New Judson Stadium illuminates RIT’s outdoor athletics complex

With the opening of Judson Stadium, RIT has completed the final and most visible phase of a sweeping, five‑year transformation of its outdoor athletics facilities—creating a modern, cohesive complex that enhances the student-athlete experience and strengthens campus life.

Judson Stadium, the new home for men’s and women’s lacrosse and soccer programs, anchors an upgraded athletics corridor that has taken shape in phases since 2021, when the university began reimagining how athletics facilities welcome students, alumni, and visitors arriving on campus.

While the stadium officially opened with lacrosse season in February, a dedication ceremony is being held Saturday prior to the men’s lacrosse game. The stadium’s new name honors a transformative gift from Thomas Fearey Judson Jr.; his wife, Ebets; their son, Rufus; and their company, Pike Construction Services.

The family’s connection to RIT spans generations. When Tom Judson joined the Board of Trustees in 1984, he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, John D. Pike, who joined in 1930, and his father, Thomas F. Judson Sr., who joined in 1961. Today, Rufus Judson continues the family legacy as CEO of Pike, marking the fourth generation of leadership, philanthropy, and impact on the RIT community and campus.

“Judson Stadium is more than a venue — it’s the culmination of a vision,” said RIT President Bill Sanders. “Over several years, RIT has invested with intention in facilities that support excellence, build community, and reflect who we are as a university. This stadium brings all of that together in one place—right at the front door of campus.”

The transformation of RIT’s athletics complex began in 2021 with the relocation and reconstruction of the outdoor track facility and upgrades to Tiger baseball and softball fields, including the installation of all‑weather artificial turf.

Momentum continued in April 2024, when RIT broke ground on what was then known as Tiger Stadium, a $30 million project designed to complete the multi‑phase athletics overhaul.

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The locker rooms in Judson Stadium provide space for the men’s and women’s lacrosse and soccer programs.

The 38,828‑square‑foot Judson Stadium features seating for 1,180 spectators, with additional hospitality and standing-room spaces. Amenities include dedicated locker rooms for lacrosse and soccer teams, a state‑of‑the‑art training room, media suite, concession areas, and a partially covered outdoor concourse that overlooks the field and connects seamlessly with surrounding facilities.

Designed by LaBella Associates with support from Populous, and constructed by Pike Construction Services, the stadium was deliberately positioned to serve as a prominent gateway feature near RIT’s main entrance off Jefferson Road.

RIT leaders say the benefits extend well beyond game days.

“This complex was built with students in mind—how they train, how they compete, and how they experience campus,” said Jacqueline Nicholson, executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Judson Stadium completes an environment that supports performance, pride, and connection for our student‑athletes and for the entire RIT community.”

Sanders added: “This stadium is a place where RIT Tigers will come together as a team, learn the lessons of perseverance and sportsmanship, and create lifelong memories. It is a place where athletes will strive for excellence, push the boundaries of what is possible, and discover their true potential.”

The new stadium has also caught the attention of the NCAA. Judson Stadium will be the site of the 2026 NCAA Division II and III women’s lacrosse semifinals and national championship games this coming Memorial Day Weekend.