Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Colby Carthel

Team Mascot: Lumberjack

Year Opened: 1973

Capacity: 14575

City / State: Nacogdoches / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Battle of the Piney Woods

Rival Team: Sam Houston State Bearkats

The rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State is the second longest continuous running rivalry in the FCS dating back to 1923. In 2007, a 21-pound cedar trophy depicting pistols and a tombstone was added to the rivalry. Head down to Houston to watch the Lumberjacks take on the Bearkats in the annual Battle of the Piney Woods.

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Chief Caddo

Rival Team: Northwestern State Demons

The winner of the annual rivalry game between Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State takes home Chief Caddo as well as bragging rights. The rivalry began in 1957 and Northwestern State holds a 30-20-2 lead in the all-time series. Come on out and cheer on the Lumberjacks as they look to close the gap on their longtime rivals this season.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Stephen F. Austin offers open tailgating that starts at 8 am regardless of game time giving you plenty of room and time to tailgate. As a result of SFA’s lax tailgate rules, you’ll find a vibrant tailgate atmosphere around Homer Bryce Stadium on game days. Everywhere you look, you’ll see SFA fans dressed head to toe in purple and white tailgating and having fun.

If you want to get the most out of your tailgating experience, then make sure to check out Alumni Corner. Alumni Corner is located on the corner of Hayter St. and Raguet St and features everything needed for a good tailgate party. Here you’ll be able to enjoy food, live music, games, and even a Kids Zone. Those of you who don’t want to set up a tailgate party yourself will without a doubt want to stop by Alumni Corner before the game.

You’ll have a lot of fun tailgating before a Lumberjacks game, so arrive early and join in the fun to make the most out of your trip to Stephen F. Austin.

Traditions

Alumni Corner

Whether you’re an SFA alumni or not, you’ll want to check out Alumni Corner at the intersection of Hayter St. and Raguet St. Alumni Corner features live music, food games, and a Kid Zone making it a great place to hang out before the game. Alumni Corner is free for SFA Alumni Association members and $15 for non-members.

Homecoming

There is no better time to visit Stephen F. Austin than homecoming. Homecoming features a ton of traditions throughout the week including a bonfire, parade, and much more, so don’t miss your chance to take part in all the great traditions leading up to the game.

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Where to tailgate

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Stadium Guide

In Game

Texans love football, and it’s no different at Stephen F. Austin where the Lumberjack football game is a big part of university life. Students and alumni come out in good numbers to support the team, and you’ll find plenty of traditions surrounding game day creating a festive atmosphere.

One of the best traditions at a Lumberjacks game is Ole Cotton. Following every Jacks score, Ole Cotton is fired off by the SFA ROTC. The fans go wild when Ole Cotton is fired, and there is nothing better than watching the Jacks run up the score as the sound of Ole Cotton rings in the background.

The Lumberjack Marching Band and the spirit squads are also a big part of game days as well. The marching band’s pregame and halftime shows are quite a sight to behold, and you won’t want to miss either the dance team or cheerleading squad when they take the field.

Finally, it’s like they say everything’s bigger in Texas. Homer Bryce Stadium is home to the third-largest scoreboard in the FCS, so enjoy having an excellent view of all the replays no matter where you’re sitting.

Plan your trip to Stephen F. Austin today as it’s home to a fantastic game day experience that any FCS football fan would enjoy.

Things to check out

Ole Cotton

After every Lumberjacks score, the SFA ROTC fires off Ole Cotton. Rejoice in the sound of Ole Cotton as the SFA runs up the score on their opposition.

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Scoreboard

Homer Bryce Stadium is home to the third-largest scoreboard in the FCS at 80 ft by 36 ft. Enjoy the replays on the videoboard as no matter where you are in the stadium you’ll have an excellent view.

Purple Haze Association

If you want to sit with the rowdiest fans at any Lumberjacks game, then the Purple Haze Association is the place for you. The students go all out to support the team on game days and create an intense atmosphere making it difficult for opponents to come away from Homer Bryce Stadium with a victory.

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Lumberjack Marching Band

The Lumberjack Marching Band is a big part of every SFA football game and puts on quite the show. The band’s pregame and halftime shows are both outstanding, so make sure to catch both of them during your trip to Homer Bryce Stadium.

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Dance and Cheerleading Squads

The SFA dance and cheerleading squads keep the crowd in the game even when things aren’t going the Jacks way. The cheerleaders will pump you up with their routines while the dance team dazzles you with their performances. Enjoy both talented spirit groups at the game.

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Fight Songs

  1. “SFA Fight Song”

    (First Verse)
    No Words, Just Band Playing 

    (CHANT) 
    GO JACKS GO! Go Jacks!
    FIGHT JACKS FIGHT! Fight Jacks!
    WIN JACKS WIN!
    S-F-A-SU!!

    Band Repeats First Verse

  2. “All Hail to SFA”

    Oh future bright ‘neath the
    Purple and White
    All hail to SFA.
    ‘Mid Texas pines we have
    Found peaceful shrines
    Where ev’ry month is May.
    Long live our Alma Mater,
    Honor to thee for aye.
    As years unfold, happy
    Mem’ries we’ll hold,
    All hail to SFA.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Bars & Restaurants

  1. Flashback Cafe

    Flashback Cafe

    Drinks are awesome, food is great, and crowd is amazing.

    109 Wettermark St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $

  2. Nine Flags Sports Bar

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    If you're looking for a fun and classic bar experience, Nine Flags Sports Bar & Patio is for you.

    200 N Fredonia St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$$

  3. C.C.’s Smokehouse Restaurant

    Steak

    Great food, good service, and nice atmosphere.

    2709 Westward Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75964, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - steakhouse - $$

  4. Barnhill Steak & Buffet

    southern food

    We serve hot Southern Style cooking, some of the best BBQ ribs this side of the Pecos, fresh salad on the salad bar, several meat selections throughout the week like BBQ brisket, fried and baked fish, fried and baked chicken, steak, spaghetti, chopped steak, meatloaf, liver and onions, and tamales.

    3217 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Kinfolks Restaurant

    TJs Fish Chicken Breakfast McLeans Restaurant Breakfast Bundy Hill KC Diner Breakfast The Harbour Diner Breakfast Mr Breakfast Restaurant Breakfast

    Amazingly delicious food and excellent service.

    4817 NE Stallings Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. El Ranchero Restaurant

    El Ranchero Restaurant

    Our Tex-Mex is cooked to order with all fresh ingredients from our steaming plate of fajita to our award winning salsa.

    126 King St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  7. Mike’s Barbeque House

    Grannys Home Cooking BBQ Flying Pig Moes Original Bar B Que

    Sometimes, only barbecue will do!

    1622 South St, Nacogdoches, TX 75964, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  8. Maklemore’s Ale-House & Bistro

    Maklemores Ale House Bistro

    Offering fine-dining options, exquisite American cuisine, and warm hospitality in a rustic, historically preserved building.

    2304 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Butcher Boy’s

    Tooties Restaurant Burger Galaxy Diner Burger Chicken Box Restaurant Burger Buddys BBQ Burger TJs Restaurant Burger Lazy Palm Sports Bar and Grill Burger Skids Iggys Sports Grill

    Home of the Giant Chicken Fried Steak!

    603 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  10. Napolis Italian Restaurant

    Napolis Italian Restaurant

    Delicious Italian food and great service.

    2119 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$