 50 feet from buildings, use short stakes where permitted and dispose of charcoal properly.
  • RV weekend
    Advance-pass RV guests can establish a multiday base beside Red Lot, but the early opening does not grant access to other controlled areas.

Pregame Bars & Restaurants

  • The original 1991 location at 407 Pelham Road North built its reputation around wings, burgers, cold beer and Jax State sports. It is the natural atmosphere pick within a short distance of campus.
  • This family-run Pelham Road landmark has served barbecue sandwiches and burgers since 1958. It is a nostalgic local stop rather than a full sports bar.
  • West of campus on Highway 204, Cooter Brown's specializes in ribs, barbecue and its Hillbilly Eggroll. Weekend lines reward an early meal.
  • Effina's Downtown
    The Jacksonville branch of this Tuscan-style restaurant provides pizza, pasta and a quieter sit-down alternative near the city center.
  • A casual local option for tacos and lighter fare when barbecue and wings feel too heavy before an afternoon kickoff.

Gameday Traditions

  • Gamecock Walk
    Fans line the path from the Meehan lot to the White Complex about two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff to welcome players and coaches.
  • Marching Southerners
    Jax State's nationally recognized band is a main event, not background music. Its large brass sound, precision entrance and halftime production fill the narrow bowl.
  • Cocky
    The costumed Gamecock works the tailgates, student section and sidelines, joining cheerleaders in the program's familiar “Go Cocks” spirit.
  • Fight song
    “Fight on for ole Jax State” follows scores and band features, while red-and-white shakers turn the compact stands into a coordinated wall.
  • East-end students
    Free admission with a valid student ID places the student body behind the east end zone, directly beneath the residence-and-suite tower.
  • Postgame band
    The Marching Southerners often continue after the football result. Fans who appreciate college bands should wait rather than joining the first rush to the exits.

Monuments & Features

  • Meehan Hall
    The east-end tower combines nearly 400 residence beds on its lower floors with 33 suites and press, broadcast and game-management space above—one of college football's most unusual mixed-use structures.
  • White Football Complex
    The 32,000-square-foot west-end building contains team operations and indoor-outdoor game-day suites, fronted by a 160-foot ribbon display.
  • Fightin' Gamecock field mark
    The 2024 AstroTurf restored a vintage Gamecock emblem to the center of the visual identity.
  • Burgess-Snow name
    The field honors championship coach Bill Burgess and longtime benefactor Paul Snow, connecting two major eras of program growth.
  • North-side premium deck
    Open-air cabanas and tabletop loges replace conventional bleachers, creating a social porch close to the field.

History & Notable Moments

  • Dedication (1947)
    The College Bowl was dedicated during a Homecoming win over Pembroke in Jax State's perfect 9–0 season.
  • Paul Snow Stadium (1961)
    The university renamed the venue for one of its most important supporters.
  • Meehan expansion (2010)
    A $47 million combined residence-hall and stadium project opened with a 21–17 victory over Chattanooga before 22,186.
  • FCS semifinal (2015)
    A crowd of 23,692 watched Jacksonville State rout Sam Houston 62–10 on its path to the national title game.
  • First CUSA championship (2024)
    The Gamecocks overwhelmed Western Kentucky 52–12 at home to claim the league crown.
  • Attendance record (2025)
    A reported 24,166 saw Jax State defeat Kennesaw State 35–26.

Seating & Sections

The playing field runs between the Meehan tower in the east and White Complex in the west, with long traditional stands on the sidelines. General gates and ticket booths open two hours before kickoff. Gate A at the southeast Main Ticket Plaza and Gate D at the northwest sell game-day tickets; Gates C and E provide additional access, while Gate B serves the Marching Southerners.

  • Sideline reserved seats
    Central sections provide the clearest tactical view and the traditional stadium experience. Check which side faces afternoon sun for the specific kickoff.
  • East student end
    The loudest youthful area sits behind the east end zone. Families seeking less standing should choose a sideline section.
  • Meehan club and suites
    Climate-controlled hospitality, buffet service and elevated outdoor seats combine comfort with an end-zone view.
  • White Complex suites
    Indoor-outdoor spaces overlook the west end and place guests beside football operations and the ribbon board.
  • North cabanas and loges
    Open-air suites and tabletop seating emphasize socializing while remaining close to the action.
  • Accessible seating
    The newer section inside Gate D pairs with the Curtiss Hall lot. Meehan elevators also serve tower guests; ask event staff for assistance.

Concessions

AmFirst Stadium is cashless. Traditional stands operate around the bowl, and recent renovations restored service points at both ends of the north side. Cards and mobile wallets are accepted; bring a charged phone rather than cash alone.

  • Food Truck Rally
    Local trucks gather behind the east end zone, expanding the menu beyond standard stadium fare. Browse before committing because vendors rotate.
  • Permanent stands
    Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy and soft drinks provide the predictable quick options on both sidelines.
  • North-side service
    Stands at each end serve the premium and general north areas, reducing the need to cross the entire concourse.
  • Alcohol
    Guests must be 21 with valid ID and may purchase two drinks per transaction. Sales end after the third quarter.
  • No outside food
    Food and drink may not enter, so finish the tailgate before screening. Reentry is prohibited except an approved emergency.

Bag Policy

  • Each ticket holder may bring one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or one clear one-gallon freezer bag, plus a small clutch.
  • A small diaper bag is allowed when accompanied by a child. Medically necessary items receive specialized screening at the Main Ticket Plaza on the east end.
  • Cameras, binoculars, phones and tablets may be carried without cases. Camera lenses longer than four inches, professional gear and tripods are prohibited without authorization.
  • Blankets and simple seat cushions may enter when carried openly. Stadium seats with arms, umbrellas, artificial noisemakers, outside food or drink and weapons including pocketknives are prohibited.
  • All tickets are digital. Save the ticket to a mobile wallet before reaching the gate and leave rejected property in the vehicle; normal reentry is not allowed.

Upcoming Games

2
SMHO @ JAXST
Sat, Nov 7 • 7:00 PM
Week 10
MSRST @ JAXST
Sat, Nov 21 • 2:00 PM
Week 12

Stadium Information

Capacity
22,500
Opened
1947
Last Renovated
2024
Construction Cost
$47,000,000

Notable Events

The stadium was dedicated during a Homecoming victory over Pembroke in Jacksonville State's perfect 9-0 season (1947)
The College Bowl was renamed Paul Snow Stadium to honor a longtime university supporter (1961)
Jacksonville State expanded the student section and raised capacity to 15,000 (1978 season)
The $47 million Meehan Hall and stadium expansion opened with a 21-17 victory over Chattanooga before 22,186 (September 11, 2010)
Jacksonville State defeated Sam Houston 62-10 in an NCAA Division I FCS semifinal before 23,692 (December 19, 2015)
The rebuilt football complex, north-side premium areas, AstroTurf field and AmFirst Stadium identity debuted (2024 season)
Jacksonville State routed Western Kentucky 52-12 at home to win its first Conference USA championship (December 6, 2024)
A stadium-record 24,166 watched Jacksonville State defeat Kennesaw State 35-26 (November 15, 2025)

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