WEST POINT, N.Y. - The Army West Point Athletics Association (AWPAA) and the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) announced that the initial private funding necessary to break ground in the Spring of 2024 on the Michie Stadium Preservation Project is secured. Expected completion for this project, which will rebuild and modernize the current East Stands, is slated for Summer 2026. During this time, Army West Point will continue to welcome fans at Michie Stadium for men’s and women’s lacrosse, football, graduation, and other special events.
“This project has been a critical need for over a decade, and we are thrilled to be breaking ground on such a transformative facility. It is a remarkable testament to the generosity and loyalty of the West Point community that we were able to raise $170 million in funding,” said Army West Point Director of Athletics Mike Buddie. “This aspirational project more than tripled the scope of the next closest gift-funded project in the Academy’s history. To have secured two individual lead commitments of more than $20 million and several commitments of more than $5 million is humbling and overwhelming and speaks to the impact of the West Point experience. This project will support the entire Corps of Cadets and our fans, not just football and lacrosse cadet-athletes.”
Met with an aggressive timeline to secure funding to be able to break ground this spring and faced with COVID-related inflation and delays, Buddie partnered with Association of Graduates President and CEO Mark Bieger (Class of 1991), prominent graduates, and WPAOG fundraising colleagues to plan and execute the aggressive fundraising strategy to bring the project to fruition. “This historic effort is only possible because of the incredible collaboration, teamwork, and leadership across West Point in getting us to this point. The Long Gray Line leaned in tremendously to ensure this iconic stadium will continue to serve as a beautiful and safe public portal showcasing the Corps of Cadets and the Academy to the nation they serve,” said Bieger.
The transformational Michie Stadium Preservation Project will preserve and protect Michie Stadium’s 100-year history and tradition while providing a world-class experience for cadets, graduates, families, and fans. The Corps of Cadets seating section will stretch from end zone to end zone ensuring that the cadets are a central focus as well as an amplifying source of game-day support for the cadet-athletes on the field. Featured amenities include premium seating and improved concessions. In addition, the surrounding landscape will be reconfigured to improve accessibility while capitalizing on the panoramic views of Lusk Reservoir, the Cadet Chapel, Fort Putnam, and the scenic Hudson Valley.
“We’re celebrating 100 years of Michie. It has a tremendous history—five national champions, Heisman trophy winners that have played here, and legendary coaches. It’s time to take this stadium to the next level for the next 100 years,” said Football Head Coach Jeff Monken. “But there is so much more to this project than just Army Football. It’s a representation of the excellence of this institution and the men and women who serve in the United States Army every single day. It’s the excellence that we demand, the excellence that’s expected from our cadets and our Army.”
For more detailed information on the Michie Stadium Preservation Project, please use the form below. Media inquiries, please contact Eric Szczepinski, Director of Athletics Communications, at 845.938.4090.
About AWPAA
AWPAA, a 501(c)(3) organization that executes the USMA's intercollegiate athletics mission, is a non-Federal entity and is not fundraising on behalf of USMA. The appearance of USMA marks or images does not imply endorsement of AWPAA by the USMA, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.
About WPAOG
The West Point Association of Graduates is the Alumni Association for the United States Military Academy (USMA). Its mission is to serve West Point and its graduates; its purpose is to further the ideals and promote the welfare of the USMA. WPAOG is the primary private organization, authorized to raise private funds on behalf of the United States Military Academy. As a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation, its philanthropic pursuits maintain the Margin of Excellence at West Point, providing needed support for West Point.
For more information regarding premium seating options coming to Michie Stadium, please complete the form below:
