Reser Stadium

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name = Reser Stadium
nickname =


location = SW 26th St. and SW Western Blvd., Corvallis, Oregon 97331
coordinates = coord|44|33|34.34|N|123|16|53.06|W
broke_ground = 1952
opened = November 14 1953
renovated = 2005
closed =
demolished =
owner = Oregon State University
operator = Oregon State University
surface = FieldTurf - 2005
construction_cost = $1 million USD,
$80 million (2005 renovation)
architect =
former_names = Parker Stadium (1953–1999)
tenants = Oregon State Beavers (NCAA)
seating_capacity = 45,674

Reser Stadium is an outdoor football stadium on the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. It is the home of the Oregon State Beavers of the Pacific-10 Conference. Originally named Parker Stadium, the stadium's current seating capacity is 45,674 [ [http://www.osubeavers.com/pdf5/105339.pdf?ATCLID=1372481&SPID=1952&DB_OEM_ID=4700&SPSID=24799 Football Release Final '07] ] .The playing surface is FieldTurf and sits at an elevation of ft to m|240 above sea level.

History and use

From 1910 to 1953, the Beavers played their home games at Bell Field (now the site of the Dixon Recreation Center), and also played as many as four games a year at Multnomah Stadium (now PGE Park) in Portland.cite web|url=http://www.osualum.com/s/359/index.aspx?sid=359&gid=1&pgid=455|title=Happy Birthday Parker (Reser) Stadium|publisher=OSU Alumni Association|accessdate=2007-10-31|last=Edmonston|first=George]

In 1948, Oregon State president August L. Strand, athletic director Spec Keene, and Portland businessman Charles T. Parker met to plan a replacement for Bell Field. In 1949, Parker kicked off the stadium fundraising campaign and made significant contributions of his own.cite press release|url=http://www.osubeavers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=4700&ATCLID=124996&SPID=1952&SPSID=24799|title=Parker Stadium renamed Reser Stadium|date=June 14, 1999|publisher=Oregon State Sports Information|accessdate=2007-10-31] In 1952, construction of the stadium began. For Parker's efforts and contributions, the completed stadium was named in his honor, and the first game was played on Homecoming, November 14 1953, with the Beavers defeating Washington State 7-0.The stadium was renamed in 1999 to honor Al and Pat Reser, 1960 Oregon State graduates, major donors to Oregon State athletics, and owners of Reser's Fine Foods.cite web|url=http://www.osubeavers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4700&ATCLID=131119|title=Reser Stadium|accessdate=2006-08-28] The Parker name is still honored at Parker Plaza, located between Reser and Gill Coliseum, the site of many pregame activities.

The stadium is located on the southwest corner of the Oregon State campus at the intersection of SW 26th Street and SW Western Boulevard in Corvallis. In addition to football, intramural and club sports also use the facility occasionally, most notably the field hockey and soccer programs.

Reser Stadium alternates with Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon in hosting the Civil War game.

Expansion and upgrades

Prior to the 2005-06 seasons, the official capacity of the stadium stood at 35,362. In 2003 the "Raising Reser" campaign saw the capacity increased to 43,300 with the addition of a new east grandstand and plans to further boost seating to 55,000 through three phases of renovation.

"Phase Two" of the "Raising Reser" project, which began in December 2006 and was completed prior to the 2007 football season, focused on expanding seating in the south end zone by wrapping the recently renovated east grandstand around to the west grandstand. This addition raised total seating capacity to 45,678 and also included the installation of an 80 ft. x 30 ft. ProStar Digital VideoPlus Display

During the planned Phase Three, the upper level will extend through the west grandstand.

Prior to 1969, the stadium's playing surface was natural grass. The grass field was replaced with AstroTurf in 1969. The artificial turf was changed out roughly every decade. In 1999 the surface was replaced with AstroTurf 12/2000; FieldTurf was installed in 2005.

The north end zone is also home to the Valley Football Center, which houses a large weight room, offices and meeting facilities, reserved primarily for coaches and administrators within the football program.

External links

* [http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/oregon/corvallis_reser.shtml World Stadiums.com] - photos - Reser Stadium
* [http://www.mreplay.com/view_video.php?viewkey=6617f20abbf2ffd806f6&page=1&viewtype=&category=mr 06 OSU vs Oregon Highlights at Reser Stadium on mreplay.com]

References