A FINE EFFORT FOR FOOTBALL

Convincing the public of the necessity of college football in Tallahassee was no easy task, but university president Doak S. Campbell was up for the challenge. Throwing his support behind the cause, Campbell led the initial campaign to fund the proposed 15,000-seat stadium, which needed approximately $250,000. With the help of former star Rainey Cawthon, 1,000 five-year season tickets were sold to fans for just $50 each, quickly raising the funds needed to begin construction. In just under five months, the new stadium was ready for football action in the 1950 season. Campbell later wrote that the season ticket endeavor was the turning point in construction, saying “This fine effort is especially noteworthy in view of the fact that many said a stadium with 15,000 seats was far more than Tallahassee would ever need.”