Bowling Green State University, Doyt Perry Stadium

Home field of the Bowling Green State University Falcons.

Doyt L. Perry Stadium, with its 28,599 seating capacity, is celebrating its 37th year as the home of Bowling Green State University football. In 2001 permanent lighting was installed at the venue and home attendance doubled.

Built in 1966 for approximately $3 million as a replacement for the 43-year-old University Stadium, Perry Stadium had a capacity of 23,272 until bleacher seats were installed in both end zones in 1982. This season will mark the first with permanent lighting. One of the largest and most attractive athletic facilities in the Mid-American Conference, Perry Stadium set the conference record for single-game attendance.

On October 8, 1983, a huge crowd of 33,527 packed into Perry Stadium for the annual Northwest Ohio rivalry between Bowling Green and Toledo, establishing a school and MAC record for single-game attendance. The Falcons went on to set a season record, breaking the six-digit figure for five games with a total draw of 100,021. It marked the first time in history that Bowling Green averaged more than 20,000 fans for five home football games.

That figure was topped in 1985, when Bowling Green posted a perfect record (11-0) in the regular season and clinched the MAC Championship by shutting out Toledo at Perry Stadium in November. More than 28,000 fans turned out that day, raising Bowling Green's season attendance to an of 22,422.

In 1994, BG fans bettered the mark of 1985 as 114,802 fans, an average of 22,960, attended the five home games.

Perry Stadium is more than just a football facility. The east side of the stadium includes locker rooms, equipment and training rooms, along with the Athletic Department offices. The west side received a face-lift 12 years ago. A physical fitness center/weight room opened its doors to all intercollegiate athletic teams in the summer of 1988.

Also situated on the west side of Perry Stadium are the Falcon Club offices and clubhouse, the men's and women's soccer and track and cross country offices, as well as maintenance and storage areas.

Sitting atop the press box on the west side of the stadium is the plush Stadium Club. Now in its 20th year of operation, the Stadium Club's 106 theatre-type seats, which are all sold, provide loyal BGSU fans with the best view of the game. The President's Box, located at the top of the east side of the stadium, provides luxury seating for President Sidney Ribeau, his guests, and other supporters of Falcon football.

The construction of elevators on both sides of the stadium, completed in early 1998, has made the stadium more accessible for all fans. Renovations to all boxes on both sides and the stadium club have taken place over the last few years making for a more "fan-friendly" atmosphere. Bowling Green won the first game ever played in Perry Stadium, defeating Dayton, 13-0, on October 1, 1966. Since that time, the Falcons have won over 67 percent of their home games, compiling a 126-58-6 record in the 190 games played at Perry Stadium.