Hughes Stadium at Morgan State University
Project Context
W.A.C. Hughes Stadium, officially known as Earl C. Banks Field at W.A.C. Hughes Stadium, is the home of the Morgan State University Bears football and track & field teams in Baltimore, Maryland. Named for William A.C. Hughes Sr., an 1897 Morgan alumnus who introduced football to the university, the stadium opened on October 16, 1937, at a cost of $360,000 and was considered one of the preeminent facilities in all of black college football at the time.
The 2001 renovation was a $14 million project that delivered a comprehensive modernization of the historic facility. The scope included a state-of-the-art scoreboard with video display, stadium lighting, a modern sound system, a three-level press box with coaching stations and radio and TV broadcasting areas, and a new drainage system. These upgrades collectively transformed the game-day experience and addressed critical infrastructure needs that had accumulated over more than six decades of use.
Hughes Stadium holds a storied place in American football history. Four NFL Hall of Famers — Len Ford, Roosevelt Brown, Leroy Kelly, and Willie Lanier — honed their skills on this field under legendary coaches Eddie Hurt and Earl Banks, who together led the Bears to 21 conference championships. The 2001 renovation ensured that this historic venue could continue to serve the Morgan State community and uphold the university's proud HBCU athletics tradition for generations to come.
Project Details
- Location
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Client
- Morgan State University
- Architect
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- Construction Manager
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- Duration
- —
- Project Value
- —
- Project Type
- Renovation
- Sector
- Sports & Athletics
- Categories
- Education & Research, Sports & Athletics, Stadium Renovation
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Delivery Challenge
The renovation of Hughes Stadium required the comprehensive modernization of a facility originally built in 1937, addressing decades of deferred infrastructure needs while maintaining the stadium's role as the active home venue for Morgan State Bears football.
- Modernizing a 64-year-old stadium while preserving its historic character and significance to the Morgan State campus and HBCU athletics tradition
- Replacing outdated electrical and audio-visual infrastructure with a modern scoreboard, video display, lighting, and sound systems
- Constructing a new three-level press box with coaching stations and radio and TV broadcasting areas
- Installing a new drainage system to resolve long-standing field condition issues
- Coordinating construction around the university's athletics schedule and campus operations
- Delivering a transformative upgrade within the $14 million project budget
Owner-Side Advisory Role
Landmark Logix provided owner representation and project coordination services supporting the delivery of the Hughes Stadium renovation, helping ensure alignment between university leadership, athletics stakeholders, and project teams throughout the construction process.
Project Highlights
Project Gallery
Project Progression
Assessment & Planning
Facility condition assessment, infrastructure needs analysis, and renovation programming for the 1937 stadium
Design & Engineering
Design development for scoreboard, video display, lighting, sound system, three-level press box, and drainage improvements across electrical, civil, and structural disciplines
Construction & Installation
Phased construction including drainage system installation, press box construction, electrical infrastructure upgrades, and scoreboard and sound system integration
Completion & Activation
Systems commissioning, final testing of audio-visual and lighting systems, and transition back to full athletics operations
Key Achievements
Stadium Modernization
Delivered a comprehensive renovation that transformed a 64-year-old facility into a modern game-day venue for Morgan State athletics
Press Box & Broadcasting
Constructed a new three-level press box with coaching stations and dedicated radio and TV broadcasting areas
Field Improvement
Installed a new drainage system that resolved long-standing field condition challenges, improving playability and maintenance
Game-Day Experience
Elevated the fan experience with a state-of-the-art scoreboard with video display, stadium lighting, and a modern sound system meeting contemporary collegiate athletics standards
Budget Discipline
Delivered the full scope of renovations within the $14 million project budget
HBCU Legacy Preserved
Ensured the continued viability of a historic venue where four NFL Hall of Famers played and 21 conference championships were won
Scope of Services
Landmark Logix provided owner-side project leadership and coordination services supporting the renovation of Hughes Stadium at Morgan State University:
Planning & Coordination
- Facility assessment and renovation programming support
- Design team coordination across engineering and AV consultants
- Stakeholder alignment with university and athletics leadership
- Schedule development and milestone tracking
Construction & Delivery
- Construction oversight and quality assurance
- Budget management and cost control
- Press box construction and broadcasting infrastructure coordination
- Systems integration for scoreboard, video display, lighting, and sound
- Commissioning, testing, and project closeout
Considering owner-side advisory for a stadium or athletics facility project?
Landmark Logix provides independent advisory and owner-side oversight to help institutions navigate complex renovation and capital programs with confidence.