Chet Anderson Stadium has been the home of Bemidji State University football since 1939 and offers a stunning lakeside setting that is practically unparalleled in college athletics. Built with a $172,000 federal grant to upgrade athletic facilities on campus, the stadium’s original construction included concrete bleachers on each side of the field with seating for approximately 3,000 people. The bleacher structures, completed in 1941, included a refreshment stand, first aid rooms, coaches’ offices, ticket booths and a passageway that was home to a 160x11 cinder track. An enclosed 14x6 press box occupied the position above and in the center of the north side bleachers, which included a glass front to protect sports writers from inclement weather.

The stadium has undergone modifications throughout the years, but the main structures are the same today as they were more than 65 years ago. Additional seating was installed, bringing the estimated capacity to 3,500, and in 1989 the facility received a new scoreboard and playing surface. 

On Oct. 2, 1996, the facility was officially named Chet Anderson Stadium in honor of Chester A. Anderson, who coached the Beavers from 1955-60 and again from 1962-65. Anderson helped lead BSU to Northern Intercollegiate Conference co-championships in 1957 and 1959.