Originally built by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression of the mid-1930s, it had a construction cost of $150,000, only seated 5,000 and was hailed as one of the most attractive stadiums in the Midwest.

Two weeks later, Southern Illinois University defeated Arkansas State, 6–0, for its first home win in its new stadium.

The most comprehensive renovation to the stadium took place after the 1973 season, when additional seating was erected on both sides.

In 2003, the university's board of trustees approved a land use plan that will create a new "gateway" to SIU that includes a new football stadium.

The stadium closed at the end of the 2009 football season, and on December 15, 2010, McAndrew began demolition and was completed in February 2011.