
Where Is Marshall University Football Located?
Marshall University football is located in Huntington, West Virginia, and plays its home games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium on the university's campus.
Where Is Marshall University Football Based?
Marshall University's football team, known as the Thundering Herd, is based in Huntington, West Virginia. The program competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and is a member of the Sun Belt Conference. The team plays its home games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, a 38,227-seat outdoor stadium situated on the university’s campus along the Ohio River.
History and Location of Joan C. Edwards Stadium
Opened in 1991, Joan C. Edwards Stadium replaced the aging Fairfield Stadium and has since served as the heart of Marshall football. Its location at 1600 Third Avenue, Huntington, WV 25755, places it within walking distance of academic buildings and student housing, fostering strong school spirit and fan engagement.
Key Features of the Stadium
- Capacity: 38,227 (one of the largest stadiums in the state)
- Synthetic turf playing surface installed in 2017
- Eight-lane championship track surrounding the field
- On-campus location enhances student attendance and game-day atmosphere
- Hosts not only football but also high school championships and community events
Conference Affiliation and Recent Performance
The Thundering Herd moved to the Sun Belt Conference in 2022 after previously competing in Conference USA. This transition marked a new chapter in the program's resurgence following national recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Recent Season Highlights
- 2020: Won the Myrtle Beach Bowl in first season under Head Coach Charles Huff
- 2022: Reached Sun Belt Championship Game in inaugural conference season
- 2023: Finished with 9 wins, demonstrating consistent improvement
- Strong recruiting pipeline from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the Southeast
| Year | Record (Overall) | Conference Record | Bowl Result | Head Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9–4 | 6–2 (Sun Belt) | Won Boca Raton Bowl | Charles Huff |
| 2022 | 8–5 | 7–1 (Sun Belt) | Lost in Sun Belt Championship | Charles Huff |
| 2021 | 7–6 | 4–4 (C-USA) | Lost in Frisco Bowl | Charles Huff |
| 2020 | 8–3 | 5–2 (C-USA) | Won Myrtle Beach Bowl | Charles Huff |
| 2019 | 7–6 | 4–4 (C-USA) | Lost in Gasparilla Bowl | Doc Holliday |
The data shows a steady upward trajectory in performance since Charles Huff took over as head coach in 2020. With an average of over 8 wins per season from 2020 to 2023, the program has re-established itself as competitive in the FBS. The transition to the Sun Belt Conference has not disrupted momentum, as evidenced by strong conference records and consecutive bowl appearances.
How to Attend a Marshall Football Game
Fans can purchase tickets through the official Marshall Athletics website or authorized vendors. Game days feature tailgating traditions, live music, and pregame ceremonies honoring the 1970 plane crash victims, a pivotal moment in the program’s history.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
- Arrive early to enjoy tailgating on Third Avenue
- Visit the Memorial Student Center to view exhibits about the 1970 tragedy
- Wear green to show school spirit
- Use campus parking lots or city shuttles on game day
- Check the schedule for family-friendly theme nights
Frequently Asked Questions About Marshall University Football
Where does Marshall University football play their home games?
Marshall University football plays its home games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, located on the university’s campus in Huntington, West Virginia.
What conference is Marshall football in?
As of 2025, Marshall football competes in the Sun Belt Conference, having joined in 2022 after previously being a member of Conference USA.
Who is the current head coach of Marshall football?
The current head coach of Marshall football is Charles Huff, who has led the team since the 2020 season and guided them to multiple bowl victories.
What is the capacity of Joan C. Edwards Stadium?
Joan C. Edwards Stadium has a seating capacity of 38,227, making it one of the largest college football stadiums in the southeastern United States relative to enrollment size.
Has Marshall University won a national championship in football?
Marshall won the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) National Championship in 1992 and 1996. They have not won a Division I FBS national title but came close in 1999 when they finished ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll.






