Bearkats will move home games to Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium as Bowers Stadium undergoes major renovations
Press Release from GoBearkats.com
HUNTSVILLE – Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and officials from Shell Energy Stadium have announced that the Bearkats will play their 2025 home football schedule in Houston, Texas. As Bowers Stadium undergoes major renovations, the team will take their home games to Shell Energy Stadium, one of the premier venues in the region, providing a thrilling experience for both players and fans. The agreement is pending approval by the Texas State University System Board of Regents later this month.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our program and our fans,” said SHSU Director of Athletics Bobby Williams “Playing at Shell Energy Stadium will provide a top-tier venue for our student-athletes to showcase their talent and for our fans to experience a dynamic, world-class atmosphere. We’re grateful to Shell Energy Stadium for their partnership in bringing the Bearkats to Houston for the 2025 season.”
Shell Energy Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue, is the home of the Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Dash. The stadium also hosts a wide range of professional, collegiate and community sporting events, concerts, exhibitions, conventions and special events.
“We look forward to hosting the Sam Houston State University community at Shell Energy Stadium for the upcoming football season while their venue undergoes renovations,” said Jessica O’Neil, the Houston Dynamo Football Club President of Business Operations. “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our home in East Downtown to a storied fan base with deep connections to the city of Houston. We invite students, alumni and future Bearkats to enjoy the Houston-inspired food and premium amenities of Shell Energy Stadium this fall.”
“Playing in such a great stadium like Shell Energy Stadium with this team is an honor. These guys have been working hard all off-season, and I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes in front of our Bearkat faithful, all decked out in their orange. The energy from our fans will make this an unforgettable season,” said Bearkat Head Football Coach Phil Longo.
The Bearkats are no stranger to Shell Energy Stadium, having previously played at the venue in 2012, securing a dominant 50-6 victory over Texas Southern University when the stadium was known as BBVA Compass Stadium.
The decision to move the 2025 home schedule to Shell Energy Stadium places the program at the center of a large, vibrant and engaged alumni community. This shift not only strengthens the connection between the team and its supporters but also enables Sam Houston Athletics to offer expanded fan amenities and a comprehensive game-day experience—enhancements that would be impossible to achieve with the reduced capacity at Bowers Stadium during its renovation.
SHSU is dedicated to ensuring students have easy access to transportation and tickets for all five home games scheduled at Shell Energy Stadium. After a record-breaking 2024 season that saw tremendous student section attendance and engagement, SHSU is committed to maintaining that momentum. The university and Bearkat Athletics are working diligently to create a gameday atmosphere that will energize the Bearkat fanbase.
Ticket information for the 2025 season will be available in the coming weeks. Current 2024 season ticket holders will receive updates on the seat selection process, ticket timelines, parking options and seating choices. Additional details on individual game tickets, suites and other premium opportunities at Shell Energy Stadium will also be provided soon.
Coming off a successful 10-3 season in 2024, including a New Orleans Bowl victory against Georgia Southern—the first FBS bowl win in program history in only their second season as a member of Conference USA.
For more information, visit gobearkats.com and follow Bearkat Athletics on social media for updates.
