For over six decades, Pioneer Memorial Stadium has stood as the storied home of the Tarleton Texans football team. This revered gridiron has witnessed the creation of a legacy of excellence under the guidance of esteemed coaches like W. J. Wisdom, Earl Rudder, Buddy Fornes, and current head coach Todd Whitten. Within the stadium’s iconic walls, the Texans have faced rivals from various conferences, including the Pioneer Conference, Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Lone Star Conference, Western Athletic Conference, and the United Athletic Conference. This venerable facility has been the backdrop for championship seasons, thrilling postseason bowl game invitations, and the rise of players who have achieved success in the professional ranks. In a historic milestone, 2018 marked the stadium’s inaugural hosting of NCAA playoff games, further solidifying its significance in collegiate sports.
Pioneer Memorial Stadium’s very existence, along with its numerous enhancements and expansions throughout its 70-plus years, is a testament to the generous spirit of Tarleton’s dedicated supporters and the local community. In the late 1940s, during President E.J. Howell’s tenure, influential alumni and local leaders united to form a committee tasked with raising the $100,000 needed to construct the stadium. While initial fundraising efforts showed promise, reaching $55,000 in the first year, the campaign eventually stalled. It was Mary Hope Westbrook, the Head of the English Department, who revitalized the initiative. Assuming leadership of the committee, Westbrook successfully steered the fundraising drive to its goal. Architectural blueprints for Memorial Stadium, thoughtfully named to honor the 179 former students and faculty members who tragically perished in World War II, were submitted in the late spring of 1946. Construction commenced in October 1948, with crews leveling eight acres to prepare the ground for the stadium’s foundation. The original structure, built with robust reinforced concrete, provided seating for 6,000 spectators on 32 rows of steel bleachers. By 1950, a professional-grade cinder track was installed encircling the football field, and in 1951, the stadium officially opened its gates, ready to host the Tarleton Texans.
Over the years, Pioneer Memorial Stadium has benefited from several phases of upgrades, primarily funded by the generous contributions of university benefactors. A significant renovation project in 1977, fueled by an ambitious $475,000 local fundraising campaign, introduced the stadium’s distinctive berm on the east side, replaced the original steel seating, extended the bleachers on the west side, and added the press box. A subsequent $2 million project, initiated in 1988, further expanded the seating capacity to 7,600, incorporated new concession areas, and constructed the current field house. Additionally, the track and field facilities underwent renovations and were fittingly named in honor of the legendary track coach Oscar Frazier. In 2017, recognizing the stadium’s growing needs and Tarleton’s athletic ambitions, The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents authorized a substantial $24 million investment to plan, design, and finance a comprehensive modernization project. Initial plans outlined an expansion of seating from 7,400 to 17,000 and the conversion of the west-side stands to dedicated home fan seating. Further enhancements were incorporated during the design phase, including an expanded press box and suites, additional premium seating with comfortable chair backs, larger entrances and ticket booths for improved fan access, and upgraded concession and restroom facilities. As part of this ambitious project, both the football field and track-and-field surfaces were completely replaced, ensuring top-tier playing conditions.
A significant moment in the stadium’s history arrived when Tarleton State University announced the naming of Pioneer Memorial Stadium’s west side expansion as the Lonn Reisman Athletic Complex. This honor was bestowed upon Athletic Director Lonn Reisman in recognition of a transformative $2.4 million gift from prominent Texas businessman Mike A. Myers. The naming was officially approved by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, permanently associating the stadium’s west side with the esteemed Athletic Director.
In 2022, Pioneer Memorial Stadium underwent its most recent expansion, with the addition of a complete north end seating section. This expansion significantly increased the stadium’s total capacity to 24,000, creating an even more impressive and vibrant atmosphere for Tarleton Texans games. Today, Pioneer Memorial Stadium stands as a modern and well-equipped venue, boasting a state-of-the-art video board measuring 66′ 1” x 22′ 1”, a new Musco lighting system capable of hosting national television broadcasts, and 42,000 feet of data lines to support its advanced operations. With 910 tons of structural steel and a $500,000 playing surface, Pioneer Memorial Stadium is more than just a football field; it is a symbol of Tarleton State University’s commitment to athletic excellence and a testament to the enduring support of its community.
