With a new name and $2.6 million worth of renovations, Elwood Olsen Stadium, formerly Roberts Stadium, shines once again after years of deterioration.
The project was made possible through a $2.35 million donation from Elwood Olsen, a 1938 Morningside alumnus who served as the college's business manager for 30 years.
The stadium which initially cost $100,000 to build, was first dedicated in 1940. Although the stadium had always belonged to the Sioux City Community School District, the district was unable to afford the needed repairs.
In April of 2004, the school board decided to lease the facility to Morningside College for 99 years.
The Sioux City high schools will continue sharing the stadium with the college, paying a $40,000 annual usage fee, never to rise more than the rate of inflation.
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While the lease agreement gave Morningside six years to complete the work, the renovation was completed in August.
The project began in June of 2004.
During phase I of the project, which was completed Aug. 15, 2004, new field lighting, a new public address system and handrails were installed. The bleachers also underwent restoration and waterproofing.
Phase II began April 24, 2005.
During the second phase of construction, the stadium's walls and entrances were painted, the restrooms were remodeled and new locker rooms were added.
A new track and the football field were installed. The football field is Fieldturf, a crumb-rubber based artificial surface that feels softer than grass. Fieldturf is supposed to reduce injuries and drain rapidly following a hard rain. Locker rooms and restrooms were remodeled. Fencing was installed and an east end parking lot was completed. A new scoreboard, in collaboration with the Sioux City Community School District, was also installed.
Construction was completed Aug. 15, and the next day a ceremony was held dedicating the facility to Elwood Olsen.
Morningside College athletes, as well as Sioux City's East, North and West high school athletes compete at Elwood Olsen Stadium.
The first high school sophomore football game in the renovated stadium (East vs. Heelan) was held Sept. 1. The first high school varsity game (West vs. Des Moines Dowling) kicked off the next day and the Morningside football team faced off against Northwestern for the first college football game in the renovated stadium Sept. 8.
Following a season of football and soccer, Morningside athletic director Jerry Schmutte said he is pleased with the stadium.
"I think it's pretty outstanding," he said of the renovations. "We're very pleased."
Schmutte said the new stadium will greatly benefit Morningside's athletic teams and will also help the college's recruiting.
"Having a facility of that quality will help your recruiting because athletes, whether they be high school athletes or college athletes, like to compete on new fields and new surfaces," he said. "Anytime you have a top quality field or surface or track, it should help you with your recruiting."
Morningside's football, soccer and track teams use the field.
