Cooper Field
Cooper Field,[2] formerly known as Harbin Field and Multi-Sport Field, is a 3,750-seat multi-purpose stadium in Washington, D.C., on the campus of Georgetown University. The field was originally used for intramurals and was adopted for soccer in 1994 as Harbin Field. The name was changed to "Multi-Sport Field", a placeholder pending final construction, to reflect the football team's use of the field starting in 2003. In 2015, Georgetown changed the name to Cooper Field in honor of a $50 million gift from Peter and Susan Cooper which funded athletic leadership programs at Georgetown and construction upgrades to the field.[3]
 | |
 View of the stadium in 2022 | |
| Former names | Harbin Field (2002–2004) Multi-Sport Field (2005–2015) |
|---|---|
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Owner | Georgetown University |
| Operator | Georgetown University |
| Capacity | 3,750 |
| Surface | Shaw Sports Momentum [1] |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 2005 |
| Construction cost | $22 million (project not completed) |
| Architect | Hughes Group Architects |
| Tenants | |
| Georgetown Hoyas (NCAA) teams: | |
| Website | |
| guhoyas.com/cooperfield | |
Cooper Field
Cooper Field is a multipurpose outdoor stadium located in Washington, D.C. It serves as the home venue for the Georgetown Hoyas football team, which is a member of the NCAA Division I FCS Patriot League. The stadium is situated on the campus of Georgetown University, which is known for its prestigious academic programs.
Originally opened in 1930, Cooper Field has undergone several renovations and improvements over the years to enhance the fan experience and accommodate modern facilities. The stadium is named after William Wilson Cooper, a former Georgetown football player, coach, and athletic director credited with revitalizing the football program in the early 20th century.
With a seating capacity of approximately 4,000 spectators, Cooper Field offers an intimate atmosphere for Georgetown football games. The seating arrangement consists of bleachers on both sides of the field, providing clear views of the action from any vantage point. The stadium also features a press box, which accommodates media representatives and enables live broadcasting of games.
In addition to hosting Georgetown football games, Cooper Field serves as a versatile venue for other sporting events, such as lacrosse matches, soccer games, and track and field competitions. Its artificial turf surface enables year-round use and minimizes maintenance requirements.
Cooper Field has witnessed numerous memorable moments in Georgetown football history, including conference championships and notable victories against rival teams. The stadium's close proximity to the Georgetown University campus allows for easy access for students, alumni, and fans, fostering a strong sense of school spirit and community.
Beyond sporting events, Cooper Field serves as a gathering place for various campus activities and events. It has hosted concerts, pep rallies, and commencement ceremonies, further solidifying its role as a central hub on campus.
Georgetown University takes great pride in maintaining Cooper Field as a state-of-the-art facility, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The stadium's rich history, combined with its modern amenities, continues to make it an iconic venue for Georgetown Hoyas athletics and a source of pride for the entire university community.
Unfinished construction
The field has been awaiting further construction since 2005, when work was halted on completing permanent bleachers and other facilities. As a result, it remains the smallest stadium in all of NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision or Football Championship subdivisions.[4]
During the 2018 and 2019 seasons, attendance was reduced to 1,800 pending ongoing construction.
Several of the school athletics teams play home games there, including the Hoyas football team, the men's and women's lacrosse teams, the women's field hockey team, and the Georgetown University Rugby Football Club. The professional Washington Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse used the field for most of their games during the 2007 season.[5] Lights were installed on the field in early 2009. The surface is artificial, made of FieldTurf.
References
- https://www.shawsportsturf.com/resources/downloads/company-brochures/achieve-more-magazine.html%5B%5D
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-06-06. Retrieved 2017-06-16.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - Clarke, Liz (6 October 2015). "Georgetown athletics will receive $50 million gift from California couple". Newspaper. Washington Post. Retrieved 10 October 2015.
- Flynn, Tom (November 15, 2012). "Obstacles Nothing New for Georgetown Football". The New York Times. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
- "MLL Stadiums 2007". Inside Lacrosse. March 5, 2007.
External links
