CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – On September 24, 2021, the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors approved action to begin the first phase of construction for a new Houck Field.
 
"Athletics plays a vital role for our institution," said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. "A state-of-the-art Houck Field has the ability to bring more fans, special events and numerous activities to this region and enhance growth toward a much stronger and healthier university. Rebuilding the stadium will not be possible without the support of our fans, alumni and community, and we ask you to join us as we work to create a lasting future for our university." 
 
The first phase of the project will include demolition of the existing south grandstand structure as well as construction of a new south seating bowl and concourse with new restrooms and concession areas. Current plans indicate this phase will be complete in time for the Fall 2022 season. 
 
"I want to thank the Board of Governors and Dr. Vargas for their support," said Director of Athletics Brady Barke. "This is a huge step forward for Athletics and I'm excited for the rebuild of Houck Field to begin. Houck Field not only serves as the front porch of our university, but also the doorstep to downtown Cape Girardeau. Once complete, Houck will create a great place for our student-athletes to train and compete, a first-class venue that will attract quality students and athletes to our university and a unique gameday atmosphere for our fans."
 
Beyond the initial work to be completed, the remainder of the South Sideline project has two additional phases, which will be completed as funding is identified. Items to be incorporated in these phases include a locker room for the football and soccer teams, an athletic training space, centralized ticketing, and a two-level press box, equipped with operational areas and a new club level. 
 
Future plans for the Houck Field renovations will not be limited to the South Sideline rebuild. Additional phases will involve renovation of the North Sideline seating area and construction of a new field house.  
 
"We got better today. Houck Field is a special place and it's played host to some incredible moments. Rebuilding Houck will have a huge impact on recruiting as we continue to build our program. But this project will impact so much more than Football and I'm excited about the future," said SEMO Head Football Coach Tom Matukewicz.
 
SEMO Head Women's Soccer Coach Heather Nelson added, "I have been the soccer coach of this great program ever since its inception and there is a pride for our university. A new Houck Field will help recruiting tremendously and give our university, alumni, fans and community something we can all be proud of." 
 
Southeast Missouri State University contracted with Hollis + Miller, an architecture and design firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. Hollis + Miller Architects were selected through a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process to provide professional architectural, engineering, scheduling and planning services for stadium renovation and construction. Conceptual designs for a stadium renovation were completed in August 2019 and have served as the focal point of the Department of Athletics' plan to rebuild Houck Field.