History
When the stadium was built in 1968 it seated 19,250 fans. The facility was expanded to a seating capacity of 22,000 in a project that was completed in 2008. This was planned to prepare for the Hilltoppers' move to the highest level of National Collegiate Athletic Association, NCAA football competition, NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, Division I FBS (formerly known as Division I-A), completed in 2009 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team, 2009. However, the facility remains one of the smallest stadiums in the FBS.Renovations
A 1989 renovation reduced the seating capacity to 17,500 seats. Lights were installed in 1987 and an Astroplay playing surface was installed in 2002. On July 19, 2007, WKU reported that Houchens Industries, a long-time corporate supporter of WKU, made a $5 million commitment to an expansion and renovation project for the school's football stadium. In honor of the gift, WKU added Houchens Industries to the name of L. T. Smith Stadium. Today, the stadium is now titled as Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium.Notable events
Smith Stadium has been the site of marching band competitions, high school football games, the university's graduation ceremonies and the Special Olympics. Starting in 2009, it became the site of KHSAA Commonwealth Gridiron Bowl, Kentucky's high school football championship games, which had been previously held at the current Cardinal Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisville. Although the contract with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) had been extended through 2018, the KHSAA decided to move the championships away from WKU in 2017. One of the reasons cited was the Hilltoppers' recent football success, specifically their hosting of the 2015 Conference USA Football Championship Game, 2015 and 2016 Conference USA Football Championship Game, 2016 Conference USA Conference USA Football Championship Game, championship games, which forced the rescheduling of several high school championship games on short notice. Accordingly, the 2017 and 2018 KHSAA championships were moved to the Kentucky Wildcats football, University of Kentucky's Kroger Field.Record crowds
Homecoming 2012: Homecoming 2013:See also
* List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiumsReferences
{{DEFAULTSORT:Houchens Industries-L. T. Smith Stadium Buildings and structures in Bowling Green, Kentucky College football venues Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football American football venues in Kentucky Multi-purpose stadiums in the United States Tourist attractions in Bowling Green, Kentucky Sports venues completed in 1968 1968 establishments in Kentucky