Norton Field and Stadium

Originally an athletic the field was located on the south side of campus (where Manor and Sorin are). In 1905, Matthew G. Norton, the second chairman of the board of trustees, gave $1,500 to construct a new athletic field. It was opened autumn of 1905 and was located between Pascal and Holton Avenues, east of campus, south of Hewitt Avenue. In 1922, it was finally moved to its present location, north of Hewitt Ave. on Taylor Avenue and Norton Field and Stadium were finally dedicated.

"Doubtless you have noticed that the name "Norton" is written deep into the structure of Hamline University in connection with "Old Norton," "New Norton," and "Norton Fieldhouse." But the name ‘Norton’ is well-known and cherished not only in relation to physical education and athletics. It is respected and honored for other forms of giving as in the manner of endowment, in the founding of professorships, and in the current up-keep of the college. Indeed, a glance at the catalogue reveals my own professorial title officially published as the "James L. Norton Professor of German," while the head of the Department of English bears the name, ‘Herbert H. Norton Professor of English Literature.’ Significant, too, is the Norton pipe organ in the Hamline Methodist Church, which now serves as the college chapel. This great organ is the gift of Mrs. Matthew Norton of Pasadena, whose two sons were once students in Hamline. So it is the generosity and foresight of this family, expressed in living monuments, contribute now to the physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being of hundreds of young men and women and will continue to do so as long as the ideals of higher education are cherished."

(p. 42 Hamline History, "The Middle Years and Now" by Dr. James S. King)

The field was renovated and rededicated on October 18, 1986 at the cost of 1.4 million dollars. A new all weather outdoor track and field complex was named after Mike Gruenberg '80 and the renovated football/soccer field was named after Avold Kaplan '23. Together they donated 1 million dollars for the renovation.