Jackson Councilman Pushes for New Jackson State Stadium to Pave Way for Cancer Center

Kenneth Stokes believes a new stadium would allow the University of Mississippi Medical Center to build a $250 million cancer center on the current stadium site.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes is urging Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and Jackson State University officials to work together to build a new football stadium for the university. Stokes believes that by relocating the aging Veterans Memorial Stadium, it would allow the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) to construct a $250 million cancer center on the current stadium site.

Why it matters

The current 75-year-old Veterans Memorial Stadium has become a financial burden for Jackson State, losing nearly $1.5 million in operating costs since 2019. Stokes argues that instead of continuing to pour money into the aging facility, the state should pivot toward a 'land-swap' strategy that would benefit both Jackson State's athletic program and the state's healthcare infrastructure.

The details

According to a 2011 state law, if Jackson State were to vacate the current stadium, the property would likely revert to UMMC, clearing the way for the proposed $250 million cancer center project. UMMC has already raised $60 million in philanthropic gifts, including a $25 million donation, to fund the new cancer center.

  • In November 2025, an investigation by the Clarion-Ledger revealed that the 75-year-old Veterans Memorial Stadium has been losing nearly $1.5 million in operating costs since 2019.
  • In 2025, Councilman Kenneth Stokes stated that 'The cancer center is a step in the right direction for the state of Mississippi, for the city of Jackson and for Jackson State University.'

The players

Kenneth Stokes

A Jackson City Councilman who is pushing for a new stadium for Jackson State University to pave the way for a $250 million cancer center project by the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Tate Reeves

The Governor of Mississippi, whom Councilman Stokes is urging to work with Jackson State officials to build a new stadium.

University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)

A medical center that has proposed a $250 million cancer center project, which would be built on the site of the current Jackson State stadium if it is relocated.

John Horhn

The Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, who recently revealed that the UMMC cancer center project has already raised $60 million in philanthropic gifts.

Sandy and John Black

Donors who have contributed a $25 million gift to the UMMC cancer center project.

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What they’re saying

“Governor do your job. Give Jackson State this new stadium so we can have the cancer center built right. It will be built right now where the stadium sits… We do not need to shortcut this cancer center. People are getting sick every day…Jackson State: ask for your new stadium. Stand up. And let's do it together and build a new Jackson, Mississippi.”

— Kenneth Stokes, Jackson City Councilman (WLBT)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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