The stadium was named for the late Elton J. Rynearson Sr., who coached football at Eastern Michigan for 26 seasons.

The largest attendance for an EMU game at Rynearson Stadium was 26,188 (87% of capacity), on November 28, 2008, for a 56–52 win over Central Michigan.

In 1992, the seats were expanded south from each grandstand but not connected, giving the stadium the look of an unfinished horseshoe.

[4] Lighting was added in 1974, partially due to the Detroit Wheels of the World Football League using the stadium as their home field.

[5][6] Renovations included the installation of new playing surface, as well as the removal of the track surrounding the field and the construction of a new track-only facility to replace it.