Deeds Field-Piper Stadium

Deeds Field-Piper Stadium. It is the primary football venue for the Midwest State Wildcats of the University of the Midwest and is located in Columbus, Ohio. Opened in 1929, the stadium has undergone several major renovations and stands as one of the oldest continuously used football stadiums in the Big Ten Conference. The facility is renowned for its intimate bowl design and its pivotal role in the history of college football in the American Midwest.

History

The stadium's construction was financed largely through a generous donation from industrialist J. P. Deeds, a prominent alumnus and trustee of the University of the Midwest. Ground was broken in 1927 on the site of the university's former athletic fields, with the design work led by the noted firm Harrison & Albright Architects. Its inaugural game was played on September 28, 1929, a victory for the Midwest State Wildcats over their rivals from the University of Eastern Lakes. During World War II, the stadium grounds were used for military training exercises by the United States Army. The first major expansion occurred in 1965, adding an upper deck on the west side and bringing capacity to over 40,000, coinciding with the Wildcats' rise under coach Franklin "Bud" Wilkinson. Further significant upgrades in 1998, including the installation of a new playing surface and luxury suites, modernized the venue for the era of television contracts in collegiate athletics.

Design and features

The original design is a classic horseshoe bowl, constructed primarily of brick and limestone in the Collegiate Gothic style consistent with other campus buildings like University Hall. The most distinctive architectural element is the 120-foot tall campanile at the open south end, known as the Victory Bell Tower, which chimes after every Wildcats score. The 1998 renovation replaced the natural grass with a FieldTurf synthetic system and added the 42 luxury suites of the Skyline Club. The playing field is aligned north-south, and the stadium's compact design is noted for creating a formidable home-field advantage, with crowd noise often compared to venues like Kinnick Stadium and Memorial Stadium. The concourses feature monuments to Heisman Trophy winners Archie Griffin and Eddie George, who played for the Wildcats.

Notable events

Beyond hosting decades of Midwest State Wildcats football, the stadium has been the site of numerous significant events. It served as a neutral site for the NFL's Cleveland Browns during the 1996 season while Cleveland Stadium was being rebuilt. It has hosted six editions of the Ohio High School Athletic Association state football championships. The stadium was also a key venue during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, hosting several first-round matches for the U.S. national team. In the realm of music, it has held major concerts by acts including The Rolling Stones on their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour and Taylor Swift during the 1989 World Tour. One of the most famous games in its history was the 2002 contest against the University of Michigan Wolverines, a #1 vs. #2 matchup that decided the Big Ten Conference championship.

Naming and legacy

The venue was originally dedicated as Deeds Field in honor of its principal benefactor, J. P. Deeds. In 1974, the name was formally expanded to Deeds Field-Piper Stadium to recognize the contributions of Walter S. Piper, a longtime athletic director and coach who served from 1935 to 1960. This dual naming convention is unique in Division I athletics. The stadium is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance and its role in the development of intercollegiate athletics. It is considered a sacred site for the university's alumni and fans, often referred to colloquially as "The Old Lady on the Olentangy," referencing the nearby Olentangy River. The tradition of the Marching Band spelling out "OHIO" in script formation on the field before games originated here in the 1930s.

Future developments

The University of the Midwest Board of Trustees approved a comprehensive master plan in 2022 for a phased, $200 million renovation of the stadium's infrastructure. Planned improvements include a complete rebuild of the north end zone to connect the bowl fully, adding approximately 5,000 premium seats and a new video board surpassing the current Daktronics system. The project also aims to significantly upgrade accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Sustainability features, such as a large-scale solar panel array on the stadium's vast roof area, are a key component of the design led by the architectural firm Populous. Fundraising is being spearheaded by the "Champions Campaign" under athletic director Gene Smith, with construction slated to begin following the 2025 season.

Category:Football venues in Ohio Category:University of the Midwest Category:Sports venues completed in 1929