Gustavus Adolphus College

Wide receiver John Retka stretches out for a touchdown reception.

The view from the visitor bleachers.

Once September rolls around, a person can take certain things for granted. School buses start traversing neighborhood streets, leaves begin to turn bright and beautiful colors, and football season kicks-off at stadiums across the country.

On Saturday, Sept. 8, the Gustavus Adolphus College football team played its inaugural game at the College’s new $4.6 million football stadium. The result was a good one as the Gusties rallied for a 34-25 victory over Willamette University.

It was a big day for senior quarterback Jordan Stolp and junior wide receiver Chad Arlt. Stolp completed 22 of 42 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns. Arlt broke a school record with 15 receptions, which totaled 221 yards and two touchdowns.

With a synthetic surface field, and a stadium tower that houses a press box, a presidential suite, concessions, and restrooms, the new facility accommodates approximately 5,000 fans.

The field is recessed below ground level and features an earthen berm surrounding the entire field. Spectators enter the stadium through an arched entryway and may circle the entire stadium via a concrete walkway located at the top of the berm. The berm provides ample space for people to be seated informally on the grass to watch the game.

The field will continue to be named “Hollingsworth Field” after the late Lloyd Hollingsworth, who served as the College’s football coach from 1942 to 1960 and athletic director from 1961 to 1978.

Head Coach Jay Schoenebeck and his squad will play six games in the new stadium this season. Those games include Willamette University (Sept. 8), Hamline University (Sept. 22), St. John’s University (Oct. 13 — Homecoming), Macalester College (Oct. 20), Concordia College (Nov. 3 — Hall of Fame Day), and Carleton College (Nov. 10 — Senior Day).