People at the Salzman Stadium during half time at the “Under the Lights” football game on Sept 17. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Senior Frankie Hamilton smiling, surrounded by fellow BU students at the home football game against Adrian College. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Bluffton University football team following their introduction to the field at the start of the game against Adrian College. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Senior Searra Hough cheering on the sidelines during second quarter. Photo by Payton Stephens.
Bluffton University football team pre game rushing the field. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Salzman Stadium lights turning on during the ceremonial recognition of donors Randy and Debbie Gade. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Bluffton University football team filling the sidelines during the first quarter. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Bluffton University and Adrian College before the beginning of a first quarter play. Photo by Payton Stephens.
Bluffton University and Adrian College during a first quarter play. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Junior Markus Finley lifting up Senior Maalik Tucker in celebration during the second quarter. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Junior DeSean Bonte exiting the field at the start of half time. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Senior Jeremy Locklear exiting the field at the start of half time. Phot taken by Payton Stephens.
The half time ceremony recognizing donors Randy ’73 and Debbie Gade, thanking them for their donation of the stadium lights. (L to R) Bluffton University President Jane Wood, Alumnus Randy Gade ’73, Debbie Gade and Head Baseball Coach James Grandy. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Bluffton University Beaver flag lining the bleachers inside Salzman Stadium. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
Sophomore Andrew Collinsworth handing out stat books inside the gates of Salzman Stadium. Photo taken by Payton Stephens.
As the sun began to set on the second quarter of Bluffton University’s home football game against Adrian, the new stadium lights began to illuminate the Alumni Field turf in Salzman Stadium.
Bluffton University was recently given a donation of $300,000 to install stadium lights in Salzman Stadium. Donors were alumnus Randy Gade ‘73 and his wife, Debbie. Gade was a student-athlete during his years at Bluffton participating in the wrestling and football teams.
The stadium lights were installed this summer, and used for the first time in the home opener football game against Adrian College on Sept 17. The game was made into an event celebrating the new addition and thanking the donors for making it possible. The night was advertised all across campus with the headline “Under the Lights.” Tailgating took place outside the stadium starting at 3:30 p.m., the football game beginning at 6 p.m.
While the Beavers took a 58-23 loss against the Bulldogs, the crowd was still vibrant the entire night. Bleachers were lined with students, faculty, staff, families, alumni and community members whose faces were lit for the first time under the lights.
