John L. Guidry Stadium

Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium is a 10,500-seat multi-purpose stadium in Thibodaux, Louisiana. It is home to the Nicholls State University Colonels football team of the Southland Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision. The stadium is named in honor of former state representative John L. Guidry who was instrumental in the establishment of Francis T. Nicholls Junior College. The playing surface is named Manning Field after the Manning family because Peyton Manning, Eli Manning and Archie Manning hold theManning Passing Academy football camp at the facility. The current playing surface is Astroturf 3D Grass. The stadium was officially dedicated on September 16, 1972 as Nicholls State defeated Ouachita Baptist 12-7.

The stadium features a three-level press box on the west side. The second level houses an area for game management staff, television, radio and coaches’ booths and a working press area. The president’s suite and a 30-seat club level is located on the third level. A photo deck is located on the roof. Prior to the start of the 2010 season, a new scoreboard, complete with graphic animation features as well as a new sound system was added. On the ground level is the Colonels Club Room. Members use the building as a hospitality area before homefootball games as well as for various university functions throughout the year. In 2012, the west entrance of the stadium was renovated which included a new entrance into the Colonel Club area and a new ever-present illuminated Nicholls “N”.

The New Orleans Saints (NFL) used the stadium for training camp prior to the 1975 season and again from 2000-2002. It is also the site of high school football games, Crawfish Day, Winter Fest and holds many marching band competitions.