Skip to content

Centennial celebrations for Brown Stadium, a symbol of athletic achievement, academic pride, and unique Brown University traditions

Top sports venue Brown Stadium, established in 1925, has been a pivotal location for the university's most significant athletic achievements and community events.

Centennial celebration of athletics, honor, and Brown University customs: Brown Stadium reaches its...
Centennial celebration of athletics, honor, and Brown University customs: Brown Stadium reaches its 100th year

Centennial celebrations for Brown Stadium, a symbol of athletic achievement, academic pride, and unique Brown University traditions

Celebrating a Century of Pride: Brown Stadium Turns 100

Brown Stadium, a cherished landmark in Rhode Island, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Originally constructed under the name Brown Amphitheatre in 1925, the stadium has been a cornerstone of the University of Rhode Island (then known as Rhode Island State College) and the Providence community for a century.

The stadium's first game was a historic 33-0 win over the University of Rhode Island. At the time, Brown Stadium was among the most state-of-the-art athletic facilities in New England, setting a new standard for sports venues in the region.

Over the decades, Brown Stadium has been the stage for numerous memorable moments. One such moment came in 1932, when a crowd of 33,000 attended a game at the stadium, believed to be the largest ever for a sporting event in Rhode Island. The stadium also hosted the women's Olympic track and field trials in 1936.

In more recent years, the stadium has elevated Brown football's standing in the Ivy League. Notable alumnus, Perry, a Brown Class of 2000 graduate, is one of the most decorated players in the program's history. As quarterback, Perry was named Ivy League Player of the Year and a three-time First Team All-Ivy selection.

The stadium's most recent transformation came in 2021, when it underwent a major project to transition from a grass to a turf playing surface, carried out by the company FieldTurf. This upgrade ensured that the stadium remains a top-tier athletic facility for years to come.

Vice President for Athletics and Recreation M. Grace Calhoun stated that Brown Stadium has been a place of pride for Brown and Rhode Island for 100 years. Alumni, friends, and Providence neighbors regularly return to the stadium, considering it a community landmark as much as a University one.

In 2010, the Bears played their first night game at Brown Stadium, securing a 29-14 win over Harvard under the bright stadium lights. The Brown Band has played, scrambled, and danced on the field since the stadium's earliest games, adding to the rich history and tradition of this iconic venue.

The field was rededicated in honor of Class of 1968 alumnus Richard Gouse, and the stadium was renamed Richard Gouse Field at Brown Stadium. This renaming serves as a testament to the lasting impact that the stadium has had on the University and the community.

Brown Stadium continues to provide student-athletes with an incredible stage and is a place where the community comes together. With a current capacity of nearly 20,000, it remains the largest stadium in Rhode Island, a fitting symbol of its enduring importance. As we celebrate its centennial, Brown Stadium stands as a testament to the power of community, tradition, and the spirit of competition.

Read also:

Latest