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Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Stadium
Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Stadium is the iconic 22,500-seat multi-purpose stadium located in Lorman, Mississippi, serving as the heart and home of Alcorn State University athletics. It is the official playing venue for the Alcorn State Braves football team and the university’s women’s soccer program. Strategically positioned on the Alcorn campus, the stadium is surrounded by rolling Mississippi hills and sits adjacent to the historic Davey L. Whitney Complex, creating a unified sports and campus environment that blends tradition, passion, and progress.
The stadium opened in 1992, ushering in a new era for Alcorn State University athletics by replacing the legendary Henderson Stadium, which had served the Braves for decades. Designed with a capacity of 22,500, Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Stadium was envisioned as a modern facility that could accommodate the growing fan base and increasing prominence of Alcorn football on the national stage. Its open-air design, natural grass field, and panoramic views make it one of the most picturesque and distinctive venues in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
The stadium was originally named solely for Jack Spinks, a legendary figure in Alcorn State sports history. Spinks was a trailblazing football player for the Braves in the early 1950s who went on to become the first Alcorn player to be drafted into the National Football League. Known for his power, speed, and leadership on and off the field, Spinks helped elevate the reputation of Alcorn athletics during his era and became a symbol of excellence for future generations.
In 2011, the stadium was rededicated and renamed Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Memorial Stadium to honor another towering figure in Alcorn history: Coach Marino H. Casem, affectionately known as “The Godfather.” Casem served as Alcorn’s head football coach from 1964 to 1985 and as athletic director until 1986. Under his leadership, the Braves captured multiple SWAC championships and became a powerhouse in Black college football. Coach Casem's vision, integrity, and dedication transformed Alcorn State Athletics into a nationally respected program. Former university president Dr. M. Christopher Brown II remarked, “Coach Casem helped Alcorn State University Athletics increase both in stature and in reputation to become a nationally recognized university.”
The stadium has hosted some of the most historic and electric moments in Alcorn football history, including numerous SWAC championship seasons, heated rivalries, homecoming spectacles, and appearances by some of the greatest players in program history. It also serves as a cultural and communal gathering point for alumni, fans, and students, creating an atmosphere of pride and unity on game days.
In addition to athletics, the stadium has been used for university events, high school games, special ceremonies, and community gatherings, further strengthening its role as a central landmark in the region. With modern locker rooms, a press box, training facilities, and fan accommodations, the venue continues to evolve while preserving the spirit and history that define it.
Today, Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Stadium stands not only as a physical home for Alcorn State Athletics but also as a living tribute to the legacy of excellence, leadership, and community service represented by the two names it proudly bears. As the Braves continue to build toward the future, the stadium remains a powerful symbol of the institution’s past, present, and enduring tradition of greatness.
