RPI '86 Field Redesign
Introduction[edit]
The ‘86 field is located in the heart of RPI’s academic campus. It lies in the area between the Rickett’s Building and the Jonsson Engineering Center. On September 29, 1906, the '86 Field hosted its first football game against the Albany Business College in which RPI won with a score of 68-0. The game was described in the Polytechnic in which "two fifteen-minute halves were played, and the contest devolved into an exhibition in which the 'Tech team tried out numerous substitutes" [The Polytechnic, 18 October 1906][2]. The ‘86 Field’s intention of boosting team spirit was finally being realized. The '86 Field redesign came in 2008 when a new athletics field was planned to open the East Campus Athletic Village (ECAV). The goal of the '86 Field redesign was to create a quad-like recreational space for students. It was to include several paths, around and through the field, with trees and benches [1].
History[edit]
The field is named for the Class of 1886, whose members donated a $6,000 reunion gift in 1906 to build a sports field. The class of ‘86 also supported a new gymnasium, which was approved during their time at RPI and finished in 1887. Athletics at RPI was on the verge of extinction in the late 1880s, and students were constantly pleading with the administration to take action. Prior to the construction of the field, the majority of outdoor games were held on leased fields in West Troy, which was both expensive and inconvenient. The athletic fields were then moved towards the center of campus and given the name '86 field to make playing sports more accessible to RPI students [2].
Students playing football on the 86 field
Aerial View of 86 Field
Further Expansion[edit]
After hosting sports games for more than 100 years, the 2008 football team was the last team to play on '86 field. The final official game of the season was against rival Hobart [3]. The winning streak of the Engineers was hardly perfect, but the field "holds a magical feel, even for the current players who have played on it.” The last remnants of this spirit was in the bleachers which were removed and used as visitors sidelines in ECAV [4]. After NCAA sports gained popularity at RPI, the need for an athletic expansion became apparent once again. In addition, prior to the building of the ECAV, sports training was spread about campus from the Houston Field House, to the Armory and the ‘87 gym. Yet another way participation in sports was inconvenient for students [1]. The most extensive athletic construction project in Rensselaer history at ECAV, costing $114 million, was opened on October 3, 2009 [4]. ECAV is currently home to nearly all RPI NCAA and intramural sports, as well as several events including the institute's graduation ceremonies.
Architecture Competition[edit]
There was an architecture competition held amongst the School of Architecture to develop a final design for the fields redesign. The purpose of the '86 Field renovation was to create a quad-like recreational space for students. Some designs also delt with adding a student center to showcase student exhibitions, permanent installations, and a cafe. The goal of this design was to urge people to gravitate toward the focal point, the structure, and the exhibitions that were on display at the time. The site layout is based on the paths that visitors follow and the directions that their eyes travel. However, the redesign quickly became about paths rather than incorporating a new student center.
Competition Model Photograph
Competition Model Photograph
Aerial View of ECAV Concept
References[edit]
[1] “East Campus Athletic Village Planning Team Submits Project for Approval.” Polytechnic Online - News: Master plan undergoes public review, February 8, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20110716101228/http://www.poly.rpi.edu/old/article_view.php3?view=5262&part=1.
[2]“Home.” '86 Field, 1906 A.D. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://archives.rpi.edu/blog/2008/11/14/86-field-1906-ad/#:~:text=Most%20outdoor%20contests%20were%20played%20on%20leased%20fields,College.%20RPI%20won%20a%20very%20lopsided%20game%2C%2068-0.
[3] Santillo, Andrew. “RPI Readies Goodbye to Legendary '86 Field.” Saratogian. Saratogian, July 22, 2021. https://www.saratogian.com/2008/11/06/rpi-readies-goodbye-to-legendary-86-field/.
[4] Santillo, Andrew. “'86 Field, Thanks for the Memories.” troyrecord. troyrecord, July 22, 2021. https://www.troyrecord.com/2009/09/12/86-field-thanks-for-the-memories/.