Welch Stadium

Infobox Stadium
stadium_name = Welch Stadium
nickname =


location = Emporia, Kansas
broke_ground =
opened = 1937
closed =
demolished =
owner = Emporia State University
operator = Emporia State University
surface = Super Turf (field turf)
construction_cost =
architect =
former_names =
tenants = Emporia State University
seating_capacity = 10,000

Welch Stadium is a sport stadium in Emporia, Kansas. The facility is primarily used by the Emporia State University football and track & field teams. It is named to honor long-time Emporia State coach and athletic director Fran Welch. [ [http://www.emporia.edu/athletics/football/facilities.htm Emporia State University] athletic facilities] The facility was one of the first on the NCAA Division II level to offer enclosed skyboxes and is still one of only a few across the nation. [ [http://www.emporia.edu/athletics/football/07ESUFBmediaguide.pdf#8 Emporia State University Football Media Guide] , Welch Stadium]

tadium History

The first football game at Welch Stadium came on Armistice Day in 1937. The Hornets tied St. Benedict's College by a score of 20-20. More than 6,000 fans saw the first game in the facility. The largest crowd on record for a football game was the 1973 game against Northern Colorado. The record crowd of 10,000 saw the Hornets to a 10-0 victory as the Hornets vaulted to a No. 3 ranking in the NAIA. [ [http://www.emporia.edu/athletics/football/07ESUFBmediaguide.pdf#8 Emporia State University Football Media Guide] , Welch Stadium]

Other uses

The stadium is used by the local high school for games, college and community events, Special Olympics and other sporting events.

Welch Stadium served three times as the site for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships. [ [http://www.themiaa.com/MIAANewsArticle.asp?News=565 The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association] , "Witten Track/Welch Stadium to host event for third time"]

References