Rhodes Stadium
Photo Credits to Alli Wittenberg
Photo Credits to Alli Wittenberg
Since it’s opening on September 22, 2001, Rhodes Stadium has been an integral part of the Elon community and an epicenter for Phoenix spirit. The stadium, designed by a Minnesota-based architectural firm, known as Ellerbe Becket, was named for trustee Warren G. “Dusty” Rhodes and his family. Dusty and Peggy, his wife, are known to this day as admirable benefactors for Elon.
Rhodes Stadium is complemented by the lush greenness of McKinnon Field, named for trustee Bob McKinnon and his wife Ray. McKinnon Field is nestled in the interior of Rhodes Stadium. It is the fine product of careful research and sophisticated construction, which began in fall of 2000. The sand-based field is identical to many playing surfaces found in NFL stadiums, and therefore provides a comfortable place for athletes, reducing injuries with its reliable exterior.
The first layer of the field consists of 12,000 feet of plastic piping, which provides a method of drainage. A four inch bed of stone is found next, followed by twelve inches of “root zone” made up of silica sand and peat moss. After much consideration, TifSport brand Bermuda grass was selected and grown over an 18-month period in Council, North Carolina.
A variety of activities take place in Rhodes Stadium. Upcoming events include various football games against Western Carolina, Furman, and Samford. In addition to sporting events, Rhodes Stadium accompanied freshmen orientation events such as the hypnotist Tom DeLuca.
Sources:
http://www.elon.edu/e-net/Note.aspx?id=955708
http://www.elonphoenix.com/sports/2010/8/17/Fac_0817103031.aspx?id=49
http://www.championshipsubdivision.com/teams-stadiums-directory/southern-conference/elon-phoenix-rhodes-stadium/
