Florida State University’s Doak S. Campbell Stadium still offers that traditional, classic atmosphere that every Seminole knows and loves. But this football season, game days have gotten a little more modern and a tad bit snazzier thanks to its newest addition: Founders Suite Lounge.
This new seating experience, which requires a one-time $5 million capital gift and an $85,000 annual entrance fee, is so exclusive that the Tallahassee Democrat is still waiting on a few more details to give you a full look.
But here’s what we do know:
In fall 2023, the massive $265 million “Transformation of Doak Campbell Stadium” was approved. This proposal promised to maintain and enhance the venue as one of the best in college football. It was completed for the Seminoles’ season opener against Alabama on Aug. 30.
New luxuries were added to enhance guests’ experience including climate-controlled club spaces, amenities and technology, a new spacious concourse and bathrooms; new replay and ribbon boards; and other infrastructure improvements.
The premium spaces have their own established club level, which comes with its own with private entrances and restrooms.
“It’s amazing, classy,” FSU Vice President and Athletic Director Michael Alford said in a previous interview with the Tallahassee Democrat.
Fans that got an early look agreed. In a video posted by the Florida State University Seminole Boosters Facebook page, one guest who says he’s been coming to Doak since 1979 was left speechless after seeing the Founder’s level.
“The changes are amazing. It’s not one thing. It’s everything,” he said.
In a minute-long video posted on the FSU Football Fans Facebook page, Alford gave former ‘Nole and NFL cornerback Bryant McFadden a tour of the Founder’s Suite Lounge located on the Founder’s Level.
“This is like joining Sage Valley,” Alford said, referring to the exclusive South Carolina golf club. “Nobody can get in here.”
In the video, McFadden took a look at the boardroom as well as one of the eight 1,100-square-foot suites decorated with plush couches and chairs, a few plasma screen televisions, a kitchen space and the stadium seats, “not too high up,” that look at the center of the field through glass windows that can open up and retract into the back wall.
Certain locations in the stadium come with different food and beverage experiences. In some cases, food and beverages are included. You won’t find your typical $13 chicken tenders and $6 jumbo hot dogs from the concession stands in these spaces; this is the only seating that comes with a chef attendant and alcohol is included.
FSU did not respond to requests for a sample menu or photos from inside the lounge, but FSU Deputy Athletics Director for Strategic Communication Douglas Walker offered some details in an email exchange.
“Founder’sLevel is our most exclusive experience in the stadium,” Walker said. “In addition to the unique game day experience, plans are in place to offer each Founder access to their suite outside of the season for board meetings, special events, non-game day events, etc.”
Walker also said that there are a total of 1,625 donors signed up for premium seating. Eight of those donors are in Founder’s Suites Lounge and 26 are in the other seating area Founder’s Loge. He said 684 donors have joined the new West Sideline Club and the renovated Dunlap Champions Club has 907 donors as of Sept. 5.
In terms of the price tag added to these exclusive seats, the stadium project called for approximately $92 million. The $5 million capital gift given upfront can also be applied to a Bowden Society membership which starts at $50,000.
It includes exclusive access, event invitations and more throughout the year.
So now the big question: Who’ll be sitting in these seats?
Walker says “many ‘high-level’ donors bought into the renovated seating and their identity is not released by Seminole Boosters, Inc.”
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Beyond the bleachers, a $5-million exclusive experience inside FSU Founders Suite Lounge
Reporting by Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
