Ernest W. Spangler Stadium

FCS
Find the official site ↗Directions ↗Hotels nearby ↗

Ernest W. Spangler Stadium is a college football stadium in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, home of the Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, who play in the Ohio Valley of NCAA Division I FCS. It opened in 1969, making it 57 years old in 2026 and seats 8,500 fans. It ranks 5th of 8 in the Ohio Valley by capacity.

The team plays on artificial turf. Remains an OVC football affiliate member; fired coach Kris McCullough on Sept. 2, 2026 (Pete Bennett interim). The closest FBS stadium is McColl–Richardson Field at Jerry Richardson Stadium in Charlotte, about 48 miles away.

Stadium facts

Location
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Home of
Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs
School
Gardner–Webb University
Conference
Ohio Valley
Subdivision
Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)
Opened
1969
Capacity
8,500
Playing surface
Artificial turf
Size rank in FCS
91st of 127

Plan your trip to Ernest W. Spangler Stadium

Hotels near Ernest W. Spangler StadiumBook a stay for game weekend on ExpediaGardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs ticketsFind seats for home gamesParkingLots and garages near the stadiumDirectionsMap to Ernest W. Spangler StadiumTours & things to do in Boiling SpringsStadium tours, sightseeing and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbyPregame spots near the stadium

Stadiums near Ernest W. Spangler Stadium10

  1. 1FCSGibbs Stadium — Wofford Terriers (Spartanburg, South Carolina)26 mi
  2. 2FBSMcColl–Richardson Field at Jerry Richardson Stadium — Charlotte 49ers (Charlotte, North Carolina)48 mi
  3. 3FCSPaladin Stadium — Furman Paladins (Greenville, South Carolina)50 mi
  4. 4FCSRichardson Stadium — Davidson Wildcats (Davidson, North Carolina)50 mi
  5. 5FCSBailey Memorial Stadium — Presbyterian Blue Hose (Clinton, South Carolina)55 mi
  6. 6FBSKidd Brewer Stadium — Appalachian State Mountaineers (Boone, North Carolina)66 mi
  7. 7FBSFrank Howard Field at Clemson Memorial Stadium — Clemson Tigers (Clemson, South Carolina)77 mi
  8. 8FCSE. J. Whitmire Stadium — Western Carolina Catamounts (Cullowhee, North Carolina)84 mi
  9. 9FCSWilliam B. Greene Jr. Stadium — East Tennessee State Buccaneers (Johnson City, Tennessee)84 mi
  10. 10FBSWilliams–Brice Stadium — South Carolina Gamecocks (Columbia, South Carolina)93 mi

Questions about Ernest W. Spangler Stadium

Where do the Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs play home games?

The Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs play at Ernest W. Spangler Stadium in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

How many people does Ernest W. Spangler Stadium hold?

Ernest W. Spangler Stadium has a capacity of 8,500.

When did Ernest W. Spangler Stadium open?

Ernest W. Spangler Stadium opened in 1969.

Does Ernest W. Spangler Stadium have grass or turf?

Ernest W. Spangler Stadium has an artificial turf field.

What other college football stadiums are near Ernest W. Spangler Stadium?

Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg is about 26 miles away. See the full list of nearby stadiums on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 season. Distances are straight-line miles between city centers. Capacity figures vary by source. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your stadium? Get the “Listed on All Football Stadiums” badge for your website.