Lyon College Breaks Ground on Bad Boy Stadium

“This is a historic day for Lyon College,” said President Dr. Melissa Taverner. “Bad Boy Stadium will not only elevate our football program but also bring students, alumni, and the community together in a shared space of pride and tradition.” 

The stadium’s first phase will include a regulation-size playing field, a press box, seating for 600 fans, a digital scoreboard, concessions and restroom facilities. Designed to be a hub for campus and community events, the facility will incorporate modern amenities and sustainable construction practices.

“This project is a game-changer for Lyon College Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins. “It will provide a top-tier experience for players and fans and help us recruit and retain talented student-athletes.”

The project is funded through significant community and corporate partnerships. Bad Boy Mowers has secured naming rights for the stadium, while Atlas Asphalt/White River Materials will name the playing field. 

“As I was coming up I was retrospecting on how we got here, and thinking about all of the countless hours of meetings, ideas, negotiations, commitments and things of that nature,” said Robert McIntire, chief financial officer at Bad Boy Mowers. “Being here makes it real. It gives a new sense of excitement, and being a fan of the game, I think that this is really going to be an awesome project to partner on.”

Additional major contributions have come from The Bank of Cave City, First Community Bank, and Merchants and Planters Bank. Local firm FARCO will oversee construction.

“This is more than a football stadium—it’s a statement about our commitment to student-athletes and the future of Lyon College,” said Head Coach Chris Douglas. “Our team is grateful for the support and excited to take the field in 2025.”

"The generosity and support from so many companies and individuals to bring our football Scots home is heartwarming and a testament to the deep connection between our community and Lyon College," said Provost Dr. Kurt Grafton. "This new stadium and plaza will not only benefit our athletics program but will also serve the entire college community. Lyon College's commitment to fostering strong, positive relationships will be greatly enhanced by these exceptional gathering spaces."

The $2.5 million project has raised $1.5 million to date, with fundraising ongoing. Future plans include expanded seating, visitor stands, a dedicated locker room for visiting teams, and a grand entry plaza for game-day and community events.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity that has made today possible,” said Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement. “There are still opportunities to be part of this historic project, and we invite others to help us bring this vision to life.”

Naming opportunities remain for various elements of the stadium, including seating sections and additional facility features. For more information or to contribute, please visit http://www.Lyon.edu/StadiumChallenge or contact Dr. Hutchison at David.Hutchison@Lyon.edu or (870) 307-7208.

View the full groundbreaking album at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lyoncollegescots/albums/72177720323524865