On October 6, 2025, DePauw University announced an $80 million gift from an anonymous alumnus to build a new Blackstock Stadium and Sports Performance Center—one of the largest donations in the university’s nearly 200-year history. The contribution reflects a growing wave of major philanthropic investments transforming athletic and academic facilities across U.S. campuses.
The philanthropic gift will fund the construction of a new 70,000-square-foot Blackstock Stadium and Sports Performance Center as an industry-leading facility that redefines the standard for the student-athlete experience and enhances community engagement.
The project, the university stated, is a visionary effort in its DePauw Bold and Gold 2027 strategic plan, which will advance campus life with innovation, sustainability, and student-driven design.
DePauw President Dr. Lori S. White stated that the gift embodies the university’s long-standing tradition of generosity and its ability to change lives.
“Each act of giving at DePauw represents faith in our students and in the future we’re shaping together,” said White. “This remarkable contribution allows us to imagine what’s possible — to create a space that transforms the Division III athletic and fan experience while strengthening our community bonds.”
A Modern Home for DePauw Athletics
The new Blackstock Stadium and Performance Center will be DePauw athletics’ next anchor, providing top-of-the-line locker rooms, cutting-edge training and recovery areas, and flexible collaboration areas for coaches and teams.
The facility’s design prioritizes the health and well-being of athletes through cutting-edge sports medicine equipment, high-performance weight room, and bespoke recovery spaces — all designed to support physical well-being, leadership, and personal development. Student-athlete lounges and meeting rooms will offer spaces for mentorship, development, and community formation beyond competition.
Enhanced Fan and Community Experience
To the broader DePauw and Greencastle communities, the stadium will provide a more comprehensive fan experience, with improved seating, expanded concessions, and inclusive facilities. The redesigned Blackstock Stadium will be an energetic hub of school traditions, activities, and community events.
Associate Vice President for Student Wellness and Theodore Katula Director of Athletics, Stevie Baker-Watson, described the project as a testament to DePauw’s storied athletic heritage.
“Blackstock Stadium has been the site of legendary Tiger memories for a very long time,” Baker-Watson said. “This new facility will honor that legacy by offering a bright, state-of-the-art facility that respects our athletes’ passion and the pride of all members of the DePauw community.”
Sustainability and Design
In keeping with DePauw’s commitment to sustainability, the new facility will include a 250-ton geothermal system that produces clean, efficient heat and cooling, reducing emissions and fossil fuel reliance.
Populous — a global leader in sports and entertainment design — has been selected to design the new stadium and performance center. Known for creating projects that integrate innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design, Populous will partner with the university to develop a facility that elevates the quality of both athlete and fan experience.
Campaign Momentum and Timeline
The gift is a first for Bold, Gold & You!, DePauw’s ongoing $575 million campaign, launched on October 3, 2025. With the gift, the campaign totals $365 million, making important progress toward the mark.
Demolition of the existing Blackstock Stadium will begin in August 2026, with opening of the new complex in Fall 2028. The university will provide details and ways to get involved as the project takes shape.
Such major philanthropic commitments play a vital role in helping universities advance their academic and athletic ambitions. On October 17, 2025, Vanderbilt University began construction on a major Hawkins Field expansion, backed by a $10 million gift supporting the project and the continued growth of its nationally recognized baseball program. Just last month, Colby College announced a record $150 million donation to drive a $500 million expansion in science and technology, including a $300 million science complex that will redefine its research and curriculum. Together, these landmark pledges underscore a powerful trend of transformative private investments reshaping the landscape of higher education in the United States.
This trend is also evident in Wayne State University’s $200 million Health Sciences Research Facility, which aims to boost medical innovation and strengthen Detroit’s position as a hub for health and life sciences research.
DePauw University Blackstock Stadium & Sports Performance Center: Project Factsheet
Funding
Total Gift: $80 million from an anonymous alumnus
Significance: One of the largest single donations in DePauw’s nearly 200-year history
Campaign: Part of Bold, Gold & You!, DePauw’s $575 million fundraising initiative
Campaign Progress: $365 million raised to date (launched October 3, 2025)
Facility Highlights
Athletic Performance & Wellness:
Modern locker rooms and team facilities
High-performance weight room
Advanced sports medicine and recovery zones
Dedicated athlete lounges and meeting spaces
Fan & Community Experience:
Enhanced stadium seating with improved accessibility
Expanded concessions and amenities
Flexible event spaces for campus and community gatherings
Sustainability Features:
250-ton geothermal heating and cooling system
Reduced carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependency
Aligned with DePauw’s environmental commitments
Design
Lead Designer: Populous
Design Philosophy: Innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design that honors DePauw’s athletic legacy
Project Timeline
Demolition Begins: August 2026
Facility Opening: Fall 2028
