Waldo Stadium

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Waldo Stadium

• By Shannon Hatch
• EDT 347

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From Swamp to Swank http//www.ur.wmich.edu/cent
ennial/history_waldo-full.html

• President Dwight B. Waldo acquired the 14-acre
  parcel near Prospect Hill in 1913.
• Waldo launched the Universitys first
  fund-raising campaign to help pay for the land.
• In the 1920s, the property featured a running
  track, football and baseball fields, bleachers
  and tennis courts.

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A Football Stadium Becomes Reality

• Financial maneuvering by WMU President Paul V.
  Sangren resulted in a new football stadium in
  1939.
• The University changed its nickname from the
  Hilltoppers to the Broncos.
• Waldo Stadium originally seated 15,000
  spectators.

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Updates of the 1970s

• The new stadium was six feet lower.
• The stadium was converted to a bowl-shaped arena.
• Seating was expanded to accommodate 25,000 fans.
• AstroTurf covered the field.

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The Next Stage

• In 1989, the stadium was expanded to seat 30,200
  spectators.
• A commercial natural grass surface was laid in
  1992.
• A new electronic scoreboard and lighted signs
  were also added.

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Updating the Scene

• In 1995, permanent lights were installed for
  night games.
• Additional bench and chair-back seating were
  added.
• WMU enhanced public facilities at the stadium.
• The press box was rebuild and expanded.

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The Bill Brown Alumni Football Center

• The 55,000 square foot center opened in 1998.
• The 8.2 million addition was funded by private
  sources.
• It features locker rooms, meeting rooms, training
  facilities and a 130-seat auditorium.
• The 3rd floor coaches offices are used for
  instruction and as leased viewing suites on game
  days.

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Any More Enhancements?

• The stadiums natural grass was replaced with
  NeXturf in 2001.
• Phase I of WMUs first comprehensive indoor
  athletic facility was completed in the fall of
  2002.
• The new building was named the Donald J Steele
  Athletic Center, and added ten viewing suites to
  Waldo Stadium.

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WMU is Certainly Proud!

• Such substantial enhancements over the years
  have allowed the venerable stadium to maintain
  its heritage as an outstanding football facility
  and a prominent symbol of WMU spirit.

http//www.ur.wmich.edu/centennial/history_waldo-f
ull.html
http//www.wmich.edu/wmu/tour/wmu032.html
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Waldo Stadium Quiz

• Who is known as the father of Western
  athletics?
• A) Paul V. Sangren
• B) Dwight B. Waldo
• C) Donald Seelye

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Wrong!

• Click here to return to the quiz and try again.

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Correct Answer!

• Youre right! Dwight B. Waldo is often called
  the father of Western athletics. How did you
  know?!

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Bio Page

• My name is Shannon Hatch and Im a student at
  Western Michigan University. I live in Dowagiac
  with my husband and three children. I will
  receive my degree in Elementary Education in the
  Winter of 2005.