A major transformation is underway at Brownsville ISD’s Sams Memorial Stadium, as the district moves to reshape its iconic field into a dual-purpose arena fit for both soccer and football. Construction has already begun, and in just over three months, the new look will be ready for action.
The facility will be renamed Coach Joe A. Rodriguez Field at Sams Stadium, in tribute to the former athletic director whose impact still echoes across the community. This change is more than symbolic—it’s structural, strategic, and signals a shift in how BISD prioritizes its top-performing sports.
From Narrow Field to Wider Stage
The stadium’s current configuration just doesn’t cut it for competitive soccer anymore. At only 185 feet wide, it falls short of the dimensions needed for regulation-level play. BISD Athletic Director Gilbert Leal made it clear: if you want to compete at the highest levels, the playing field can’t be cramped.
The new design pushes the width out to 225 feet—an additional 30 feet. It’s a bold move that opens up space for stronger, faster, and more technically skilled play. That matters, especially when you’ve got teams that are winning state titles.
“This is about giving our kids the kind of platform they deserve,” Leal said. “We’re talking about state champions. They need a proper stage.”
And it’s not just about the kids.
No More Track, and That’s Raising Eyebrows
Longtime locals have spent years using the track around Sams Stadium for their morning jogs and evening walks. Come September, that’ll be gone.
Leal admitted the track won’t survive the redesign.
“Obviously, we’re not going to have a track anymore,” he said bluntly. “Hopefully, people can use the sports park or other trails.”
That may sting for some. The track was more than just a loop; it was part of Brownsville’s routine, a spot for all ages to stay active. Now, it’s one more sacrifice made in the name of progress.
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Historic Stadium, Modern Upgrade
It’s worth noting: the grandstand, façade, and heart of the stadium aren’t going anywhere.
BISD made sure of that. A structural engineer presented a full plan to the board in May—one that doesn’t just preserve the stadium, but actively prepares it for the next two decades. The three-year maintenance and preservation strategy aims to strike a balance between honoring the past and adapting to the future.
Sams Stadium is a Brownsville icon. Built decades ago, it’s hosted everything from pep rallies to playoff heartbreaks. Over the past few years, BISD has added new parking lots, spruced up restrooms, and updated concession stands. This summer, it’s the turf’s turn.
And when it’s all done, here’s what the field will be used for:
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Varsity football in the fall
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Boys and girls soccer from December through April
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UTRGV Division I football in the future
Yes, UTRGV is also eyeing the venue for its own gridiron dreams. More games, more crowds, more spotlight.
Soccer Rising: BISD Leans Into Winning Formula
Football may still be king in Texas, but soccer’s not taking a back seat in Brownsville anymore. The shift at Sams is evidence of that.
BISD schools have tasted real success in recent years, clinching multiple state titles in soccer. And while football remains a community pillar, the district knows where its competitive edge lies.
“This isn’t about choosing one over the other,” Leal emphasized. “It’s about making space for both.”
Here’s a look at BISD’s recent state championship wins in boys and girls soccer:
| Year | School | Sport | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Lopez High | Boys | State Champions |
| 2023 | Rivera High | Girls | State Champions |
| 2024 | Veterans Memorial | Boys | Finalists |
With results like these, it’s no surprise the district is putting money behind the game.
$3.1 Million Price Tag and 100 Days of Dust
The entire conversion is priced at $3.1 million—a chunk of money that’s been budgeted and allocated. But it’s not just the dollar figure that matters. It’s the timeline.
They’ve got 100 days.
That’s 100 days of dirt, heavy machinery, and non-stop work to get everything done before the fall sports schedule kicks in. BISD officials aren’t taking this lightly. Time is money. And delay isn’t an option.
Construction began in early June, and officials are confident it’ll be game-ready by late September. That’s when the first varsity football games are slated.
If all goes according to plan, fans will be sitting in the stands under Friday night lights watching both football passes and soccer footwork over the course of a single season.
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What’s Next After the Turf Settles?
Once the turf gets laid, once the markings are painted, once the goals are installed—what comes next?
Well, that depends on how well this gamble pays off. If soccer continues its rise and football keeps drawing crowds, Sams could become one of the busiest school district stadiums in the Rio Grande Valley.
It may even inspire other districts to follow suit. Hybrid stadiums—once a rarity—might be the future of Texas high school athletics.
But for now, Brownsville is ahead of the curve. And for Coach Joe A. Rodriguez, whose name will soon be painted onto the fresh green field, that’s a legacy to be proud of.
