Schoellkopf Field

Schoellkopf Field is a stadium located in Ithaca, New York, on the campus of Cornell University, and is home to the Cornell Big Red football team, which competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision and the Ivy League. The stadium has a seating capacity of over 25,000 and has hosted numerous Harvard-Cornell and Penn-Cornell football games, including matchups against other Ivy League teams such as Yale, Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, and Princeton. The field is named after Henry Schoellkopf, a former Cornell University trustee and NCAA supporter, who also contributed to the development of Columbia University's Baker Field and University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Field.

● History

The history of Schoellkopf Field dates back to 1915, when it was first opened as a stadium for the Cornell Big Red football team, with the team playing its first game against Colgate and later facing off against Syracuse and Rutgers. Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of new seating areas and facilities, such as the Cornell University's Statler Hall and Barton Hall. The field has also hosted various other events, including Ithaca College football games, Ithaca High School football games, and concerts featuring performers like The Grateful Dead and Dave Matthews Band. The stadium has been the site of many notable games, including matchups against Michigan, Notre Dame, and Navy, as well as Ivy League championships against Harvard and Yale.

● Design and Features

The design of Schoellkopf Field features a unique blend of modern and historic elements, with a seating capacity of over 25,000 and a Grass playing surface, similar to those found at Michigan Stadium and Beaver Stadium. The stadium's architecture is reminiscent of other historic stadiums, such as Harvard Stadium and Franklin Field, with a mix of Concrete and Steel construction, designed by architects like Louis Kahn and Eero Saarinen. The field is surrounded by a running track and features a state-of-the-art sound system, as well as a Jumbotron for replays and graphics, similar to those found at Lambeau Field and AT&T Stadium. The stadium's facilities include Locker rooms, Training rooms, and Concession stands, as well as a Press box and Luxury suites, designed by companies like HOK and Populous.

● Events and Usage

Schoellkopf Field is primarily used for Cornell Big Red football games, but it has also hosted a variety of other events, including Ithaca College football games, Ithaca High School football games, and concerts featuring performers like The Rolling Stones and U2. The stadium has also been used for Lacrosse games, Soccer games, and Track and field events, including meets against Oregon and USC. In addition, the field has been used for Cornell University's Commencement ceremonies, as well as other university events, such as the Cornell University's Homecoming and Reunion weekends, which have featured performances by Aerosmith and Kenny Chesney. The stadium has also hosted games against other Ivy League teams, including Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, and Princeton.

● Renovations and Expansions

Over the years, Schoellkopf Field has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of new seating areas and facilities, such as the Cornell University's Statler Hall and Barton Hall. The stadium's most recent renovation was completed in 2006, which included the installation of a new Grass playing surface, as well as upgrades to the stadium's sound system and Jumbotron, designed by companies like Daktronics and Leyard. The renovation also included the addition of new Luxury suites and Concession stands, as well as improvements to the stadium's Locker rooms and Training rooms, designed by architects like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Gensler. The stadium has also undergone renovations to improve accessibility and safety, including the installation of new Elevators and Ramps, designed by companies like Otis Elevator Company and ThyssenKrupp.

● Notable Games and Records

Schoellkopf Field has been the site of many notable games, including matchups against Michigan, Notre Dame, and Navy, as well as Ivy League championships against Harvard and Yale. The stadium has also hosted games against other Ivy League teams, including Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, Penn, and Princeton. The field has been the site of several record-breaking performances, including a Cornell Big Red football team record for most points scored in a game, set against Colgate in 2007, and a Ivy League record for most rushing yards in a season, set by Cornell University's Luke Siwula in 2008, who also played against Pittsburgh and Syracuse. The stadium has also hosted games featuring notable players like Bill Nelsen and Ed Marinaro, who played against Michigan and Notre Dame.

Category:American football venues