HUNTSVILLE - Sam Houston Athletics and officials from Shell Energy Stadium announced on Monday an agreement for the Bearkats to play their 2025 home football schedule at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston while Bowers Stadium undergoes major renovations.
The Bearkats are no stranger to Shell Energy Stadium or playing in the City of Houston. The Kats have played 47 games in Houston all-time, including their only game at Shell Energy Stadium in 2012 when they left East Downtown with a dominant 50-6 victory over Texas Southern when the stadium was known as BBVA Compass Stadium.
The Bearkats have played at Bowers Stadium since 1986 but began construction on a new press box structure following the conclusion of the 2024 football season. The decision to move the 2025 home slate to Shell Energy Stadium allows Sam Houston Athletics to offer expanded fan amenities and a full gameday experience which would not be possible in a reduced-capacity Bowers Stadium during the renovation process.
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.
The Bearkats are coming off a successful 10-3 season in 2024 which included a victory in the New Orleans Bowl over Georgia Southern, the program's first FBS bowl win in program history in only its second season as a member of Conference USA.
For more information, visit GoBearkats.com and follow Bearkat Athletics on social media for updates.
ABOUT SHELL ENERGY STADIUM
Shell Energy Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Downtown Houston which serves as the regular home of the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash professional soccer teams and Texas Southern football. It also hosts a wide range of professional, collegiate and community sporting events, concerts, exhibitions, conventions and special events.
The state-of-the-art, open-air venue has a capacity of 20,656 and recently served as the host venue for the NCAA Division III Football Championship (Stagg Bowl) in January 2025, further cementing its status as one of the region's top sports destinations.
Bobby Williams – Sam Houston Athletics Director
"This is a tremendous opportunity for our program and our fans. 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."
Jessica O'Neill - Houston Dynamo Football Club President of Business Operations
"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. 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."
Phil Longo – Sam Houston Head Coach
"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."
