On a crisp fall evening in Muskegon, the lights come on long before kickoff. Fans filter through familiar gates, climbing concrete steps worn smooth by decades of footsteps. The smell of popcorn hangs in the air as the band warms up and the echoes of past cheers seem to linger in the stands. This is Hackley Stadium — a place where time slows, traditions endure, and generations of Muskegon Big Reds athletes have competed, celebrated championships, and created memories that stretch far beyond the football field.
Hackley Stadium: A Historic Muskegon Treasure
A Century of Big Red Tradition
The roots of Hackley Stadium stretch back to the earliest days of Muskegon high school football. While the stadium structure known today opened in the 1920s, Muskegon teams played on the site as early as 1907, helping lay the foundation for one of the most storied high school football venues in the state.
Designed and built by the same firm responsible for major collegiate stadiums — including Michigan Stadium and Notre Dame Stadium — Hackley was conceived as a cathedral of high school athletics from the beginning. Originally, attendance routinely exceeded capacity with temporary bleachers drawing fans in the thousands.
Today, the main grandstands seat roughly 5,500 spectators, with total capacity capped near 8,000 — a testament to the stadium’s enduring appeal.
Aging Infrastructure and Early Renovation Efforts
As the stadium approached its later decades, time began to take its toll. By the early 1990s, reports noted that while Hackley Stadium remained structurally sound, it required significant repairs and modernization. Estimates at the time suggested hundreds of thousands of dollars would be needed to address aging concrete, outdated facilities, and general wear from decades of heavy use.
Despite these challenges, school officials and community leaders remained committed to preserving the historic venue rather than replacing it. Hackley Stadium was viewed not simply as a sports facility, but as a landmark — one that carried deep emotional and historical significance for Muskegon residents.
Bids, Bonds, and Community Investment
In the mid-1990s, the district began incorporating Hackley into larger renovation plans, issuing formal bid requests for stadium additions and updates. Over time, projects addressed masonry work, concrete repair, fencing, roofing, and other infrastructure needs.
Through the 2000s, local contractors were deliberately prioritized in bid awards to keep renovation dollars within the Muskegon economy — reflecting the community-centered nature of the stadium’s preservation.
Supporting Local Contractors
A notable feature of Hackley Stadium’s renovation history has been the district’s emphasis on using local contractors whenever possible.
In 2009, Muskegon Public Schools intentionally structured bid packages to attract smaller, local, and minority-owned businesses. While some bids from local firms were higher than out-of-town competitors, the school board prioritized keeping project dollars within the Muskegon-area economy.
As a result, the majority of stadium renovation funds were awarded to local companies, reinforcing the idea that Hackley Stadium is not just a place for the community — but a project built and sustained by the community.
The Shift to Artificial Turf
One of the most transformative chapters in Hackley Stadium’s modernization came with the installation of artificial turf — part of a broader renovation project completed in 2020.
While earlier plans had considered turf, funding constraints initially delayed the project. Still, continued planning and community support eventually made it possible to replace the natural grass field with synthetic turf, dramatically improving playability and reducing ongoing maintenance needs.
The 2020 renovation, part of a comprehensive bond-supported plan, included:
- Synthetic turf installation
- A new brick perimeter wall around the field
- Improved spectator surfaces
- Enhanced stadium amenities that marry modern usability with historic character
Local contractors, once again, were central to implementation — including installation of the turf and other site upgrades — continuing the tradition of community participation in the stadium’s evolution.
Preserving the Past While Building the Future
Throughout its history, Hackley Stadium has walked a careful line between preservation and progress. From early concrete grandstands to modern lighting, scoreboards, and turf, each renovation has aimed to ensure the stadium remains safe, functional, and relevant — while honoring the generations who came before.
More than just a football field, Hackley Stadium represents Muskegon’s shared identity. It is a place where Friday nights bring the community together, where history is remembered, and where future Big Reds continue to leave their mark.
As Hackley approaches its 100th anniversary, its story remains unfinished — still evolving, still adapting, and still standing proudly as one of Muskegon’s most treasured landmarks.
If you are interested in more of our content, head to our website at catchmarksports.com, our YouTube, or our Facebook page!
