The first Saturday of the college football season is finally here, but that also means James Madison University is debuting the new renovations at Bridgeforth Stadium.

The first stage of a two-year project is complete, and fans got their first opportunity to check out the new stadium Saturday night when the Dukes hosted Morehead State in their season opener.

Many of the fans say they were amazed by the new stadium and say it's an "extreme upgrade."

Fans say it's been great watching the football program grow over the past ten years. They also say it's great to see all of the support from the students, alumni and staff.

"Absolutely beautiful, I am very excited about the new stadium. I got out here a couple weeks ago for 'Meet the Dukes Day' and went up to the very top and there's not a bad seat in the house. I'm really looking forward to the next stage when they put the top on it," says David Gould, who graduated from JMU in 2000.

The final phase of the stadium will be finished prior to next football season, and will then seat roughly 25,000 JMU fans.