First Security Field at Estes Stadium
CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT "THE STRIPES" - THE HIGHLY CELEBRATED PURPLE AND GRAY STRIPED TURF, ONE OF THE MOST NOTORIOUS PLAYING SURFACES IN THE NATION!!
Since the turf was installed prior to the 2011 season, The Stripes and Estes Stadium have become one of the most feared venues in the nation at the Division I FCS level as the Bears have yet to lose on the field, compiling a 12-0 record to date, including wrapping up a Southland Conference championship in 2012 with a win over Northwestern State on Homecoming.
Named after former UCA coach "Big" Dan Estes, Estes Stadium has been the home to UCA football since 1939, but in no way resembles the original structure, having been completely overhauled in recent years.
In 1998, the stadium's west side was rebuilt from the ground up and includes three levels of offices, training rooms, locker rooms, meeting rooms, classrooms, the UCA Sports Hall of Fame room, press box, radio booths and VIP boxes. Five years later, t
he East side was rebuilt and houses the visitors' locker room and training area along with concession stands, offices and storage space.
In 2007, the Bears added a state-of-the-art videoboard in the south end zone thanks to a generous donation from First Security Bank. The field at Estes Stadium was renamed First Security Field that season. The next upgrade came in 2011 when the purple & gray turf was installed, giving Central Arkansas the most unique surface in college football and creating an iconic symbol and rallying point for the UCA community and Bear fans around the country.
Most recently, 12 luxury suites were constructed just above the East side stands, atop Bear Hall - a multi-use building which houses a residence hall and athletic administration offices in addition to the suites. The suites provide Bear fans first-class amenities and a premium gameday experience at one of the most intimidating Division I FCS venues in the nation.
Since joining the Southland Conference, the Bears have the league's highest home winning percentage, and regularly post overflow attendance numbers with many fans lining Bruce Street to watch the game from their tailgating areas.
Estes Stadium has played host to NCAA playoff games, two national championship games and numerous games played on national and regional television. The first Division I game was played at Estes Stadium on Sept. 16, 2006 when UCA defeated Missouri State 16-14 in front of a then-stadium record 11,215 fans. The Bears also won their first game on The Stripes, defeating Henderson State 38-14 on Sept. 1, 2011.
Estes Stadium Records
Estes Stadium Top 10 Crowds
| Rank |
Date |
Opponent |
Attendance |
| 1. |
9/1/11 |
Henderson State |
12,755 |
| 2. |
11/3/07 |
Nicholls |
12,620 |
| 3. |
10/11/08 |
Sam Houston State |
12,312 |
| 4. |
8/27/08 |
Henderson State |
12,158 |
| 5. |
9/18/10 |
Murray State |
12,088 |
| 6. |
11/3/12 |
Northwestern State |
11,579 |
| 7. |
9/16/06 |
Missouri State |
11,215 |
| 8. |
10/25/14 |
Northwestern State |
11,163 |
| 9. |
10/1/11 |
Stephen F. Austin |
11,127 |
| 10. |
9/20/08 |
Quincy |
10,873 |
