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{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Short description|Stadium in Worcester, Massachusetts}} {{Short description|Stadium in Worcester, Massachusetts}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{About|the Holy Cross football stadium|the baseball stadium|Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field}} {{About|the Holy Cross football stadium|the baseball stadium|Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field}}
{{Infobox stadium {{Infobox venue
| name = Fitton Field | name = Fitton Field
| nickname = | nickname =
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| fullname = Fitton Football Stadium | fullname = Fitton Football Stadium
| former names = | former names =
| logo_image = | logo_image = Holy Cross Athletics logo.svg
| logo_caption = | logo_size = 30
| image = | image = Fitton Field, Holy Cross football stadium, Worcester MA west view.jpg
| image_size = | image_size =
| image_alt = | caption = The venue photographed in 2024
| caption =
| pushpin_map = USA Massachusetts | pushpin_map = USA Massachusetts
| pushpin_mapsize = | pushpin_mapsize =
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| pushpin_label_position = top | pushpin_label_position = top
| pushpin_relief = | pushpin_relief =
| address = | type = ]
| location = ] 01610 | currentuse = ]
| address = 1 College St.
| city = ]
| country = ]
| coordinates = {{Coord|42|14|29.6|N|71|48|35.9|W|display=title,inline}} | coordinates = {{Coord|42|14|29.6|N|71|48|35.9|W|display=title,inline}}
| type =
| genre = | genre =
| broke_ground = | broke_ground =
| built = | built =
| opened = {{Start date|1908|9|26}}<ref name="GoHolyCross">{{cite web |title= Fitton Field |url=http://www.goholycross.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=33100&ATCLID=210235732 |website=GoHolyCross.com |publisher=College of the Holy Cross |access-date=August 18, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> | opened = {{Start date and age|1908|9|26}}<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999">{{cite web |title=Fitton Field |url=http://www.goholycross.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=33100&ATCLID=210235732 |website=GoHolyCross.com |date=July 31, 1999 |publisher=College of the Holy Cross |access-date=August 18, 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
| renovated = 1912; 1924; 1986; 2016<ref name="GoHolyCross" /> | renovated = 1912; 1924; 1986; 2016<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999" />
| expanded = | expanded = 1912, 1924, 1986
| closed = | closed =
| demolished = | demolished =
| owner = ] | owner = ]
| operator = College of the Holy Cross | operator = ]
| surface = Grass<ref name="GoHolyCross" /> | surface = Kentucky bluegrass (2016–present)<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999" />
| scoreboard = | scoreboard =
| production = | production =
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| main_contractors = | main_contractors =
| seating_type = | seating_type =
| capacity = 23,500<ref name="GoHolyCross" /> | capacity = 23,500 (1986–present)<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999" />
| suites = | suites =
| record_attendance = 27,000<ref name="GoHolyCross" /> | record_attendance = 27,000<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999" />
| dimensions = | dimensions =
| field_shape = | field_shape =
| acreage = | acreage =
| tenants = ] (]) 1908–present<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999" />
| volume =
| tenants = ] (]) 1908–present<ref name="GoHolyCross" />
| embedded = | embedded =
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} --> | website = {{URL|https://goholycross.com/facilities/fitton-field/2|goholycross.com/fitton-field}}
| publictransit = | publictransit =
}} }}
'''Fitton Field''' is a football stadium in ] primarily used for ] sporting events. The stadium opened in 1908 as the official home for the ] team. Before that, most games were played on the adjoining baseball field. The stadium has a capacity of 23,500.<ref name="GoHolyCross" />


'''Fitton Field''' is a ] ] in ], primarily used for ] sporting events. The stadium opened in 1908 as the official home for the ] team. Before that, most games were played on the adjoining baseball field. The stadium has a capacity of 23,500.<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999" />
Named after ], who donated land to the ] to found the college, it is an irregularly shaped three-sided ] on the edge of the college's campus.<ref name="GoHolyCross" /> The northern football stands are shorter than the southern due to ] being adjacent to the field.

Named after ], who donated land to the ] to found the college, it is an irregularly shaped three-sided ] on the edge of the college's campus.<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999" /> The northern football stands are shorter than the southern due to ] being adjacent to the field.


== History == == History ==
Officially known as Fitton Football Stadium, the football facility is home to the ] football team. The field itself was used as the football field, and termed Fitton Field, as early as 1908. A wooden structure was constructed at that time, but a more sturdy concrete structure did not appear until 1912. In 1924, the concrete was replaced with the steel structure that still stands today, increasing the stadium's capacity. It would remain identical until 1986, when the wooden seating was replaced with aluminum ], further expanding its capacity to its current level. In 2016, the field was completely replaced for the first time since 1903. Among the upgrades was a new bluegrass blend sod planted as well as new irrigation systems and netting.<ref name="GoHolyCross" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Newsroom {{!}} Photo Gallery: Fitton Field Gets Makeover with New Sod |url=https://news.holycross.edu/blog/2016/10/18/photo-gallery-fitton-field-gets-makeover-with-new-sod/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Newsroom {{!}} College of the Holy Cross}}</ref> Officially known as Fitton Football Stadium, the football facility is home to the ] football team. The field itself was used as the football field, and termed Fitton Field, as early as 1908. A wooden structure was constructed at that time, but a more sturdy concrete structure did not appear until 1912. In 1924, the concrete was replaced with the steel structure that still stands today, increasing the stadium's capacity. It would remain identical until 1986, when the wooden seating was replaced with aluminum ], further expanding its capacity to its current level. In 2016, the field was completely replaced for the first time since 1903. Among the upgrades was a new bluegrass blend sod planted as well as new irrigation systems and netting.<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Newsroom {{!}} Photo Gallery: Fitton Field Gets Makeover with New Sod |url=https://news.holycross.edu/blog/2016/10/18/photo-gallery-fitton-field-gets-makeover-with-new-sod/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Newsroom {{!}} College of the Holy Cross}}</ref>


Fitton Field has hosted numerous speakers including commencement addresses by two sitting presidents. President ] delivered his address in 1905, while touring Massachusetts, this was his only public speech in Worcester.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter Fitton Field has hosted numerous speakers including commencement addresses by two sitting presidents. President ] delivered his address in 1905, while touring Massachusetts, this was his only public speech in Worcester.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Porter |first=Laura |title=June 22, 1905: A bully day for Worcester |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2016/07/19/june-22-1905-bully-day-for-worcester/25563775007/ |access-date=March 13, 2023 |date=July 19, 2016 |newspaper=] | location=Worcester, Massachusetts |language=en-US}}</ref> President ] gave his address in 1964, replacing the initial guest, President ], who had been assassinated just a few months prior.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commencement Address at Holy Cross College. |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/commencement-address-holy-cross-college#:~:text=Note:%20The%20President%20spoke%20at,the%20Most%20Reverend%20Bernard%20J. |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=The American Presidency Project}}</ref>
Correspondent |first=Laura |title=June 22, 1905: A bully day for Worcester |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2016/07/19/june-22-1905-bully-day-for-worcester/25563775007/ |access-date=2023-03-13 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref> President ] gave his address in 1964, replacing the initial guest, President ], who had been assassinated just a few months prior.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commencement Address at Holy Cross College. {{!}} The American Presidency Project |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/commencement-address-holy-cross-college#:~:text=Note:%20The%20President%20spoke%20at,the%20Most%20Reverend%20Bernard%20J. |access-date=2023-03-13 |website=www.presidency.ucsb.edu}}</ref>


=== Attendance === === Attendance ===
]
While historically having high attendance numbers, with many fans from the Worcester area and beyond filling the disproportionately large stadium; in the 1990's an over two decade slump of relatively low attendance began. However, with the resurgence of the ] team in recent years, attendance numbers have began to rebound. In 2022, in a game against the ] team, Fitton Field posted its highest attendance since the 1980's, with almost 18,000 fans as audience to a revived historical rivalry and Crusader victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Road to 11-0: The Story So Far |url=https://goholycross.com/news/2022/11/30/football-road-to-11-0-the-story-so-far.aspx |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Holy Cross Athletics |language=en}}</ref> While historically having high attendance numbers, with many fans from the Worcester area and beyond filling the disproportionately large stadium; in the 1990s an over two-decade slump of relatively low attendance began. However, with the resurgence of the ] team in recent years, attendance numbers have begun to rebound. In 2022, in a game against the ] team, Fitton Field posted its highest attendance since the 1980's, with almost 18,000 fans as audience to a revived historical rivalry and Crusader victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Road to 11-0: The Story So Far |url=https://goholycross.com/news/2022/11/30/football-road-to-11-0-the-story-so-far.aspx |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=Holy Cross Athletics |language=en}}</ref>


The largest attendance at Fitton Field was 27,000 in 1938 which was the last home game for Holy Cross's ] back, ].<ref name="GoHolyCross" /> The largest attendance at Fitton Field was 27,000 in 1938 which was the last home game for Holy Cross's ] back, ].<ref name="GoHolyCross.com 1999" />

=== Panorama ===
{{Panorama
| image = Fitton Field, College of the Holy Cross.jpg
| height = 220
| caption = Fitton Field looking north; note scoreboard at left; skyline of ] at upper right
}}
{{clear}}


== Facts and figures == == Facts and figures ==
]
]
In 1992, Fitton Field was to be the home of the New England Blitz of the ], but the PSFL folded before any games were played. In 1992, Fitton Field was to be the home of the New England Blitz of the ], but the PSFL folded before any games were played.


Fitton Field was used to film the movie '']'' in 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061019/NEWS/610190782&SearchID=73260432251756 |title=Fitton Field plays key role in new film |first=Richard |last=Duckett |work=] |publisher=] |date=October 19, 2006 |language=en}}</ref> Fitton Field was used to film the movie '']'' in 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/south-west/2006/10/19/fitton-field-plays-key-role/53034735007/ |title=Fitton Field plays key role in new film |first=Richard |last=Duckett |work=] | location=Worcester, Massachusetts |date=October 19, 2006 |language=en}}</ref>


As of 2022, Fitton Field is the fourth oldest Division I football stadium, surpassed only by Franklin Field, Harvard Stadium and Kyle Field.<ref>{{Cite web |title=These are the 10 oldest stadiums in Division I college football |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-07-26/these-are-10-oldest-stadiums-division-i-college-football |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=NCAA.com |language=en}}</ref> The field also holds the record of being the 15th largest Division I FCS stadium in terms of capacity and by far the largest in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Patriot League Demographics |url=https://patriotleague.org/sports/2016/6/13/school-bio-patr-school-bio-corp-partners-demographics-html.aspx?id=1568&= |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=patriotleague.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The 25 biggest FCS football stadiums in the country |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-07-12/25-biggest-fcs-football-stadiums-country |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=NCAA.com |language=en}}</ref> As of 2022, Fitton Field is the fourth oldest Division I football stadium, surpassed only by ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=These are the 10 oldest stadiums in Division I college football |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-07-26/these-are-10-oldest-stadiums-division-i-college-football |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=NCAA.com |language=en}}</ref> The field also holds the record of being the 15th largest Division I FCS stadium in terms of capacity and by far the largest in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Patriot League Demographics |url=https://patriotleague.org/sports/2016/6/13/school-bio-patr-school-bio-corp-partners-demographics-html.aspx?id=1568&= |access-date=March 13, 2023 |website=patriotleague.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The 25 biggest FCS football stadiums in the country |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-07-12/25-biggest-fcs-football-stadiums-country |access-date=March 12, 2023 |website=NCAA.com |language=en}}</ref>


==See also== == See also ==
* ] * ]


==References== == References ==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== == External links ==
{{commons category}} {{Commons category}}
* {{oweb}}
* {{cite web |title=Athletic and Recreational Facilities |url=http://www.holycross.edu/athletics/facilities/ |website=www.holycross.edu |publisher=College of the Holy Cross |access-date=August 17, 2018 |language=en |date=2018}}
* {{cite web |title=Holy Cross Facilities |url=http://www.goholycross.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=210235766&DB_OEM_ID=33100&DB_OEM_ID=33100 |website=GoHolyCross.com |publisher=College of the Holy Cross |access-date=August 17, 2018 |language=en}}
** {{cite web |title=Fitton Field |url=http://www.goholycross.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=33100&ATCLID=210235732 |website=GoHolyCross.com |publisher=College of the Holy Cross |access-date=August 17, 2018 |language=en}}


{{Holy Cross Crusaders football navbox}} {{Holy Cross Crusaders football navbox}}
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{{Patriot League football venue navbox}} {{Patriot League football venue navbox}}
{{Massachusetts college football venues}} {{Massachusetts college football venues}}

] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 15:36, 21 November 2024

Stadium in Worcester, Massachusetts

This article is about the Holy Cross football stadium. For the baseball stadium, see Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field.
Fitton Field
The venue photographed in 2024
Fitton Field is located in MassachusettsFitton FieldFitton FieldLocation within Massachusetts
Full nameFitton Football Stadium
Address1 College St.
Worcester, MA
United States
Coordinates42°14′29.6″N 71°48′35.9″W / 42.241556°N 71.809972°W / 42.241556; -71.809972
OwnerCollege of the Holy Cross
OperatorHoly Cross Athletics
TypeStadium
Capacity23,500 (1986–present)
Record attendance27,000
SurfaceKentucky bluegrass (2016–present)
Current useFootball
Construction
OpenedSeptember 26, 1908; 116 years ago (1908-09-26)
Renovated1912; 1924; 1986; 2016
Expanded1912, 1924, 1986
Tenants
Holy Cross Crusaders (NCAA) 1908–present
Website
goholycross.com/fitton-field

Fitton Field is a football stadium in Worcester, Massachusetts, primarily used for College of the Holy Cross sporting events. The stadium opened in 1908 as the official home for the Holy Cross Crusaders football team. Before that, most games were played on the adjoining baseball field. The stadium has a capacity of 23,500.

Named after Reverend James Fitton, who donated land to the Archdiocese of Boston to found the college, it is an irregularly shaped three-sided horseshoe on the edge of the college's campus. The northern football stands are shorter than the southern due to Interstate 290 being adjacent to the field.

History

Officially known as Fitton Football Stadium, the football facility is home to the Holy Cross Crusaders football team. The field itself was used as the football field, and termed Fitton Field, as early as 1908. A wooden structure was constructed at that time, but a more sturdy concrete structure did not appear until 1912. In 1924, the concrete was replaced with the steel structure that still stands today, increasing the stadium's capacity. It would remain identical until 1986, when the wooden seating was replaced with aluminum bleachers, further expanding its capacity to its current level. In 2016, the field was completely replaced for the first time since 1903. Among the upgrades was a new bluegrass blend sod planted as well as new irrigation systems and netting.

Fitton Field has hosted numerous speakers including commencement addresses by two sitting presidents. President Theodore Roosevelt delivered his address in 1905, while touring Massachusetts, this was his only public speech in Worcester. President Lyndon B. Johnson gave his address in 1964, replacing the initial guest, President John F. Kennedy, who had been assassinated just a few months prior.

Attendance

Home stands of the stadium

While historically having high attendance numbers, with many fans from the Worcester area and beyond filling the disproportionately large stadium; in the 1990s an over two-decade slump of relatively low attendance began. However, with the resurgence of the Holy Cross Crusaders football team in recent years, attendance numbers have begun to rebound. In 2022, in a game against the Fordham Rams football team, Fitton Field posted its highest attendance since the 1980's, with almost 18,000 fans as audience to a revived historical rivalry and Crusader victory.

The largest attendance at Fitton Field was 27,000 in 1938 which was the last home game for Holy Cross's All-American back, Bill Osmanski.

Panorama

Fitton Field looking north; note scoreboard at left; skyline of Worcester at upper right

Facts and figures

Scoreboard

In 1992, Fitton Field was to be the home of the New England Blitz of the Professional Spring Football League, but the PSFL folded before any games were played.

Fitton Field was used to film the movie The Game Plan in 2006.

As of 2022, Fitton Field is the fourth oldest Division I football stadium, surpassed only by Franklin Field, Harvard Stadium and Kyle Field. The field also holds the record of being the 15th largest Division I FCS stadium in terms of capacity and by far the largest in the Patriot League.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Fitton Field". GoHolyCross.com. College of the Holy Cross. July 31, 1999. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  2. "Newsroom | Photo Gallery: Fitton Field Gets Makeover with New Sod". Newsroom | College of the Holy Cross. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  3. Porter, Laura (July 19, 2016). "June 22, 1905: A bully day for Worcester". Telegram & Gazette. Worcester, Massachusetts. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  4. "Commencement Address at Holy Cross College". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  5. "Road to 11-0: The Story So Far". Holy Cross Athletics. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  6. Duckett, Richard (October 19, 2006). "Fitton Field plays key role in new film". Telegram & Gazette. Worcester, Massachusetts.
  7. "These are the 10 oldest stadiums in Division I college football". NCAA.com. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  8. "Patriot League Demographics". patriotleague.org. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  9. "The 25 biggest FCS football stadiums in the country". NCAA.com. Retrieved March 12, 2023.

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