Former names Colonel Stadium (1972) Opened 16 September 1972 Owner Nicholls State University | Surface AstroTurf 3D Grass Phone +1 877-642-4655 | |
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Location Madewood Dr. and Stadium Dr.,
Thibodaux, LA Operator Nicholls State Athletics Department Capacity 10,500 (2011-present)
12,800 (1984-2010)
11,600 (1976-1983) Record attendance 14,125
October 10, 1981
vs. Southern University Address 906 East 1st Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301, USA Team Nicholls State Colonels football Similar Elkins Hall, Harry Turpin Stadium, Cowboy Stadium, Provost Umphrey Stadium, Estes Stadium | ||
Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium is a 10,500-seat multi-purpose stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana. It is home to the Nicholls State University Colonels football team of the Southland Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision. The stadium is named in honor of former state representative John L. Guidry who was instrumental in the establishment of Francis T. Nicholls Junior College. The playing surface is named Manning Field after the Manning family because Peyton Manning, Eli Manning and Archie Manning hold the Manning Passing Academy football camp at the facility. The current playing surface is Astroturf 3D Grass. The stadium was officially dedicated on September 16, 1972 as Nicholls State defeated Ouachita Baptist 12-7.
Contents
The stadium features a three-level press box on the west side. The second level houses an area for game management staff, television, radio and coaches’ booths and a working press area. The president’s suite and a 30-seat club level is located on the third level. A photo deck is located on the roof. Prior to the start of the 2010 season, a new scoreboard, complete with graphic animation features as well as a new sound system was added. On the ground level is the Colonels Club Room. Members use the building as a hospitality area before home football games as well as for various university functions throughout the year. In 2012, the west entrance of the stadium was renovated which included a new entrance into the Colonel Club area and a new ever-present illuminated Nicholls “N”.
The New Orleans Saints (NFL) used the stadium for training camp prior to the 1975 season and again from 2000-2002. It is also the site of high school football games, Crawfish Day, Winter Fest and holds many marching band competitions.
Frank L. Barker Athletic Building
The Frank L. Barker Athletic Building is located adjacent to Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium. It houses the Nicholls State Colonels football coaches’ offices, locker rooms, meeting rooms, athletic training rooms and athletic staff.
The Nicholls State Athletics Hall of Fame is also located in the building.
Leonard C. Chabert Strength and Conditioning Facility
The Nicholls State Colonels Strength and Conditioning facility is located in the Leonard C. Chabert Strength and Conditioning Facility or Leonard C. Chabert Hall. The facility has multi-purpose power stations, weight machines, dumbbell stations, elliptical machines and stationary bikes. It is the strength and conditioning facility for Nicholls State athletics. A 50-yard artificial turf field is adjacent to the building.