SEMO Supporters Rally As University Prepares for Potential FCS Playoff Game

The Redhawks have made history so far this year, securing the highest national ranking in SEMO's Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) history at #6 in the country. The program recently received the same ranking from the NCAA Football Championship Committee, which released its Top Ten rankings earlier this week. With a playoff berth on the horizon, SEMO Athletics is eager to bring a playoff game to Cape Girardeau, a win-win for both the team and the community.

"Home field advantage is real. If our student-athletes and coaches earn the opportunity to compete in the FCS Playoffs, playing in front of our fans at Houck would make a huge difference," said Brady Barke, SEMO's vice president for intercollegiate athletics.

"In addition to the benefits for the team and fans, hosting an FCS playoff game brings significant economic benefits to Cape Girardeau," said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. "For local businesses, the influx of fans and media creates a positive economic impact that reaches beyond the stadium to the community and businesses who support our student-athletes."

One obstacle to bidding to host a playoff game has been Houck Field's press accommodations. While the south grandstand was rebuilt in 2023, permanent press facilities are scheduled for the next phase of the Houck Multipurpose Complex project, leaving only limited space for media and essential personnel on game days.

"While we've found a way to operate efficiently for regular season games, hosting a playoff game would require much more press box space than we currently have," said Barke.

In collaboration with SEMO's Department of Facilities Management and Boulder Construction, SEMO Athletics found a solution: a new media platform is now being built on Houck Field's south side to host radio crews, television commentators, statisticians, and other media personnel. Construction of the 8-by-40-foot structure began this week and is fully funded by donations. The platform is only temporary and was planned so as not to affect permanent facilities currently anticipated for a future phase of the Houck Multipurpose project.

"We reached out to our community for help with this critical investment, and their response was remarkable," said Barke. "Just as they show up for us each game, our supporters stepped up, contributing more than $60,000 to make this project happen in just a few short weeks."

While the Redhawks are currently poised to make the FCS playoffs, if and when the team would play will be determined by end of season rankings. Teams ranked 9-16 will play host to first round playoff games, Nov. 30, and teams ranked 1-8 receive a bye the first weekend and host second round playoff games Dec. 7.

With its current ranking and construction underway, SEMO is hoping to bring the energy of FCS playoffs to Cape Girardeau, showcasing the community's continued support for Redhawks Football.