With FSU game days underway, the $265 million renovation of Doak Campbell Stadium is already making an impact, featuring upgrades such as new seating, climate-controlled clubs and a state-of-the-art scoreboard.
For many students, the new look of the stadium represents more than just cosmetic improvements—it symbolizes a fresh start for the Seminoles. Freshman Brady Hickman believes the changes gave the team the “reset” they needed to come back stronger this season.
That sense of renewal is also felt in the stands. Freshman Anna Castillo noticed how the upgrades changed the game-day atmosphere, even with fewer seats available.
“I could barely notice they reduced the capacity of the stadium by 12,000 seats because of how loud the crowd was. It sounded like they added more,” Castillo said. She added that after last year’s 2–10 record, these changes were necessary to get fans hyped for a better year.
Along with the louder crowds, students feel the smaller details are making a big difference. Hickman pointed out that the new concession systems have improved the fan experience.
“They made it a lot easier and faster to pay. This is good, because it lets people get back to watching the game faster,” Hickman said.
Still, not all of the updates have been positive for students. Some worry that the reduced student section capacity has taken away from the spirit of game days.
“Doing this takes students away from the spirit and the game,” freshman Peyten Crawford said.
Crawford also noted that fewer seats have led to higher ticket prices, making it harder for students to be part of the action. Even so, she admitted there were noticeable improvements.
“One thing they did that I really did enjoy was that it was a lot cleaner, and there were better ways to get rid of trash and keep it clean,” Crawford said.
For other students, the excitement goes beyond the stadium itself. Freshman Leah Boutwell is looking forward to supporting her favorite player, Micahi Danzy, a Florida High alumnus.
“Something I am really excited about for the new FSU stadium and season would be FSU winning games and seeing Micahi Danzy,” Boutwell said. “I believe the changes to the stadium have made a huge impact, considering we have won as many games as we did last year, and we are only in week two.”
That momentum was clear in the Seminoles’ season opener against Alabama on Aug. 30. Students admitted they went into the game expecting a loss, but FSU shocked fans with a 31–17 victory, a win that set the tone for the season.
For Hickman, the energy in the stands and the team’s performance are personal. He reflected on the disappointments of the last few years.
“This season is more personal, because I stayed an FSU fan even though they lost most of their games in 2024,” Hickman said. He also appreciated that the renovations honored the program’s legacy. “The stadium was such a good idea, because they added a lot more history to the stadium, adding historic venues rather than erasing history.”
