Courtesy of Texas Wesleyan University
A rendering of Texas Wesleyan University's proposed football stadium
Texas Wesleyan University is moving the sticks on its plans to build a new, $16.5-million football stadium.
The university announced that trustee Karen Cramer has pledged a $5 million gift for the project and will hence become the stadium's namesake. This will move the Rams out of Farrington Field, where the team currently plays, and into their own facility, located a block north of East Rosedale Street between Binkley Street and Nashville Avenue.
“Karen’s generosity exemplifies the kind of philanthropy that allows institutions like Texas Wesleyan University to continue to provide the environment of excellence that we strive for,” Texas Wesleyan board chairman Glenn Lewis said in a statement. “Mere words are not sufficient to express our gratitude.”
Texas Wesleyan plans to build the stadium in three phases: a practice field and lighting; NCAA-certified track; then bleachers, press box, field house, and concessions.
Plans for the facility have been in the works since 2017, when the university brought back football after a 76-year hiatus. The Rams, part of the Sooner Athletic Conference, just wrapped up its fifth season with a 7-3 overall record.