Fairfield Alumni Stadium: A Legacy of Athletics and Transformation

Fairfield University has a rich history of athletic facilities that have evolved alongside the institution itself. From the early days of Alumni Hall to the present-day Cook Field and Rafferty Stadium, these venues have served as vital spaces for competition, community, and celebration. This article explores the history and features of Fairfield's athletic facilities, with a focus on the Alumni Baseball Diamond, now known as Don ’63 and Chris ’88 Cook Field.

Alumni Hall: A Multi-Purpose Hub (1959-2021)

Before delving into the details of the baseball stadium, it's important to remember Alumni Hall, a 2,479-seat multi-purpose arena that stood as a centerpiece of Fairfield University's athletic scene for many years. Constructed in 1959, it served as the home of the Fairfield Stags men's and women's basketball teams until 2002 when they moved to the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Alumni Hall was more than just an athletic venue. It hosted numerous political and musical events, showcasing its versatility. Notably, it annually hosted the Fairfield University Baccalaureate Mass and the Fairfield Prep Commencement Ceremony, marking significant milestones in the lives of students. During the 1988 United States presidential election, Vice President George H. W. Bush even visited Fairfield University within days of being elected president, further highlighting the hall's importance to the university.

Despite its rich history, Alumni Hall was demolished in the spring of 2021 and replaced by Leo D. Mahoney Arena, ushering in a new era for Fairfield basketball.

Don ’63 and Chris ’88 Cook Field: A Diamond's Legacy

The Alumni Baseball Diamond, now named Don ’63 and Chris ’88 Cook Field, has been the home of Fairfield University's baseball program since its inception in 1951. The field has witnessed countless games, player development, and the evolution of the Stags baseball team.

Renaming and Recognition

In January 2024, Fairfield University President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, announced that the Alumni Baseball Diamond would be renamed Don ’63 and Chris ’88 Cook Field. This renaming honors C. Donald Cook '63, an alumnus, former Fairfield University athletics director, and head baseball coach, as well as his son, Christopher Lance Cook ’88, who passed away in 2014 after a long illness.

Don Cook's contributions to Fairfield Athletics are immense. He was a standout baseball player, serving as co-captain in 1963. From 1966 to 1984, he served as head coach, transforming the program into a respected Division I entity. Under his leadership, eleven Stags players went on to play professionally in the minor leagues, including Keefe Cato ’82, the only Fairfield alum to appear in a Major League game.

In 1971, Cook was appointed director of athletics, a position he held until 1986. During his tenure, he oversaw the building of the Recreation Complex, the expansion of Alumni Hall, and a renovation of Alumni Field.

The field's new name also honors the memory of Cook's son, Christopher Lance Cook ’88, who died in 2014 after a long illness. Christopher earned a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1988 from Fairfield’s Charles F. Dolan School of Business and rose to the position of vice president and general manager of indirect equipment finance at Hitachi Capital America Corp.

The Cook Legacy

For nearly 50 years, Cook’s tenure in college athletics has included serving as athletics director at three Connecticut institutions: Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, and the University of Hartford. Cook is currently executive director of athletics, emeritus, at Sacred Heart University, serving as a consultant to the university’s Advancement and Athletics departments.

Read also: Fairfield Career Guide

Cook retired from Sacred Heart after 21 years as director of athletics and executive director of athletics. Under his leadership, the university saw expansion in varsity sports and facilities, including the construction of the William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center. He served as athletics director at Hartford from 1986-92, where he oversaw the building of an athletics complex and the program’s emergence as a Division I institution.

"As a student-athlete, as a coach, as director of athletics, and as an alumnus, Don Cook has been a loyal, proud, and exemplary steward of Fairfield University and Fairfield Athletics for more than 60 years," said the University’s Vice President for Athletics Paul Schlickmann. Cook served as board president of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) in 1990 and was honored with the 1998 ECAC Athletics Administrator of the Year Award, and received the 2013 Commissioner’s Award.

Recent Renovations and Enhancements

In the Fall of 2016, the Friends of Fairfield Baseball dedicated a new baseball stadium featuring bleachers with red chair back seats, expanded dugouts, a press box, new fencing, and a new varsity locker room complete with wooden lockers, showers, a bathroom area, built-in speakers, and updated technology. These improvements have significantly enhanced the player and fan experience at Cook Field.

Head Coach Bill Currier, the 2016 MAAC Coach of the Year, expressed his excitement about the stadium project. "I think the stadium project is great for our current players to compete in a place that we are very proud to call our home," said Currier. "I think it’s going to be awesome for our alumni to have a facility they can come back to and be proud to see our team play in."

The dugouts were renovated and expanded to include a modern field level look as well as a tiered seating system for players and coaches. A press box and sound system overlook the field from behind home plate, allowing game day staff to create an exciting and fan-friendly atmosphere for Stags’ fans. New fencing and enhancements to the scoreboard have also been added and include new branding elements for Fairfield Baseball.

The Stags also introduced a renovated state-of-the-art locker room. “Every student-athlete is aware of the impact of facilities, and I think this shows the support behind our program,” Coach Currier said.

The Cook Field Experience

Attending a baseball game at Cook Field offers a unique and enjoyable experience for fans. The grandstand seats 350 fans with a combination of chairback and bleacher seating. Additional vantage points are located along various points of the outfield, where students often gather to watch the game.

Atmosphere

Cook Field provides a purist's baseball experience. The focus is on the game itself, with minimal distractions. The PA system is used effectively for music and announcements, and a basic scoreboard displays game information.

The atmosphere at Cook Field is relaxed and welcoming. Many fans have a personal connection to the players, creating a supportive and enthusiastic environment.

Location and Access

Fairfield University is located in the affluent town of Fairfield, Connecticut. The campus is easily accessible from Interstate 95. Visitors can take exit 22 (North Benson Road-Route 135) and head north for about a mile on North Benson Road.

Amenities

While there are no concessions available at Cook Field, fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments. Restroom facilities are located at the neighboring Walsh Athletic Center.

Value

Attending baseball games at Fairfield University is free of charge, as is parking in the lots near Cook Field. This makes it an affordable and enjoyable outing for fans of all ages.

Rafferty Stadium: A Modern Lacrosse Venue

In addition to Cook Field, Fairfield University boasts another impressive athletic facility: Rafferty Stadium. Opened in February 2015 and dedicated on March 21, 2015, Rafferty Stadium is located on campus at the same site as its predecessor, Alumni Field.

The facility features a Daktronics HD video board, state-of-the-art sound and lights and a FieldTurf playing surface, all made possible through the generosity of Fairfield alumni, parents and friends. Rafferty Stadium also includes a terrace level with a fully-enclosed press box that features a large media suite, two VIP suites and a production suite to support the video capabilities of the scoreboard, television broadcasts and web streaming.

Conway Field at Rafferty Stadium hosted a Major League Lacrosse Semi-Final on August 13, 2016, marking the first professional sporting event held at the venue. The game saw the Denver Outlaws knock off the New York Lizards, 20-17. In addition to Fairfield men's and women's lacrosse, Rafferty Stadium is home to Fairfield Prep football, soccer and lacrosse and several of the University's intramural and club sports programs. It has also hosted Fairfield men's and women's soccer matches and housed the Alumni and Family Weekend concert on Oct.

The Future of Fairfield Athletics

Fairfield University's commitment to athletics is evident in its continuous investment in facilities and programs. The renaming and renovation of Cook Field, along with the construction of Rafferty Stadium and Leo D. Mahoney Arena, demonstrate the university's dedication to providing its student-athletes and fans with top-notch venues.

The Fairfield University Baseball team’s 2024 schedule features 24 home games in their 52-game slate, beginning with a weekend series against UNC Greensboro on Feb. 16. The Stags' first contest at Cook Field is set for March 16 with a split doubleheader featuring Fordham and Army West Point. The Stags return 26 letterwinners to a team that went 37-18 last season including a 16-5 mark in the MAAC to claim their third straight regular season crown.

These facilities not only enhance the athletic experience but also contribute to the overall sense of community and pride at Fairfield University. As the university continues to grow and evolve, its athletic facilities will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in shaping the student experience.

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