Calvin News

Calvin University is preparing to welcome fans to its new on-campus football and lacrosse stadium this fall, reaching another major milestone in a project that has transformed the student-athlete experience and campus life. 

While work continues on future enhancements, the stadium will make its football debut during either Homecoming on Sept. 26, or on October 17. The season opener on Sept. 12 against St. Norbert College will once again be played in Calvin's soccer stadium as construction crews complete the final work necessary to open the new venue.  

See full schedule and purchase tickets.

The project has been made possible entirely through the generosity of private donors. No student tuition dollars have been used to construct the football and lacrosse stadium. 

"This represents an exciting new chapter for Calvin University," said Greg Elzinga, president of Calvin University. "From the beginning, our vision has been to create a home for football and lacrosse that strengthens the student-athlete experience, brings our community together, and creates traditions that will endure for generations. Seeing that vision become reality is a significant milestone for our university."

A New Home for Football and Lacrosse

The new stadium will become the permanent home for Calvin Football and the university's men's and women's lacrosse programs, both of which continue to build excitement across campus. 

The stadium includes: 

• A 2,500-seat home grandstand  
• Premium and chairback seating options  
• Traditional bleacher seating  
• Visitor seating – seats up to 500  
• A three-section press box housing media, livestream production, coaches, game management and hospitality  
• Improved accessibility and pedestrian access throughout the venue  

Construction crews are also completing a large gameday gathering area between the football and soccer stadiums that will serve as a central location for fans before kickoff. The university plans to activate the space with food trucks, concessions, hospitality, campus activities and opportunities for alumni, families and friends to gather before and after games. 

As the project continues to evolve, future enhancements, including permanent concessions, restrooms and additional fan amenities, will be added as philanthropic support allows.

Creating a New Game-Day Tradition

Athletic Director Jim Timmer said the vision has always extended well beyond the playing field. 

"We wanted to create a place where our campus community wants to spend the day," Timmer said. "Football Saturdays at Calvin will be about much more than the game itself. They'll be opportunities for alumni to reconnect, families to gather, students to celebrate, and our community to experience everything that makes Calvin special." 

Fans will notice several new gameday features this season, including expanded tailgating opportunities, a centralized ticket office and gathering spaces designed to create an engaging atmosphere before kickoff.

Built Through Generosity

Former Chief Financial Officer and now Senior Advisor for Special Projects Dirk Pruis said the project reflects years of careful planning and extraordinary generosity. 

"This milestone represents years of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and faithful stewardship," Pruis said. "We're deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity has made this possible. Their investment is creating opportunities that will benefit Calvin students and our broader community for many years to come." 

The university is very grateful for the generosity of the donors who make this possible, including the lead donors, a Calvin family and longtime supporters of the university, who have chosen to remain anonymous at this time. 

University leaders also thanked Progressive Companies, GDK Construction, project partners and numerous campus departments that worked together to bring the project to this point.

Momentum Continues

The stadium opens during one of the most exciting periods in Calvin Football history. Following a successful inaugural season, the Knights finished 7-3 in just their second year, creating growing enthusiasm among students, alumni and the West Michigan community. 

"This is where new traditions begin," Timmer said. "Future generations of Knights will remember their first game here, Homecoming weekends, rivalries, victories and the memories they'll create together. That's what makes this milestone so meaningful."

Tickets for 2026 Season

Fans can now purchase a 2026 Calvin Football 3-game season ticket package and single-game tickets for the Knights' inaugural season in their new on-campus stadium.

2026 Home Schedule 

• Sept. 12 – St. Norbert College (Soccer Stadium) | 1 p.m.  
• Sept. 26 – University of Olivet (Homecoming) | TBD  
• Oct. 17 – Kalamazoo College | Noon  
• Oct. 24 – Albion College | 1 p.m.  
• Nov. 7 – Hope College | 1 p.m.  

With the new stadium, a new game-day experience and a new chapter of Calvin Football underway, fans are encouraged to secure their seats early and be part of the first season in the Knights' new home.