Stadium
Renovation
Stadium Renovation Fund
Gift Amount:
Build a Future for Eastern Football
Eastern – the hub for competitive Division I football in Spokane County – has embarked on a multi-phase project to renovate the EWU football stadium, enhancing fan comfort and boosting competitive play.
The half-century-old Roos Field complex has been home to countless traditions, championship teams, and standout players – including NFL All-Pros Cooper Kupp and Michael Roos. But the aging stadium, originally built in 1967, lacks basic amenities and can no longer compete for top players, coaches or fans in today’s athletic landscape.
We need your help to bring the home of Eastern Football into the future.
What Does the Renovation Entail?
The renovation plan is focused on enhancing the fan experience – one that matches what fans expect when visiting other Big Sky Conference stadiums.
A $5 million gift from West Plains businessman Jack Gillingham launched the project, funding the new red turf and other advances to the stadium project. The upcoming track resurfacing will be covered with a mix of private and university funds.
$25M: Est. Project Cost
Since state dollars can’t be used for stadium upgrades, we are relying on donor support to complete the vision. Gifts will help build indoor/outdoor club seating, a new suite level to expand capacity to 8,600, and a modern complex with upgraded concessions, restrooms, and press box.
project cost:
$25M
with heaters:
198
seating:
8,612
Ways to Leave a Lasting Legacy
Naming opportunities are a great way to honor yourself, your family, or someone who has inspired you. Opportunities include:
• The Stadium
• The Suite Level
• The Indoor Club Area
• The West Entrance
• The Outdoor Club Areas
• The Press Box
• The North Entrance
• The South Entrance
Other areas of need for the complex
renovation project:
• New Concessions
• New Restrooms
• Track Resurfacing Collaboration
Contact
Naming rights opportunities are available throughout the stadium. What a great way to support Eastern Football while recognizing your family or promoting your business to the tens of thousands of Eagle fans who pack into the stadium each season and follow games on ESPN+ and other channels.
Help Build a Future for Eastern Eagles Football
Your support will create a fan-friendly stadium that energizes Eagle Nation, attracts top talent, and keeps fans engaged for decades.
“This gift is a statement to and for the community to get behind this project, which can be a catalyst for the local economy. It’s a rallying cry for current and future supporters to get involved to make this a reality.”
— Jack Gillingham
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This project will be funded through private donations. Eastern Washington University is prohibited from using state funds/operating dollars to enhance athletic facilities, and we are not asking our students to pay a special fee to help fund this plan (such a student fee is only something that could be brought forward by the students themselves through the Associated Students of EWU – ASEWU).
The estimated project cost is $25 million. EWU cannot use state funding or operating dollars to build or remodel athletic facilities. Therefore, the project is entirely funded through private donations. A significant kick-off gift of $5 million was provided by West Plains businessman Jack Gillingham, which specifically expedited the replacement of the iconic red turf.
Eastern worked with ALSC Architects of Spokane, which has a proven record of successful projects around the region–including athletic facilities at Whitworth University, Gonzaga University and Washington State University. ALSC has also completed athletic facility master planning and concept work on the EWU campus over the past 20 years. The renderings are conceptual at this point, and may change as we move into additional design and planning phases.
Construction will commence when the money is raised. As we progress we will be able to identify clear timelines.
In addition to converting the existing press box to suites, there will be covered club seats on the west side of the stadium. Loge, or box seating, will also be included.
We can’t say for sure right now, but there might be some opportunities for other donors as well. We are very appreciative of what Michael Roos has done for Eastern over the years.
Yes. We put students first and are focused on academics and their success.
We believe the stadium is just one part of a bigger approach to investing in the whole campus. Game days already bring a huge sense of pride and enthusiasm to campus, and improving that experience will enhance the university’s overall image, help with recruitment and enrollment, and raise expectations across campus. With all the challenges facing higher education nationwide, this is the time to aggressively fundraise for academics and athletics.
EWU is confident the stadium renovation will help increase revenues in the athletic department. Our community loves football and we want to make it a consistently sought-after ticket.
Ticket prices are not related to this project. Our ticket prices have always been affordable and as demand grows and cost of business increases, the athletic department has made appropriate adjustments.
We have a solid plan that is more reasonable and in line with our needs and what our fans expect. Eastern has the people in place to make this happen! Our donors and supporters seem more eager to be involved than ever before.
Yes, there are numerous opportunities for donors to contribute, with gifts of all sizes being encouraged. Naming opportunities are available throughout the stadium, offering a way to honor individuals or promote businesses. These include naming the Stadium, Suite Level, Indoor Club Area, West/North/South Entrances, Press Box, New Concessions, New Restrooms, and Track Resurfacing Collaboration. Donors can make immediate gifts online or contact the EWU Foundation to discuss gift options and benefits.
To make an immediate gift to the stadium fund, please donate online. If you’d like an EWU Foundation representative to contact you to discuss gift options and benefits, including naming opportunities, please contact us. Please note that all gifts made do not fulfill EAF giving levels/requirements, receive points or earn related benefits.
Beyond athletic excellence, the new stadium is expected to strengthen community bonds on campus and throughout the region. It aims to attract visitors to the Cheney campus, serve as a hub for sports camps and other events, and engage students and adults from surrounding areas, thereby building a stronger, more connected community. The university also believes it will enhance its overall image, aid in recruitment and enrollment, and raise expectations across campus.