BAKER STADIUM AND PEYTON FIELD

In 1964 prominent Tacoma businessman John S. Baker supplied the University of Puget Sound with a bequest to construct Baker Stadium. The pre-stressed concrete facility was a dream come true for Logger fans.

The track encircling Baker field is named in honor of the late Don Shotwell, a former UPS football player and asphalt contractor who was a major contributor to the Logger athletic program as well as many other campus projects.

Baker Stadium has a covered seating capacity of 3000, uncovered seating of 500, and is home to Logger football, men's and women's soccer, cross-country, track and field, and women's lacrosse. Baker Stadium is also the site for the University's Commencement Ceremony.

Peyton Field in Baker Stadium is named in honor of Joe Peyton, a Puget Sound alumnus, star athlete, and long-time coach and faculty member at the university. The field was formerly dedicated on April 29, 2003. In early June Joe Peyton was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away on July 2, 2003. This beautiful facility, built in his honor, is a lasting legacy to his accomplishments as a teacher, coach, citizen, and friend.

Several improvements were made to the facility during the 2002-03 year to enhance the experience of student-athletes and fans alike.

The field was increased in width by 10 yards in order to meet NCAA standards for soccer and women's lacrosse. A new sand based, vertical draining natural turf surface was built to create a better playing surface for football, soccer and lacrosse. Underground drainage and a fully automated irrigation system were added to ensure optimal use and maintenance.

The Don Shotwell track was expanded from 6 to 8-lanes with the appropriate NCAA markings for a 400 meter track thus enabling championship meets to be conducted in Baker Stadium. The track surface is an all-weather polyurethane product that includes a complete trench drainage system that encircles the track.

An electronic timing system was installed to facilitate accurate and timely results reporting. Internet capabilities were added to the press box area for sports information reporting and web casting capabilities. All of the field event areas; high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, javelin and steeple chase, were all relocated and improved to NCAA standards. An auxiliary building was added to Baker Stadium and includes a concession area, restrooms and a ticket office. Perimeter fencing was added adjacent to the track to control access and safety for spectators and participants. New fencing was also added to the East End of Baker Stadium and along 11th Street.