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Show -~^MMMm\--~~'£Z~ "if! ^m\s-r-r~r^. « ^tm^^mmmMK*** 9*m^mh ' ! • ^ ^ ^ ' S&$mW*«&SmmW^mmMMMMmm^m I- Jl^s ^PB ,r"5 ; . i-,.. • v **- > •' J J > ME •• . -<> *' j ••'' ' *T* jl , / sttaaats,,/ jr • 31 " f 'The Best in the WAC" RICE STADIUM "An AstroTurf Palace" The University of Utah became the first school in the Western Athletic Conference to install artificial turf in August of 1972 due to a $1 million donation by Salt Lake businessman Robert L. Rice. The gift, the largest single amount in the history of Ute athletics, was directed toward the installation of AstroTurf, a new surface on the all-weather track, a new lighting system, and the construction of a new Scholarship box, ticket office and concession areas. Th6 turf and track were ready for use during the 1972 season providing an ever-beautiful backdrop to Utah's exciting football. The new Scholarship box was completed for the 1973 season. Completion of these projects gives the University of Utah total athletic facilities equaled by few schools in the nation. First rudiments of the stadium were completed in 1927. Constant improvements and remodeling projects since that time have made it one of the finest in the west. With a seating capacity of more than 30,000, Rice Stadium is a timber and concrete structure with dirt fill. Styled in a horseshoe fashion, the stadium contains a modern all-weather track which encircles the playing field. The open south end is beautifully landscaped. When utilized for non-athletic events, the stadium (because of the round seating arrangement on the north end) is frequently referred to as "Stadium Bowl." The seats in the north end were built in 1947. A major remodeling project was completed in 1966 which saw the installation of over 5,000 chair seats and the construction of a press box on the west side. The one level structure is one of the most functional press facilities in the west, running between the 25-yard lines. Utah defeated Colorado Mines 44-6 in the first football contest played in the stadium. The Utah Utah State game in 1961 drew the largest crowd ever to the stadium (32,438). • 5 5 - |
