The Florida State Seminoles stunned the college football world Saturday night, upsetting the Alabama Crimson Tide in front of a packed Doak Campbell Stadium that had just reopened after two years of renovations. Fans rushed the field in Tallahassee as the Noles celebrated one of the program’s biggest Week 1 victories in recent history.
It was the first time Alabama had ever played at Doak Campbell Stadium, and the Seminoles made the night unforgettable. Florida State led 17-10 at halftime and never looked back, riding a dominant rushing attack to seal the win. The Noles finished with 230 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground, while holding Alabama to just 87 yards rushing. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos provided balance through the air, completing 9 of 14 passes for 152 yards.
The game also marked the grand unveiling of Doak Campbell’s $265 million renovation, which reduced capacity to just under 70,000 but added wider seats, premium club options, new amenities, and a massive new video board. The field itself was re-sodded with a thicker natural grass surface designed for better player safety.
Fans said the upgrades were worth the wait. FSU alum Chandler McBride called the new-look Doak “absolutely amazing,” while long-time supporter Sam Hartmann said the atmosphere was electric and praised the more comfortable seating. Former Seminoles player Bill Ragans, now a high school coach, said the matchup against Alabama in the revamped stadium created “new vibes” and “big excitement.”
The Seminoles not only defended their home turf in style but also sent a message to the college football world: they’re ready to contend again. For the fans who stormed the field, it was a night that blended history, celebration, and the start of something new for Florida State football.
