Photos by Eli DiRuzza
After a two-year hiatus, the renovated Macholtz Stadium returned for the football season this year. AU football spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons off campus for their home games, playing at Highland Middle School and Lapel High School in those seasons, respectively.
Macholtz Stadium, built in 1977, has been the home for AU football for nearly 50 years. It is also home to the AU Track & Field team as well. In the stadium’s history, it hosted 22 Indianapolis Colts training camps, packing the stands to full capacity each time.
“For AU, having an upgraded Macholtz Stadium means bringing the Raven community and fans home, while also enhancing school spirit, pride, and the student experience,” said Marcie Taylor, athletic director at AU.
In the process of renovation, workers replaced the old bleachers with new modern stands that are wheelchair accessible. They renovated the restrooms within the stadium, along with adding paint around the stands and goalposts as well. “It all leads to an enhanced gameday experience for fans,” said Taylor.
This move benefits the football team as well. Jonathan Coddington, head coach for AU football said, “Our older players finally get to play a home game at AU”. Only a select few seniors have played a home game at Macholtz Stadium, so for the juniors and younger classes, it is their first games at the historic home for the Ravens.
Having home games also benefits the football team with recruitment. Recruits now can experience a full gameday at AU, instead of traveling to other places for home games. Players can explore campus, meet players, and do plenty more on gameday.
“I think more students in the community are coming to the games as well,” said Coddington. With the games being across the parking lot, students can just walk over to the games, instead of taking a bus or driving over, like they did in past games. The home football games also brought the return of the Dunn Hall drum corps, which coach Coddington praised.
Tailgating is also back for AU home games. Parents and staff can buy parking spots and hang out before the game starts. There is also post-game food offered after games for players and students, served by the parents.
The Ravens first two home games have resulted in a loss and a win. Losing their first game to Allegheny College 28-12, and scoring a victory over Gallaudet University 49-28. The Ravens look to end a three-game home stretch with a victory over Kalamazoo College on Saturday at 6 p.m.
The new look of Macholtz Stadium