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New! Donors, players and coaches sign final piece of steel for Don Drumm renovation

It shows us how much the school and the alumni care about football. I may only get to play there for one season, but one year is enough for me, and to be a part of the foundation of what Marietta College's football team can be in the future is what it's all about. I am very thankful to everyone involved in the project.

— Dan Starr ‘12
Pioneer Linebacker

Just what is it that has Dan Starr and his teammates, as well as the entire Marietta College community and its neighbors, filled with such anticipation?

The Don Drumm Project

It's when Starr and his teammates imagine themselves running onto the Field Turf of the all new Don Drumm Stadium that they become so excited.

An all new Don Drumm is no longer a dream, but a reality made possible through the generosity of the Chlapaty Family and Pioneer alumni and friends who believe as they do that the continued growth and development of the football program at Marietta depends upon a dramatic renovation of historic Don Drumm Stadium.

With the announcement of the Chlapaty Family gift (read story) the most significant renovation in the history of the stadium is poised to begin and it will be completed in time for Starr and his teammates to thrill to the results.

"It's tremendously more enjoyable to be philanthropic while you're alive and see what physical changes you've made in your lifetime," says Joe Chlapaty, father of former Pioneer football player Keith '97, and member of the College Board of Trustees.

Starr, his teammates and his athletic director couldn't agree more!

"I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the Chlapaty family. This gift will allow us to move forward with the improvement of our football program and Don Drumm Stadium," says Larry Hiser. "I am extremely grateful to Joe Chlapaty for taking the time to listen to our plan for the stadium and that he felt it was important enough and that he wanted to be a part of accomplishing this positive step for Marietta athletics."

Preservation and Renovation

One of the most significant elements of the project is the preservation of the stadium's rich history and heritage even as it receives its renewal and renovation.

Since groundbreaking originally took place during the 1930's, Municipal Stadium, later re-named in honor of the College's coaching legend, has provided the setting for the excitement and drama remembered by generations of Marietta College students and local sports fans alike.

History of football at Marietta College

From plans and renderings, it's easy to see that a respect for the stadium's original architecture is at the very heart of the project. And, yet, for all that, the preservation of its history can and will allow for a transformation of the facility into one of the premier Division III athletic venues in the country.

From the moment student-athletes and fans enter Don Drumm Stadium, their entire experience will be significantly enhanced and rendered more memorable. Plans call for:

• Expanded public concourses
• New concession stands
• Improved and expanded restroom facilities
• Updated media and press box areas
• Efficient taping and locker room spaces
• Spacious team meeting rooms
• New scoreboard featuring full-color message center
• Renovated stadium seating with special VIP section
• Attractive office and recruiting commons

For all that, realizing the dream of an all new Don Drumm Stadium is not without the need to gain some extra yardage and momentum.

The project's final price tag will approach $3.6 million and in order to create an attractive venue that also serves the College's needs to recruit talented student-athletes at the same time, there is more work to be completed.

A variety of special and unique naming opportunities exist for just the right friends of Marietta College and its proud football tradition. By choosing to participate in such a meaningful way, you can help ensure that the Don Drumm project moves forward to its full potential and promise.

Playing Our Best Against the Very Best

Less than a year ago, Marietta's Pioneers scored a stunning upset of then seventh-ranked Otterbein. This clear signal of the program's progress is timely when taken in combination with the announcement of the Chlapaty Family's generous gift.

It's exciting to anticipate just what sort of atmosphere will be generated by that level of play experienced within the future setting provided by the renovated Don Drumm Stadium!

How You Can Help Make The Difference

You can join with the Chlapaty Family to move this important project down the field!

Anyone who has ever known the butterflies that accompany taking the field or the adrenaline rush that goes with turning Don Drumm Stadium into a true home field advantage is encouraged to step forward and help author the next exciting chapter in the long history of the game at Marietta College.

To learn more about how you can help quarterback
The Don Drumm Stadium Project
Please Contact