How Pac-12 Football Stadiums Got Their Names

How did each Pac-12 football stadium get its name? What are the stories behind the names to college football’s shrines?

From benefactors to memorials, each Pac-12 football stadium has its own unique flavor and history.

So what’s in a name?

Their names are as much a part of the sport as the players that wear the school colors or the coaches that prowl the sidelines – with the exception of those places named after nicknames or schools. They’re integral fragments of your autumn vernacular, yet you often know not who they are. You’ve spent countless hours and memorable moments in their houses, but you’d struggle to identify them in a photo.

They are the names behind the football stadium names. The men, women and corporations, who’ve been honored for their unwavering service, dedication and generosity to institutions of higher learning.

Those surnames on the outside facing of your favorite Pac-12 football stadiums and the face of your Saturday afternoon ticket stubs are real people. Real special—and philanthropic—people in most instances. Their backgrounds and paths to immortality are as diverse as the architecture of the arenas themselves. Their drive for success and love for a school are the ties that bind this unique collection of individuals.

Arizona State – Frank Kush Field at Sun Devil Stadium

Named for … Frank Kush
Who is he? In 1996, ASU honored its winningest all-time head coach, Kush, by naming the field after him. From 1958-1979, he won 176 games and nine conference titles in Tempe, two in the Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association and seven as a member of the WAC.

Colorado – Folsom Field

Named for … Frederick Folsom
Who was he? On and off between 1895 and 1915, Folsom was the head coach of the Buffs for 15 seasons. To this day, his .765 winning percentage remains the highest in school history.

Oregon – Autzen Stadium

Named for … Tom Autzen
Who was he? Autzen was a wealthy Portland benefactor, who made his fortune in plywood. He provided $250,000 toward the original construction of the stadium in 1966.

Oregon State– Reser Stadium

Named for … Al and Pat Reser
Who were they? Formerly known as Parker Stadium, the building’s name was changed in 1999 in honor of the family that made a seven-figure donation to the Beaver athletic department. They accumulated their wealth from the family-owned Reser’s Fine Foods, which was founded in 1960.

Utah – Rice-Eccles Stadium

Named for … Robert L. Rice and George S. Eccles
Who were they? The stadium bears the name of its two primary benefactors. In 1972, Rice gave $1 million to the university for a stadium renovation project. The late Eccles, through his foundation, contributed $10 million in 1997 toward the stadium as it was receiving a facelift for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Washington State – Martin Stadium

Named for … Dan and Charlotte Martin
Who were they? The Martins were a wealthy and generous couple that funded many youth projects during their lives. They had a particular interest in athletics, and provided the capital needed to build the Cougars’ home stadium.