American Treasure: Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State University

Words: Cass Stern
Photos: Bryan Pollard, CRobertson, DenisTangneyJr, gnagel, Florida State University

When you walk into Doak Campbell Stadium at Florida State University, the impact is immediate. It’s not just the roar of 79,000 fans or the iconic spear logo—it’s the walls themselves. Unlike most college football stadiums, which are built primarily of concrete and steel, Doak Campbell is defined by its masonry. Brick, block, and stone give the stadium a unique identity—one that speaks to craftsmanship and permanence.

Completed in phases since its original opening in 1950, the stadium has undergone numerous expansions, with masonry playing a central role in each one. Today, it stands as one of the largest brick sports structures in the United States —a point of pride not just for the university, but also for the masons who helped build it.

When Florida State set out to expand and modernize the stadium in the early 1990s, it made a deliberate design decision: to use traditional materials that reflected the surrounding Collegiate Gothic campus style. That meant tens of millions of modular face bricks—most in rich red tones with darker flashed accents—used for the façade, stair towers, and architectural features.

The masonry system is a veneer-over-CMU cavity wall, with load-bearing reinforced concrete block serving as backup. Masonry anchors, weeps, and through-wall flashings were carefully integrated throughout to manage moisture and ensure long-term durability in Florida’s humid, storm-prone climate. Stainless steel ties and shelf angles were used at key transition points, especially around window and door openings, to support brick coursing and maintain alignment.

Architectural cast stone was used for trim, medallions, column capitals, and signage panels, giving visual depth to the envelope. Quoined corners, arched window headers, soldier courses, and decorative bond patterns added complexity and required skilled craftsmanship to execute cleanly on a large scale.

Building a brick-clad stadium at this scale isn’t typical. The design team had to reconcile aesthetics with structural and logistical demands. For example, the sheer weight of masonry on a high-rise stadium structure required careful coordination of engineering. Reinforced masonry was used strategically in areas to maintain integrity while reducing dead load where possible.

In high-exposure zones, brick ties and flashing systems were engineered to manage Florida’s frequent rains and hurricane conditions. Expansion joints were integrated into the design to manage thermal movement and prevent cracking over time—no minor consideration in the Florida climate.

Each expansion phase—south end zone, east stands, and the University Center wrapping the west side—involved unique masonry layouts, elevations, and interfaces with precast and steel. The height of some façades exceeded 100 feet, demanding safe and efficient scaffold systems and mast climbers. In many areas, masons worked from swing stages to install detailed work at elevation.

Construction teams also had to navigate around the university’s academic calendar and football season. This meant tight construction windows and strict scheduling. Coordination between general contractors and masonry subs was critical. Supply chain logistics were equally crucial: consistent brick color, texture, and quality across years of phased construction required tight quality control and cooperation with manufacturers.

At the heart of Doak Campbell’s iconic look is the work of skilled masons. Crews spent thousands of man-hours laying brick, setting cast stone accents, and installing block backup systems. The work demanded more than speed—it required attention to detail, especially on decorative elements like arches, pilasters, and medallions that reflect FSU’s branding.

Many Florida-based masonry contractors were involved over the years, with firms bringing in experienced foremen and masons who understood the visual and structural stakes of the project. Training and jobsite safety were emphasized, especially given the height and complexity of the build.

Doak Campbell isn’t just a football stadium—it’s a showcase of what masonry can do at scale. Its visual weight and architectural presence elevate the game-day experience and contribute to FSU’s overall campus aesthetic. For masons and suppliers, it’s a high-profile example of their craft in action.

The stadium’s enduring quality speaks to the value of masonry in institutional architecture. It’s durable, timeless, and low-maintenance—traits that appeal to universities planning for the long term. And in an era where many athletic facilities lean toward metal panels and glass, Doak Campbell shows there’s still power in traditional materials when used boldly.

As FSU continues to invest in its athletics and campus infrastructure, the masonry of Doak Campbell remains a cornerstone—literally and figuratively—of its identity. For the tradespeople who built it, the stadium stands as a legacy project, one that proves craftsmanship and materials matter just as much as the scoreboard.

Brick by brick, the stadium continues to make a statement—not just on Saturdays, but every day.

American Treasure: Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State University

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