FOOTBALL
Dating back to 1908, when drainage of a cranberry marsh was completed in preparation for the new football field, Clemens Stadium has been home to many memorable events. Saint John’s was listed by Sports Illustrated as one of the top 10 “Dream Destinations” in all of college football. What makes that fact even more impressive is that the other nine schools are Division I institutions.
Here are some of the highlights of the changes that have occurred in the last 100 years at Clemens Stadium:
1908 – Drainage of the cranberry marsh was completed in preparation for the new football field.
1922 – Enlargement of the field was completed, which doubled its size.
1933 – Stadium was renovated and concrete seats were added.
1939 – Stone entrance below the present scoreboard was built.
1943 – Press box and concession stand were constructed.
1957 – Stadium enlarged to seat 3,000.
1985-86 – The field is resodded, providing better drainage capabilities for the field. Outdoor track is made of cinder.
1997 – Stadium renamed Clemens Stadium. Seating expanded with a new grandstand, improved press box, concession stand and restrooms, and a new entry to the stadium. The outdoor track was resurfaced with all weather rubber surface.
2002 – Installation of SprinTurf field to continue Clemens Stadium tradition of being one of the finest places in the country to watch a college football game.
2004 – Additional seating added behind the north end zone, raising the capacity to 7,000.
2007 – Seating behind the north end zone is expanded, raising the total capacity to 7,482.
2012 – SprintTurf replaced.
TRACK AND FIELD
Clemens Stadium is also home to the SJU track and field team and hosts a regulation sized, eight-lane, 400-meter track. The Johnnies have been a formidable opponent on the track as well as the field over the years with an average NCAA Division III Coaches’ Power Ranking within the top 10. The stadium has seen the Johnnies claim two Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Outdoor Track and Field Championships (1999 and 2007). Since 1979, SJU has produced 56 All-Americans including four individual event national champions.
Along with the track, Clemens Stadium also includes a steeplechase water barrier, shot put, long jump, triple jump, high Jump, and pole vault pits.
Clemens Stadium is also available to club sports, intramural sports, and the general student body during the academic year.
