5 Game-Changing Facts About Schmidt Stadium Wilkes University: The $8 Million Turf Revolution
Step onto the state-of-the-art turf at Schmidt Stadium, and you are walking on the epicenter of Wilkes University’s athletic ambition. As of December 25, 2025, the facility is fresher and more formidable than ever, following a significant multi-million dollar investment that has cemented its status as a premier venue for NCAA Division III sports. This deep dive uncovers the most current and essential facts about the home of the Wilkes Colonels, from its legendary namesake to the cutting-edge enhancements that define its future.
The stadium, a key component of the expansive Ralston Athletic Complex, is more than just a field; it’s a living monument to Wilkes' rich sports history and a beacon for its future success in football, field hockey, and lacrosse. The recent upgrades were not merely cosmetic; they represent a total transformation of the gameday experience for athletes and fans alike, ensuring the facility meets the demanding standards of modern collegiate athletics.
The Legendary Namesake: Rollie Schmidt
Every great stadium has a story, and Schmidt Stadium is named for a man whose legacy is woven into the fabric of Wilkes University Athletics: Roland "Rollie" Christian Schmidt. The decision to name the stadium in his honor pays tribute to a coaching career that defined an era of Colonels football dominance.
- Full Name: Roland "Rollie" Christian Schmidt
- Born: April 25, 1933, in Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Primary Role: Legendary Wilkes University Colonels Head Football Coach
- Coaching Tenure Highlight: Led the Wilkes football team to an incredible 32-game winning streak.
- Major Victories: Coached the team to two prestigious Lambert Bowl victories.
- Other Sports: Served as a coach for both the Men's Golf and Baseball teams.
- Hall of Fame Honors: Inducted into the Wilkes University Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Legacy: Remembered as a stickler for detail, his commitment to excellence continues to inspire the current generation of Colonels athletes.
1. The $8 Million Ralston Athletic Complex Enhancement
Schmidt Stadium is the crown jewel of the Ralston Athletic Complex, which recently underwent a massive financial commitment from Wilkes University. This investment signals a major push for the school's athletic programs.
The University announced an investment of nearly $8 million in enhancements to the complex, which includes Schmidt Stadium and the adjacent Bruggeworth Field. This significant capital project was designed to create a world-class environment for all outdoor sports. The funds were strategically allocated to modernize critical infrastructure, ensuring the facilities are competitive with the best NCAA Division III programs in the nation.
The comprehensive project focused on multi-purpose turf fields, which are crucial for hosting the variety of sports that call the complex home. The long-term impact of this investment is expected to boost recruiting efforts, enhance student-athlete performance, and provide a superior fan experience for the Wilkes-Barre community.
2. The Critical 2023 Turf Revolution
Perhaps the most visible and impactful recent upgrade to Schmidt Stadium was the complete replacement of the playing surface. The old field was retired and replaced with a brand-new, cutting-edge turf surface in the Spring of 2023.
This turf revolution was a necessary step to improve both player safety and the overall quality of play. Modern turf technology offers superior shock absorption and consistent footing, which is vital for high-impact sports like Colonels football and the fast-paced action of field hockey and lacrosse. The new surface is designed to withstand heavy use throughout the academic year and in all weather conditions, minimizing maintenance and maximizing playtime. This upgrade ensures that the stadium remains a fresh and reliable venue for all scheduled events, from regular-season games to major Homecoming celebrations.
3. A Multi-Sport Powerhouse: Football, Field Hockey, and Lacrosse
Schmidt Stadium is not solely dedicated to football; it serves as a true multi-sport hub for Wilkes University Athletics. This versatility is a key feature of its design and a testament to its importance within the university's sports ecosystem.
The stadium proudly hosts the men’s and women’s teams for three different NCAA Division III sports:
- Wilkes Colonels Football: The stadium’s primary tenant, providing a formidable home-field advantage. Recent seasons have seen the team achieve notable success, including a shutout win that secured a bowl game appearance.
- Field Hockey: The turf provides an ideal, fast surface for the strategic and demanding sport of field hockey.
- Men's and Women's Lacrosse: Both lacrosse programs utilize the field for practices and games, benefiting from the consistent, high-performance surface for their 2025 and 2026 schedules.
This shared-use model maximizes the value of the facility, allowing multiple programs to benefit from the modern amenities and the energy of the Ralston Athletic Complex environment.
4. Modern Amenities and Fan Experience Upgrades
While the stadium is rooted in history, its infrastructure has been meticulously updated over the last decade to enhance the fan and athlete experience. These key additions make Schmidt Stadium a modern and comfortable venue.
- Press Box (2011): A new, dedicated press box was added in 2011, providing modern facilities for media, coaches, and game operations staff.
- Spectator Stands (2011): New stands were also installed in 2011, improving seating comfort and capacity for the dedicated Colonels fan base. The stadium’s current capacity is listed at approximately 2,200 spectators, creating an intimate and loud atmosphere for key matchups like the rivalry game against King's College.
- Locker Rooms (2013): The renovation of the nearby Munson Field House in 2013 included the addition of modern locker rooms, providing essential, top-tier facilities for the home and visiting teams directly adjacent to the field.
These phased upgrades demonstrate a continuous commitment by Wilkes University to maintain a high-quality venue that supports competitive D3 athletics.
5. The Strategic Location in the Heart of Wilkes-Barre
The stadium’s location is a significant strategic asset. Situated within the Ralston Athletic Complex in Edwardsville, PA—just outside of Wilkes-Barre—it is easily accessible to students, alumni, and the local community.
Its proximity to the main Wilkes University campus facilitates student attendance and integration into campus life, making gamedays a central part of the student experience. The venue often hosts major university events, such as Alumni Weekend and Homecoming, leveraging the energy of the athletic environment for wider institutional engagement. The atmosphere created by the enthusiastic support of the Colonels faithful is a key factor in the team’s success, turning the stadium into a powerful symbol of school pride and community connection in Luzerne County.
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