The groundbreaking for USC’s new Rawlinson Stadium is scheduled to take place later this year, thanks to a generous $10 million donation from The Fritz B. Burns Foundation, as announced by university officials on Monday.
With a total cost of $38 million, this development is focused on enhancing USC’s women’s soccer and lacrosse programs. The stadium will not only double the seating capacity for fans but also offer state-of-the-art facilities for the teams. USC President Carol L. Folt expressed her excitement about the project, stating that Rawlinson Stadium is expected to be completed by 2025.
Folt added, “Rawlinson Stadium will serve as a venue for the Women of Troy to showcase their athletic prowess even more. It’s especially gratifying to make this announcement during the 50th anniversary of Title IX. USC’s dedication to women in sports is stronger than ever before.”
Rawlinson Stadium will replace and expand upon Soni McAlister Field, the current playing field for the women’s teams located at 30th and Hoover streets, just north of the University Park Campus. Since 1998, the field has accommodated approximately 1,000 spectators due to limited seating.
The remarkable features of Rawlinson Stadium will include 2,200 fixed seats, providing a total capacity of 2,500 on game days. Additionally, there will be spectator viewing decks, social spaces, a press box, locker rooms, restrooms, a box office, concession stands, a formal entry plaza, meeting rooms, sports medicine rooms, an LED video board and audio system, field lights, and a natural grass playing surface.
The stadium will be named after the late philanthropist Joseph Rawlinson and the Rawlinson family, who were close friends with Fritz B. Burns, the philanthropist and homebuilder. The Burns Foundation, now overseen by Rawlinson family members (many of whom are USC alumni), continues to support USC.
Regarding the importance of sports at USC, Rex Rawlinson, President of the Burns Foundation, mentioned, “Its athletic endeavors inspire those who strive for excellence in academics as well.”
Lindsey Munday, the head coach of USC women’s lacrosse, expressed immense gratitude for the support of the athletics department in ensuring that the players have a cutting-edge facility to train and compete in, especially as USC joins the Big Ten next year. Jane Alukonis, head coach of USC women’s soccer, echoed these sentiments and emphasized that the team will soon compete in one of the most exceptional and modern stadiums in the country.
Alukonis said, “It will be an incredible place for our student-athletes to showcase their talents and demonstrate their unwavering determination.”
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