Waldo Stadium
{{short description|Sports stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name = Waldo Stadium
| image = Waldo Stadium, October 8, 2016.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| caption = Panorama of Waldo Stadium, October 8, 2016
| location = 1903 West Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008
| coordinates = {{coord|42|17|9|N|85|36|4|W|type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| pushpin_map = Michigan#United States
| pushpin_relief = 1
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Michigan##Location in the United States
| broke_ground = 1938
| expanded = 1973, 1989
| renovated = 1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2015
| closed =
| demolished =
| owner = Western Michigan University
| operator = Western Michigan University
| surface = FieldTurf (2006–present)
NexTurf (2000–2005)
Prescription Athletic Turf (1992–1999)
Astroturf (1974–1991)
Natural grass (1939–1973)
| construction_cost = US$250,000
(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|250000|1939}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
US$5.6 million
(2013–2015 renovation){{cite web |url=http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2015/06/western_michigan_football_scor.html |title=Western Michigan football scoreboard project underway, expected to be finished by Michigan State game |date=June 19, 2015 |publisher=MLive.com |access-date=June 23, 2015}}
| former_names = Western State Teachers College Field
| tenants = Western Michigan Broncos (NCAA) (1939–present)
| seating_capacity = 36,361 (2000–present)
25,000 (1973–1988)
15,000 (1939–1972)
| record_attendance = 36,361 (September 16, 2000 vs. Indiana State){{cite web |url=http://football.ballparks.com/NCAA/MidAmerica/WesternMichigan/index.htm |title=Waldo Stadium |publisher=Football.ballparks.com |access-date=June 11, 2013 |archive-date=July 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708212642/http://football.ballparks.com/NCAA/MidAmerica/WesternMichigan/index.htm |url-status=dead }}
}}
Waldo Stadium is a stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is primarily used for football, and has been the home of Western Michigan University Broncos football in rudimentary form since 1914, and as a complete stadium since 1939. It currently has a capacity of 36,361 spectators.
History
The stadium was built at a cost of $250,000 ($4.3 million in 2016), and it opened in 1939 with a 6–0 win over Miami University.{{cite web|url=http://www.wmubroncos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4600&ATCLID=120527 |title=Waldo Stadium - WMUBroncos.com—Official Web Site of Western Michigan Athletics |publisher=Wmubroncos.com |access-date=June 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129140906/http://www.wmubroncos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4600&ATCLID=120527 |archive-date=January 29, 2013 }} The cost for Waldo Stadium also included the construction of Hyames Field, the school's baseball stadium directly west of the football field. The stadium is named for Dwight B. Waldo, first president of the school.
The location of Waldo Stadium has been home for Western football since 1914. A field, without a stadium or modern seating, existed through 1938, until the construction and completion of the stadium in 1939. It originally included an eight-lane track, which has since moved to Kanley Track across Stadium Drive. Financing came through private donations, and those who donated were awarded tickets to the inaugural game against Western Kentucky University. Over the years, WMU continued adding seating to the stadium. In 1973 the capacity was increased to 25,000, and AstroTurf replaced the natural grass field.{{cite web|url=http://www.collegegridirons.com/mac/WaldoStadium.htm|title=Waldo Stadium - Facts, figures, pictures and more of the Western Michigan Broncos college football stadium|publisher=Collegegridirons.com|access-date=December 28, 2017}} A renovation in 1989 pushed the available seats to 30,200.{{cite web|url=http://www.wmubroncos.com/pdf3/80853.pdf |title=2007 Western Michigan football media guide |year=2007 |publisher=Western Michigan University |access-date=June 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524071401/http://www.wmubroncos.com/pdf3/80853.pdf |archive-date=May 24, 2012 }} In 1993 permanent lighting was added, and in 1995 the University added 325 club seats to the press box. In 1998 the Bill Brown Alumni Football Center was completed, which created new offices for staff, suites, and upgraded facilities for the team.
File:Waldo Stadium Flooding.jpg
In 2013, the athletic department made almost $3.5 million in renovations and upgrades to Waldo Stadium and Seelye Center, the football team's indoor practice facility. Included in the upgrades were: new artificial turf for stadium, new brown and gold turf for the indoor practice facility, a revamped and upgraded weight room, a remodeled locker room, renovated meeting rooms, and a new team lounge and showplace.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2014/01/since_hiring_of_pj_fleck_wmu_f.html |title=Waldo Stadium Renovations |year=2015 |publisher=Mlive.com |access-date=Jan 10, 2015}} Additional renovations were made to the stadium complex from 2014 to 2015 including new speakers for the stadium, new scoreboards and video boards bringing renovation costs to $5.7 million since 2013. A $2 million donation for the project was made by 1988 WMU alum Alec Gores.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wmubroncos.com/facilities/?id=4|title=Official Site of Western Michigan Athletics|website=www.wmubroncos.com|language=en|access-date=2017-12-29}}
On October 14, 2017, the Bronco football team was slated to play Akron for homecoming, when rains from a fall storm combined with drainage system failures flooded the field and postponed the game.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2017/10/weather_postpones_wmu_homecomi.html|title=Flooded field postpones WMU homecoming game to 1 p.m. Sunday|work=MLive.com|access-date=2017-12-28|language=en-US}} Also contributing to the flood, Waldo Stadium is considered the lowest point in the city of Kalamazoo. The game was played at 1pm the next day (A possible Sunday first for Waldo Stadium), and the Broncos were defeated by Akron 13-14. It was reported that over 1 million gallons of water were pumped off the field overnight to prepare the field for the Sunday game.
A renovation to the {{strong|Stadium Club}} was completed in September 2024, updating the John Gill Pressbox, which was built in 1995.{{cite web |title=Stadium Club - President's Suite Remodel |url=https://wmich.edu/capitalprojects/presidentssuite |publisher=Western Michigan University |access-date=May 30, 2025}} {{cite news |title=See the complete history of Western Michigan University's Waldo Stadium |url=https://www.mlive.com/broncos/2015/09/see_the_complete_history_of_we.html |publisher=Mlive.com |access-date=May 30, 2025 |date=September 18, 2015}} The $3.6 million renovation included the President’s Suite and was funded by the WMU Foundation.{{cite news |title=WMU President’s Suite renovated to create ‘Instagram-worthy’ experience |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2024/09/wmu-presidents-suite-renovated-to-create-instagram-worthy-experience.html |publisher=Mlive.com |access-date=May 30, 2025 |date=September 18, 2024}}
It was announced on October 9, 2024 that Waldo Stadium's field would be named {{strong|Stafford–Smith Field}} after David & Ronda Stafford and family donated $5 million to the football program, which represents the largest naming contribution in the history of WMU athletics.{{cite news |title=Western Michigan University's Football Field at Waldo Stadium to be Named Stafford-Smith Field Following Historic $5 Million Gift from David and Ronda Stafford |url=https://wmubroncos.com/news/2024/10/9/western-michigan-universitys-football-field-at-waldo-stadium-to-be-named-stafford-smith-field-following-historic-5-million-gift-from-david-and-ronda-stafford.aspx |access-date=10 October 2024 |work=Western Michigan University Athletics |date=October 9, 2024}}
Seelye Center
In 2003, the stadium took on a new look with the completion of the $25 million Donald J. Seelye Center, built by a local construction company, Kalleward Group. The Seelye Center rises eight stories and houses an indoor practice field, weight and fitness rooms, and staff offices.{{cite web|url=http://www.wmubroncos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4600&ATCLID=120528 |title=Donald Seelye Athletic Center - WMUBroncos.com—Official Web Site of Western Michigan Athletics |publisher=Wmubroncos.com |access-date=June 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817135952/http://www.wmubroncos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4600 |archive-date=August 17, 2014 }} It is located on the edge of the northeast endzone, allowing the Seelye club suites to get a view of the game. The Seelye Center incorporated the existing Oakland Gymnasium into the structure, allowing for a very modern entrance on one side, and a retro style on the other.
Home field records
WMU Bronco Football Waldo Stadium Records Since 2000
| class="wikitable" width="15%"
!style="background:#6a3e0f; color:#e3bc85;" |Year !style="background:#6a3e0f; color:#e3bc85;" |Win !style="background:#6a3e0f; color:#e3bc85;" |Loss !style="background:#6a3e0f; color:#e3bc85;" |Avg. attendance | |||
| align="center" | |||
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2000 | 5 | 0 | |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2001 | 4 | 1 | |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2002 | 2 | 4 | |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2003 | 3 | 3 | |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2004 | 1 | 4 | |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2005 | 5 | 1 | 18,906{{Cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2012/12/declining_attendance_at_wester.html|title = Western Michigan athletic director hopes a new football coach will help with attendance woes at Waldo Stadium|date = December 9, 2012}} |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2006 | 5 | 0 | |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2007 | 2 | 4 | |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2008 | 5 | 0 | |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2009 | 3 | 2 | 20,330 |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2010 | 3 | 3 | 14,678 |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2011 | 5 | 0 | 19,985 |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2012 | 3 | 3 | 14,579 |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2013 | 0 | 5 | 17,347{{Cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2015/12/western_michigan_football_had.html|title=Western Michigan football had the third-best attendance in the MAC this season|date=December 16, 2015}} |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2014 | 3 | 2 | 15,625 |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2015 | 4 | 2 | 19,441 |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2016 | 6 | 0 | 23,838 |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2017 | 4 | 2 | 15,886{{Cite web|url=https://wmubroncos.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=201|title = 2017 Football Schedule}} |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2018 | 3 | 3 | 18,293{{Cite web|url=https://wmubroncos.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=1214|title = 2018 Football Schedule}} |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2019 | 6 | 0 | 17,937{{Cite web|url=https://wmubroncos.com/schedule.aspx?path=football|title = 2021 Football Schedule}} |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2020 | 2 | 1 | Covid-19 restricted season |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2021 | 4 | 2 | 13,690{{Cite web|url=https://wmubroncos.com/sports/football/schedule/2021|title = 2021 Football Schedule}} |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2022 | 2 | 4 | 15,260{{Cite web|url=https://wmubroncos.com/sports/football/schedule/2022|title = 2022 Football Schedule}} |
| style="text-align:center;"
| 2023 | 3 | 1 | 19,798 (through four games) |
| style="text-align:center;" | |||
| style="text-align:center;" | |||
| style="text-align:center;"!style="background:#6a3e0f; color:#e3bc85;"
!style="background:#6a3e0f; color:#e3bc85;" |Total !style="background:#6a3e0f; color:#e3bc85;" |77 !style="background:#6a3e0f; color:#e3bc85;" |44 !style="background:#6a3e0f; color:#e3bc85;" |18,070 |
High school football
In 1975, Waldo Stadium was one of the hosts for the inaugural MHSAA Football State Championship in Class A and Class D. Livonia Franklin beat Traverse City (now Traverse City Central) 21-7 in the Class A title game while Crystal Falls Forest Park defeated Flint Holy Rosary 50-0 in the Class D title game.{{Cite web |title=MHSAA Archive |url=http://www.mhsaa.com/MHSAA_ARCHIVE/resources/library/fbflash95.pdf |website=www.mhsaa.com}} The finals for all classes were moved to the newly constructed Pontiac Silverdome beginning with the 1976 title games.
In May 2010, the Kalamazoo Valley Association (a local high school athletic conference) announced that it would be playing an inaugural Kalamazoo Valley Association Football Classic at the stadium.{{cite web|author=Scott DeCamp |url=http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/-8337641652735761102/coaches-players-filled-with-anticipation-for-inaugural-kva-football-classic |title=Coaches, players filled with anticipation for inaugural KVA Football Classic - MLive.com |publisher=Highschoolsports.mlive.com |date=May 13, 2010 |access-date=June 11, 2013}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130129140906/http://www.wmubroncos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4600&ATCLID=120527 Waldo Stadium - WMUBroncos.com - Official Website of WMU Athletics]}}
- {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130129140901/http://www.wmubroncos.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4600&ATCLID=120528 Donald Seelye Athletic Center - WMUBroncos.com - Official Website of WMU Athletics]}}
{{Western Michigan Broncos football navbox}}
{{Western Michigan University}}
{{Mid-American Conference football venue navbox}}
{{Michigan college football venues}}
Category:College football venues in Michigan
Category:Western Michigan Broncos football
Category:Buildings and structures in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Category:Sports in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Category:Event venues established in 1939