Augustana’s football team played its 2013 season-opening game at a brand new facility.
On Saturday, September 7 the Vikings began a new tradition called the Knowlton Kickoff Classic, which is what the team will call its opening home game of each season moving forward. The designation is named after the Austin E. Knowlton Outdoor Athletic Complex, the college’s new facility.
Fans gathered in the Charles D. Linberg Stadium to watch the Vikings play against the College of Mount Saint Joseph of Cincinnati.
The $10 million athletic complex is named after an Ohio businessman and philanthropist who founded the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation based in Cincinnati. Augie and two other colleges received funding from the foundation.
“The Knowlton Kickoff Classic is a tremendous opportunity to honor the legacy and generosity of Austin E. Knowlton,” said Augustana President, Steven Bahls. “He believed in the future of young people and showed that throughout his life.”
The complex not only includes the Charles D. Lindberg Stadium, but also the Ken Anderson Academic All-America Club and a patio.
Ken Anderson Academic All-America Club will serve as an indoor gathering place which will be filled with Viking football memorabilia and a display of Academic All-Americans.
Before the game on Saturday, the Sin City Orchestra provided music and a dedication ceremony was held in honor of the donors. All guests at the game received commemorative programs and the first 500 got a free T-shirt.