When you pull into Richmond, Kentucky, you can’t really miss the concrete structure looming over the Eastern Kentucky University campus. It isn't just a stadium. For the locals and the EKU alumni scattered across the country, CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium is essentially a cathedral of regional football. It’s got that specific smell—a mix of humid bluegrass air, popcorn, and the faint scent of turf—that lets you know exactly where you are.
Roy Kidd Stadium has been around since 1969. That’s a long time for any building to maintain its soul, but EKU has managed it. Most people just call it "The Kidd." But the name on the turf changed recently, reflecting a $5 million partnership with Central General (CG) Bank. It’s a business move, sure. However, it’s a move that keeps the lights on and the facility competitive in an era where college sports feel more like a high-stakes arms race than a student activity.
The Architecture of an Icon
Most football stadiums are built as a bowl. You’ve seen them everywhere. They encircle the field and trap the noise. Roy Kidd Stadium decided to do things differently. It’s a "single-sided" behemoth. The massive nine-story structure sits on the west side of the field, housing everything from the press box to luxury suites.
It looks imposing.
When you’re standing on the visiting sideline and you look up at that sheer wall of EKU fans, it’s intimidating. That was by design. The stadium was built into a natural ravine, which allowed for that unique, towering grandstand. It holds about 20,000 people, though on homecoming weekend, it feels like double that. The view from the top is honestly incredible. On a clear October day, you can see the rolling hills of Madison County stretching out toward the horizon.
The turf itself, now officially CG Bank Field, is the newest iteration of synthetic grass designed to handle the heavy foot traffic of both the football team and the EKU marching band, "The Best Band in Dixie." If you haven't seen them perform, you're missing half the experience. They occupy a specific section of the bleachers and basically provide the soundtrack to every Saturday in Richmond.
Who is Roy Kidd, Anyway?
You can’t talk about the field without talking about the man. Roy Kidd isn’t just a coach; he’s a legend. He led the Colonels for 39 seasons. Think about that for a second. Thirty-nine years. In the modern era of coaching, where guys jump ship for a bigger paycheck after three good seasons, Kidd’s tenure feels like something out of a storybook.
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He won 314 games.
Two national championships.
Sixteen conference titles.
The stadium was named after him in 1990 while he was still coaching, which is a rare honor. Usually, you have to retire or, well, pass away before they put your name on the building. But Kidd was different. He defined EKU football. When CG Bank stepped in to sponsor the field, they were careful to ensure his name stayed front and center on the stadium itself. It’s a balance of tradition and modern financial reality.
The Gameday Experience in Richmond
If you're planning to head to a game, you need to know about the "Colonel Walk." A few hours before kickoff, the team walks through the tailgating areas. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s exactly what college football should be. The tailgating scene at EKU is surprisingly robust for a school of its size. You’ll find people who have been parking in the same spot for forty years, flipping burgers and talking about the 1979 championship team like it happened yesterday.
Inside the gates, the atmosphere shifts. The student section, located at the bottom of the main grandstand, is usually a sea of maroon. They’re relentless. Because of the stadium’s design, the sound from the crowd bounces off the press box and right back onto the field. It’s a natural megaphone.
Recent Upgrades and the CG Bank Partnership
In 2023, the university announced the naming rights deal with CG Bank. This wasn't just about putting a logo on the 50-yard line. The funds from these types of partnerships go directly into athlete facilities, recruiting, and stadium maintenance.
- New LED lighting systems for night games.
- Upgraded locker rooms that actually compete with FBS-level schools.
- Expansion of the expansion of the Moberly Building, which sits behind the north end zone.
The Moberly Building is a key piece of the puzzle. It’s where the "guts" of the operation live—the weight rooms, the training staff, and the meeting rooms. Keeping this updated is how EKU remains a powerhouse in the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Stadium
A common misconception is that the stadium is "half-finished" because of the single grandstand. I’ve heard visiting fans joke about where the rest of the seats are. But once they sit in that main stand, they realize the genius of it. You’re not a mile away from the action. Even the "nosebleed" seats offer a tactical view of the game that you just don't get in a massive bowl stadium like Neyland or Ohio Stadium.
Another thing? People think it’s just for football. It’s not. The stadium hosts high school playoff games, band competitions, and community events. It’s a multi-use hub for Central Kentucky.
Technical Specs for the Stat Nerds
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20,000 officially, but can expand with standing room. |
| Surface | Modern synthetic turf (CG Bank Field). |
| Opened | 1969. |
| Record Crowd | 25,260 (vs. Western Kentucky in 1980). |
| Elevation | Roughly 1,000 feet above sea level. |
Actually, that 1980 game against WKU is still talked about in hushed tones. The rivalry between EKU and WKU—the "Battle of the Bluegrass"—is one of the oldest in the region. Even though they don't play every year now due to conference shifts, the energy in Roy Kidd Stadium during those matchups was unlike anything else in the state.
The Future of CG Bank Field
The landscape of college athletics is shifting toward the "super-conference" model. EKU has been proactive. By securing local partnerships like the one with CG Bank, they’re insulating themselves from the volatility of the NCAA. They are investing in the "fan experience." This means better concessions (the barbecue is actually decent), faster Wi-Fi (which is a struggle in a concrete fortress), and more interactive zones for kids.
The stadium is also a massive recruiting tool. When a seventeen-year-old kid from Florida or Ohio walks onto CG Bank Field and sees that nine-story tower, it feels big time. It feels like a place where football matters. And in Richmond, it really does.
Actionable Tips for Visiting
If you're going to catch a game, do it right.
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Arrive early. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare if you don't have a pass, so aim for the lots near the Alumni Coliseum and walk over. It’s a nice stroll through campus anyway.
Wear Maroon. Seriously. Don't be that guy in a blue shirt. Richmond is a maroon town through and through.
Check the weather. Because the stadium is so tall and open, the wind can whip through there. If it’s a November game, it’s going to be ten degrees colder at the top of the grandstand than it is in the parking lot. Bring a jacket.
Hit the local spots. After the game, head to downtown Richmond. Places like Apollo's Pizza are staples for a reason. You’ll likely run into coaches or players' families there.
Watch the Band. Don't go to the bathroom at halftime. The EKU Marching Band is legitimately one of the best in the country. Their performance is worth the price of admission alone.
CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium is more than just a place where people play a game. It’s a landmark. It’s a testament to Roy Kidd’s legacy and a signal of EKU’s future. Whether you’re a die-hard Colonel fan or just a traveler looking for an authentic Kentucky sports experience, this stadium delivers. It’s gritty, it’s loud, and it’s unapologetically Richmond.
When the sun starts to set over the press box and the stadium lights kick on, there isn't a better place in the state to watch a game. You feel the history in the concrete. You see the future in the new turf. It’s a bridge between what EKU was and what it’s becoming.
Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Schedule: Visit the official EKU Sports website to see the upcoming home games. Night games offer a significantly different atmosphere than afternoon kickoffs.
- Explore the Hall of Fame: If you have time before kickoff, look for the displays honoring EKU’s rich athletic history, including Roy Kidd’s numerous awards.
- Support Local: If you’re a local business owner, look into how the CG Bank partnership model works; it’s a blueprint for how mid-sized universities are staying afloat in the modern NIL era.
Everything about this venue—from the height of the stands to the name on the grass—tells a story of a community that refuses to be overlooked. It’s a piece of Kentucky history that is still very much being written.