The Gustavus football team will face Willamette University in their first game at the new stadium.
Once September rolls around, a person can take certain things for granted. School buses start traversing neighborhood streets, leaves begin to turn bright and beautiful colors, and football season kicks-off at stadiums across the country.
On Saturday, Sept. 8, the Gustavus Adolphus College football team will host Willamette University in the inaugural game at the College’s new $4.6 million football stadium.
With a synthetic surface field, and a stadium tower that houses a press box, a presidential suite, concessions, and restrooms, the new facility will accommodate approximately 5,000 fans.
The field is recessed below ground level and features an earthen berm surrounding the entire field. Spectators will enter the stadium through an arched entryway and may circle the entire stadium via a concrete walkway located at the top of the berm. The berm will provide ample space for people to be seated informally on the grass to watch the game.
The field will continue to be named “Hollingsworth Field” after the late Lloyd Hollingsworth, who served as the College’s football coach from 1942 to 1960 and athletic director from 1961 to 1978.
Admission to the inaugural game is free and the following events are planned to help celebrate the occasion:
- 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. kick-off versus Willamette University.
Head Coach Jay Schoenebeck and his squad will play six games in the new stadium this season. Those games include Willamette University (Sept. 8), Hamline University (Sept. 22), St. John’s University (Oct. 13 — Homecoming), Macalester College (Oct. 20), Concordia College (Nov. 3 — Hall of Fame Day), and Carleton College (Nov. 10 — Senior Day).
For more information read the football team’s 2007 season preview.