Gustavus Adolphus College will begin a new era of Golden Gustie football on Saturday Sept. 8 when the college’s new football stadium is dedicated and its inaugural game is played. A day of events is planned and will include the following:
* An 8 a.m. fun run (2 miles).
* An open house from 9 to 11 a.m. where attendees will be allowed on the field, in the stands, and in the press box.
* A dedication ceremony at 11 a.m.
* A family-friendly tailgating opportunity from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
* A 1 p.m. game versus Willamette University (no admission will be charged).
Sited to the west of Lund Center, the new football stadium will host football games, a variety of teaching and learning activities, and special events like the college’s annual commencement exercises.
The new stadium’s field is synthetic for long-term and inclement weather use; it is recessed below ground level for improved sightlines; and it features an earthen berm, which surrounds the entire field and provides additional informal seating. Spectators enter the stadium through a visually appealing arched entryway called the “Traditions Plaza.”
The home section of the stadium includes bleacher-seating for 2,400 spectators and features a stadium tower that houses a press box and presidential suite. A visitors’ seating section across the field will accommodate 1,000 additional fans. The grassy berm area is expected to hold another 1,500. The stadium will accommodate about 5,000 people.
This new stadium replaces a more than 75-year-old stadium that was decommissioned at the final home football game in 2006. The new football stadium and relocation of the football field (Hollingsworth Field) will allow for completion of a “west mall” for new campus academic and residential life buildings.
“Gustavus has had a long and rich tradition of success and excellence in both the academic and in the athletics programs.,” said Gustavus President Jim Peterson. “We look forward to continuing that success and excellence.”
View construction progress online. More information about the stadium is also online at: gustavus.edu/campusprogress/footballstadium/.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510