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The opening of the revitalized Richardson Stadium this weekend, marked the completion of a construction project that started in December but had roots that ran much deeper.

While there have been many in the Queen’s community who contributed to the project, the financial support of donors has helped turn the state-of-the-art stadium into a reality.

The project kicked off in March 2014 with the announcement of a $10 million pledge from Queen’s alumnus and former Gael Stu Lang (Sc'74) and his wife Kim (Artsci'75). That announcement was followed by a $5 million contribution from the Richardson Foundation. Other donors also stepped forward to contribute to the project, bringing the total amount raised to more than $17 million. Queen’s also contributed an additional $3 million for infrastructure support of the stadium, bringing the total funding to $20.27 million. The construction of the stadium was a priority within the $500-million Initiative Campaign, which concluded this year.

“My wife and I met and spent four wonderful years at Queen’s. I personally experienced life-changing opportunities both on and off the field,” Mr. Lang said at a ceremony to mark the beginning of the stadium’s construction. “The revitalization is about far more than just a new stadium. It is a key step in building a stronger varsity sports program for Queen’s and providing a better connection to the university. I’m proud to support this transformative initiative.”

Playing a key role throughout the process were Paul (Artsci’69, MBA ’73) and Vicki Hand (PHE’73), co-chairs of the Fields and Stadium Campaign Cabinet. It is one of a number of efforts undertaken to enhance the university’s athletics and recreation facilities including Tindall, Nixon and Miklas-McCarney Fields, to promote the health and wellness of all students. 

“Mr. Lang has shown tremendous vision and leadership in his desire to help Queen’s revitalize Richardson Stadium and we are very grateful for his generosity,” Daniel Woolf, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said following the funding announcement. “A modern stadium with a new artificial turf field will promote the excellence of our teams and better meet the needs of our student athletes.”

As the new home for the Gaels football and women’s and men’s soccer teams Richardson Stadium now offers integrated and varied seating options and improved sightlines, bringing the fans closer to the field action. An array of enhanced amenities includes a new box office, washrooms, concessions, an upper concourse with access to both sides of the field, a new video board and sound system, modern stadium lighting, and paved parking with reserved access. For the press and media, the stadium is fully TV compatible with designated work stations and TV camera spaces within the new press box.