SEMO Athletics races to construct media platform for potential playoff game

With SEMO football reaching its highest national ranking in program history at No. 6, Southeast Missouri State University is taking swift steps to prepare Houck Field for a potential FCS playoff game.

The preparation centers on a newly constructed media platform designed to accommodate a larger press presence to support SEMO’s bid to host a playoff game.

The idea for the platform arose out of a need.

Brady Barke, SEMO’s vice president for intercollegiate athletics, explained that while Houck Field’s south grandstand was rebuilt in 2023, the press accommodations needed a temporary boost to meet FCS hosting standards.

“Because we only have the small [press box] on the north side, we knew that we didn’t have enough space to accommodate potential television talent, radio talent, and other media personnel,” Barke said. “We wanted a creative, cost-effective solution that could meet our needs until the next phase of the stadium project is complete.

After meeting with contractors and finalizing plans with Boulder Construction, SEMO Athletics secured more than $60,000 in donations to make the temporary platform a reality.

According to SEMO’s website, the 8-by-40-foot structure, fully funded by donations, will allow space for radio crews, television commentators, and statistics personnel, essential for potential playoff broadcasts.

Barke emphasized that the community’s support has been instrumental in the project’s rapid progress.

“We had an opportunity to have some supporters come to the stadium, where we walked them through our current setup and showed them where we needed improvements,” he said. “The response was super positive. We were able to secure funding quickly, and our contractors worked fast to make it happen.”

The response from players and coaches has been equally positive, though Barke mentioned that they’ve tried to keep players focused on the season.

“People are really appreciative of the university’s efforts and the community’s response to make this happen,” Barke said.

The potential of hosting an FCS playoff game brings more than just home-field excitement; it also offers significant benefits to the community.

SEMO’s last playoff game in 2018 underscored the importance of playing at home, where, according to Barke, SEMO’s home crowd was crucial in securing a win over Stony Brook.

“If we were on the road, I’m confident we don’t win that game,” Barke recalled. “Home field advantage makes a huge difference.”

Looking ahead, SEMO Athletics hopes to sustain the energy generated by a successful season, urging students and community members to keep up their support into the colder months.

“Once homecoming is over and the weather shifts, people often turn their focus elsewhere,” Barke said. “We’re banking on the community to respond and keep the enthusiasm through December.”