Peyton Field at Baker Stadium

In 1964, prominent Tacoma businessman John S. Baker supplied the university with a grant to construct a new stadium to be used for athletics. The facility was a major upgrade from the area between Todd Field and Union Avenue where the Loggers used to suit up for home games, granting fans a first-rate experience at Puget Sound home games.

Baker Stadium has a covered seating capacity of 3000 and uncovered seating for 500. In addition to being the site of the University’s Commencement Ceremony, Logger football, soccer, track and field, cross country and women’s lacrosse call Baker Stadium home.

Peyton Field is named in honor of Joe Peyton, a Puget Sound alumnus, star athlete, and long-time coach and faculty member of the university. The field was dedicated to Peyton on April 29, 2003.

In early June of that year, Peyton was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away on July 2. This beautiful facility, built in his honor, is a lasting legacy to his accomplishments as a teacher, coach, citizen and friend.

Surrounding Peyton field is Don Shotwell Track, aptly named after the former Puget Sound football player and Tacoma contractor who made numerous contributions to Logger Athletics and many other programs on campus.

During the 2002-2003 school year, several upgrades were made to the field and stadium to enhance the experience of Logger student-athletes and fans.

The track was widened from 6-8 lanes and covered in a 400-meter polyurethane surface, allowing the university to host championship track meets. The all-weather surface was given a complete trench-drainage system, allowing it to be available for use year round. All other track and field events, high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, steeple chase, shot put, discus, hammer and javelin throw, were relocated to the east and west ends of the field and renovated to NCAA standards.

Formerly just home to football, Peyton Field was widened by 10 yards to accommodate standards for soccer and women’s lacrosse. A sand-based, vertical draining system was added to the natural turf to provide marquee field conditions for the athletic teams playing on the surface. To ensure optimal use and maintenance, underground drainage and fully automated irrigation systems were also installed.

Baker Stadium was given all the amenities of a first-class facility to ensure timely and accurate reporting of event results. The press box is wired for internet and webcasting for media and sports information.

At the southwest end of the stadium is the entrance, ticket gate, concession stand, and restroom.