Athletic Business magazine has recognized Elon University’s Rhodes Stadium with a 2003 Facility of Merit Award. Ten facilities were selected for the award from a field of 94 entries.
Each facility was judged by a panel of architects and design professionals in several categories, including functional planning, design, solutions to site constraints and cost.
Rhodes Stadium, the home of Phoenix football, opened in 2001. The $13 million stadium is nestled in a wooded setting with brick and wrought iron construction, creating a classic collegiate atmosphere. McKinnon Field, set 16 feet below ground level, includes a sophisticated turf, drainage and irrigation system that is on par with the best NFL facilities.
Each of the 8,250 seats is close to the action. Restrooms and concessions stands are plentiful, and a two-story press box includes five skyboxes for private gatherings along with spacious, fully-wired facilities for print and broadcast media. The stadium design will allow future expansion to a capacity of 20,000 seats.
Every feature of the stadium and its surroundings, including extensive landscaping, a wide concourse and entrance colonnade, fit the character of Elon’s campus.
Ellerbe Becket, a leader in architecture, engineering and the construction industry, designed Rhodes Stadium. General contractor was Beers Construction Co. of Winston-Salem, N.C., a firm that specializes in sports facilities.
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