Centennial celebration of sports, honor, and Brown University traditions: Brown Stadium reaches its 100th year
Brown Stadium, a landmark in both the university and Rhode Island communities, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Originally constructed under the name Brown Amphitheatre in 1925, the stadium has undergone several transformations over the past century, yet it has remained a source of pride for all.
The original architect who designed Brown Stadium was Frank L. Packard. In its early days, the stadium had a capacity of nearly 28,000, making it one of the most state-of-the-art athletic facilities in New England at the time. The stadium opened on Sept. 26, 1925, with a 33-0 win over the University of Rhode Island.
One of the most significant moments in Brown Stadium's history occurred in 1932, when a crowd of 33,000 attended the largest sporting event recorded in Rhode Island. The stadium also had the honour of hosting the women's Olympic track and field trials in 1936.
Over the years, Brown Stadium has been a stage for many memorable moments. Vice President for Athletics and Recreation M. Grace Calhoun stated that the stadium has been a source of pride for both Brown and Rhode Island for 100 years. Brown Athletics Archivist Peter Mackie, a Class of 1959 alumnus, shares key moments from the stadium's 100-year history in a special episode of the Brown Athletics Podcast.
The field was rededicated in honor of Class of 1968 alumnus Richard Gouse and renamed Richard Gouse Field at Brown Stadium. Gouse, a dedicated alumnus and benefactor, played a significant role in the stadium's transformation and modernisation.
Brown Stadium has a rich history of community engagement and tradition. The Brown Band has performed, scrambled, and danced on the field since the stadium's earliest games. Alumni, friends, and Providence neighbors often return to Brown Stadium, viewing it as a community landmark as much as a University one.
Among the many notable players who have graced the field, the speaker, Perry, a Brown Class of 2000 graduate and one of the most decorated players in the program's history, shared his memories of Brown Stadium. As quarterback, Perry was named Ivy League Player of the Year and a three-time First Team All-Ivy selection. Perry expressed that there's something special about playing in Brown Stadium on game days.
One of Perry's most memorable moments associated with Brown Stadium was clinching the 1999 Ivy League title at home. In 2010, the Bears played their first night game in the stadium, securing a 29-14 win over Harvard under the stadium lights.
In 2021, the stadium underwent a major project to transition from grass to a turf playing surface. This transformation marks another milestone in Brown Stadium's 100-year history, ensuring its continued role as a premier athletic facility in Rhode Island and beyond.
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