Former Gaels, donors, alumni, supporters and community members gathered on Sept. 16 to celebrate the grand opening of the Lang Pavilion – the final piece of the Richardson Stadium Revitalization project.
The two-storey structure at the north end now fully encloses the stadium and gives Queen’s one of the top stadiums in Canadian university sport. The Lang Pavilion includes facilities that enhance the training environment for varsity sports, creating a centre for athletic excellence that positions Queen’s programs at the pinnacle of student-athlete development. It houses coaches’ offices, a new concession area, therapy space, storage, washrooms, locker rooms, student-athlete meeting areas and an elevated viewing area for fans.
Fundraising for the Lang Pavilion began in 2014 and more than 300 donors came together to make the project happen, with longtime Queen’s supporters Stu Lang, Sc’74, and Kim Lang, Artsci’76, being the lead donors.
“This building is not just about bricks and mortar. It's about preserving our distinguished history and nurturing the sporting dreams of all the student-athletes who will compete here,” said Stu Lang, a star receiver with Queen’s from 1970-74 who went on to help Edmonton win five Grey Cups during his Canadian Football League career. “I anticipate this magnificent stadium will be the new home for many future championships that are celebrated by Queen's students and alumni.”
Many Queen’s Varsity Teams and Clubs will benefit from the addition of the new facility, as well as a broad range of students and community members who use the stadium, including the Junior Gaels youth sports program.
“The Lang Pavilion positions Queen’s as a national leader in university athletic facilities, and we have many alumni donors and friends to thank for this spectacular venue,” said Vice-Principal (Advancement) Karen Bertrand, Artsci’94. “It took several hundred people to make this pavilion a reality, and their contributions were more than just financial. People in the Queen’s community donated their time and expertise, and I am grateful to them all for their commitment.”
Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost & Dean of Student Affairs, highlighted how the Lang Pavilion will impact the broader community and serve tens of thousands of students in a way that was never previously possible. The new Lang Pavilion gives Queen’s the ability to provide additional intramural and active living experiences, as well as host special events.
“Richardson Stadium has been an integral part of Queen’s University for more than a century, and the Lang Pavilion will ensure this premier facility will remain a focal point of both Queen’s and our broader community for generations to come,” said Tierney.
Richardson Stadium underwent its first phase of redevelopment in 2014, and the Lang Pavilion’s opening a decade later represents the completion of the project.
The revitalized Richardson Stadium will be in the national spotlight when it hosts the 2023 U SPORTS Women’s Soccer Championship and the 2023 and 2024 Vanier Cup – the U SPORTS championship football game.
