Merrill Field House

1921 - 1982

Original construction date of Merrill Field House is not known. In 1925, it was named Merrill Field in honor of “Jake” Merrill, who donated land for the athletic field. Merrill Field was one of the first college stadiums with permanent lighting, installed in 1930, so that the University football team could play its home games on Saturday nights in deference to Sabbath observance. Seventh Day Baptists, which included a majority of Alfredians at that time, observe the Biblical Sabbath, which begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday. Floods in 1935 and 1942 destroyed the field which had to be rebuilt. In 1954, better lighting was installed. Beginning in 1977, the field was used for all varsity sports including football, soccer, and lacrosse; it had previously been used only for football, ROTC drills and commencement. The field house removed in 1982, when a new field house was added to McLane Center to provide for a locker room, classroom, office space, and equipment storage. A new press box and bleachers were installed in 1983. In 1987, Merrill Field was expanded and an artificial surface added in order to handle the increased use of the field. At the same time, new lighting was installed, the house located at 128 N. Main Street was removed and Tucker Field lengthened and lighted to provide a grass surface practice field.