Salem Stadium opened in August 1985, only eight months after its construction was approved and five months after grading began. The city used a bond issue to pay for the $2.2 million facility. Three football games have been played to more than capacity crowds. An estimated 10,000 people watched Salem High School defeat Graham of Bluefield, 23-6 in a battle of unbeatens in October 1989. In December 1991, Spotsylvania defeated Salem 31-27 for the Va. State Group AA Division 4 Championship before a crowd of 8,500.

In 2001, the stadium played host to its ninth Stagg Bowl, the NCAA Division III Football championship, as a Salem Stagg Bowl-record crowd of 7,992 saw Mount Union win its sixth title in a thriller against Bridgewater, 30-27. In 1994, a sellout crowd of 7,168 watched Albion defeat Washington & Jefferson, 38-15. The first Stagg Bowl in Salem in 1993, drew 7,304 fans, but the stadium's capacity was reduced to 7,136 in early 1994 with the addition of auxiliary press facilities on the west side of the stadium.

The city recently completed a major renovation to the facility installing FieldTurf on the playing surface and upgrading the surrounding landscaping. Additional renovations to the facility have included a brick facing on the auxiliary press box and an elevator and upgrades to the on-site locker rooms -- adding over 50 lockers in each team dressing area.

Salem Stadium plays host to other events during the season including concerts, marching band performances and various recreational activities planned by the City.

Driving directions are available from the Salem Civic Center Web site.