Ripon College Announces New On-Campus Stadium and Farr Hall of Science Renovation

New On-Campus Stadium and Farr Hall of Science Expected to Break Ground in Spring 2023

Ripon, Wisconsin (Thursday, December 1, 2022) – Ripon College has announced plans to move forward with a $35 million strategic infrastructure plan which will include the renovation and expansion of Farr Hall of Science, a new on-campus stadium and upgrades to the undergraduate residence halls. The first phase will prioritize a $24.5 million investment in the science center and an $8.5 million investment in the campus stadium, both of which are projected to break ground in spring 2023. Planning for upgrades to the residence halls has commenced and the college hopes to finalize plans within the next year.

Ripon College Science Center

The 68,500-square-foot renovation and expansion of the science center, scheduled for a fall 2024 opening, will showcase more than 19,000 square feet of new construction and new laboratory, classroom, collaboration and gathering spaces throughout. A range of aesthetic and functional improvements to the existing building will include instrumentation upgrades, lab flooring, benches and mechanical improvements, LED lighting and the enhancement of active learning/technology classrooms.

“Farr Hall was built in 1961 with a partial renovation in 1997, so a renovation and expansion is long overdue—especially when you are aware of the advances our competitors have made in STEM infrastructure,” says John Sisko, Ripon College vice president and dean of faculty. “However, regardless of the state of the building, Ripon has sustained the sciences as a center for academic excellence on campus. This upgrade will confirm our commitment to Ripon’s reputation in the sciences while better meeting the STEM learning needs of current and prospective students.”

Red Hawks Stadium

In addition to the science center, Ripon also has announced the construction of a new 157,000-square-foot on-campus stadium. The stadium will be located on the underutilized lower Sadoff Field between the state-of-the-art Willmore Center for athletics and the student residence halls. Previously, Ripon College shared Ingalls Field Stadium, located a half-mile from campus, with the local high school for outdoor athletic events.

The new mixed-use space will house the Ripon College football and men’s and women’s soccer teams, as well as serve the entirety of the student body and Ripon community through potential intramural offerings, concerts and other student life programming.

The new construction will feature a 2,000-seat grandstand and press box, a formal entrance on the corner of Thorne and Union streets, viewing opportunities on Sadoff Hill, lighting for evening programming and a branded game-day experience. The new stadium is projected to open in fall 2023.

“Ripon College is the only school in the Midwest Conference without its own campus stadium,” says Ryan Kane, athletic director and head men’s basketball coach. “There is no doubt in my mind that this project will be a gathering space not only for our student-athletes but also for our students, faculty, staff and community members at large.”

Ripon College faculty, administrators and staff worked through the multi-faceted design and build process with The Boldt Company and Kahler Slater architectural firm. Boldt was selected following a competitive RFP process, and Kahler Slater continues their collaboration with Ripon College following the successful openings of Willmore Center in 2017 and the Franzen Center for Academic Success in 2019.

“The primary reason we have been able to move so efficiently on both of these projects is in large part to the profound generosity of Ripon College alumni and friends,” says Victoria N. Folse, Ripon College’s 14^th president. “We know how critical and tangible investments in infrastructure are to continue to drive admissions, enrollment and retention. We are dedicated to continuing to enhance both the academic offerings and the unique student experience at Ripon College.”

For more information about Ripon College’s strategic infrastructure plan and to see renderings of the new buildings please visit ripon.edu/infrastructure/.