Lamar Cardinals
Overview
Stadium: Provost Umphrey Stadium
League: NCAA Division I FCS
Head Coach: Pete Rossomando
Team Mascot: Big Red
Year Opened: 1964
Capacity: 16000
City / State: Beaumont, Texas
Rivalries & Top Games to Attend
Border Battle
Rival Team: McNeese State Cowboys
Lamar and McNeese State have a fierce rivalry in all sports, especially football. The Cardinals and Cowboys rivalry dates back to 1951, and the Border Battle is a must-see matchup for any fan of either school. Don’t miss it when the Cardinals take on the Cowboys as you’ll be in for a good game.
Lamar vs Sam Houston State
Rival Team: Sam Houston State Bearkats
You won’t want to miss it when these two Texas-based rivals square off. There is always a lot at stake as both bragging rights and a win in the conference standings are on the line when the Cardinals and Bearkats meet.
Lamar Cardinals Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating is a fun part of attending a Lamar Cardinals football game, so arrive early and enjoy all the action in the parking lots. Cardinals fans love to tailgate on game days, which is evident as everywhere you look you’ll see fans dressed in red grilling out, drinking, dancing, and celebrating a Cardinals game day.
One of the best ways to get into the Cardinals spirit before the game is by attending the Walk of Champions. The Walk of Champions allows you to get up close to your favorite Lamar football players and is an excellent way for you to give your support to the team.
Those of you taking the entire family to the game will find plenty of pre-game entertainment at Lamar. The Fun Zone offers tons of kids activities and is a great way to spend some time before the game.
Finally, Cardinals games also boast an excellent array of food. Whether you like barbecue, Cajun food, or seafood, you’ll find a large variety of options outside Provost Umphrey Stadium, meaning you won’t have to worry about entering the game hungry.
If you want to get the full Lamar game day experience, then make sure to get here early and enjoy the tailgating action outside Provost Umphrey Stadium.
Traditions
Walk of Champions
Cheer on the Cardinals during the Walk of Champions. The Walk of Champions begins at the Setzer and crosses over the Virginia Street bridge en route to the stadium. The tradition is one of the best parts of tailgating at a Cardinals game as well as an excellent way for you to show your support for the team before the game.
Fun Zone
Stop by the Fun Zone before the game for some pre-game entertainment. The Fun Zone features activities for kids and families, making it the perfect place to take the kids before the game.
Where to tailgate
Red Lot
If you want to tailgate in the same space all season, then reserve a spot in the Red Lot. The Red Lot is where you’ll find a lot of the best tailgates on game days, so come by and check them out.
Gold, Orange, and Green Lots
Those of you who are only attending one game and want to tailgate will want to reserve a spot in the Gold, Orange, or Green Lot. These lots are an excellent place to set up a tailgate, so bring the grill, cooler, table, and chairs for a fun day of tailgating.
Student Organization Tailgates
Student organizations looking to tailgate before the game will want to arrive at Lot A-5 early to claim their spot. The space selection process starts at 10:15, so get here early and choose your spot.
Lamar Cardinals Stadium Guide
In Game
Lamar’s football program may have just been revived in 2010, but over the past seven years the Cardinals have built up quite the following. On game days, you’ll find a lively atmosphere inside Provost Umphrey Stadium as fans from all over the southeast Texas area come out to support the team. The stands are a sea of red and white on game days creating a fun atmosphere that can challenge that of much more established programs in the FCS.
In addition to excellent fan support, Lamar is also home to a fantastic band and spirit groups. The Showcase of Southeast Texas puts on a great show at every game, and if you like mascots, then you’ll love the Cardinals’ Big Red. Don’t sleep on the cheerleaders either as they’ll keep the crowd’s energy at a fever pitch throughout the game.
Finally, take some time before the game to walk around the concourse and see the murals around the stadium. The murals show the history of the Cardinals football program and Provost Umphrey Stadium, making them a can’t-miss for Cardinals fans and rival fans alike.
The Lamar Cardinals have an incredible following for a newly re-established program, making a trip to Beaumont an excellent experience for any college football fan.
Things to check out
Stadium Murals
Take a walk around the concourse before the game to see the murals throughout the stadium. The murals showcase the history of Cardinals football and are must-sees for any college football fan.
Red Rush Tunnel
Don’t miss the Cardinals entrance featuring the Red Rush Tunnel. Before each game, the Cardinals run onto the field through the Red Rush Tunnel energizing the fans and working the crowd into a frenzy.
The Showcase of Southeast Texas
Lamar’s band The Showcase of Southeast Texas creates a fun atmosphere at Cardinals games with their tunes, and their pre-game and halftime performances are also fantastic. Enjoy the performance of these talented musicians throughout the game as they’re a big part of what makes attending a Cardinals game a memorable event.
Big Red
Keep an eye out for the Cardinals mascot Big Red during the game. Big Red gets into all kinds of shenanigans and is a fun part of any Cardinals game.
Cheerleaders
Join the cheerleaders as they help propel the Cardinals to victory with their cheers and chants. Every voice helps as the cheer team tries to pump up the crowd throughout the game.