The entry plaza to Rhodes Stadium, now under construction at Elon College, will include a 57-foot-tall bell tower, thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor. The tower is expected to be completed in time for the stadium opening in September.
The brick tower will stand at the center of Victory Circle, a circular drive adjacent to the stadium’s south entrance. The tower will include a copper dome at the top, four vertically-aligned bells, which will be cast in the Netherlands and tuned to sound the classic Westminster chimes, and a large archway at the base, allowing pedestrians to walk beneath the tower.
“This bell tower will provide a dramatic entrance for Rhodes Stadium and will be a great place for Phoenix sports fans to gather prior to the game,” said Leo M. Lambert, Elon president. “The addition of a bell tower to the stadium site will enhance this classic collegiate setting. Excitement is growing on campus as we look forward to enjoying one of the nation’s finest college athletics facilities.”
Construction on the stadium is on schedule. The primary structures will be completed in early summer, while work on the field, the surrounding site and the bell tower will continue until late summer. Several gala events are being planned in conjunction with the Sept. 15 opening football game between the Elon Phoenix and Eastern Kentucky University.
Rhodes Stadium will be a 8,250-seat bowl-shaped facility located at Elon’s North Athletics Complex. Total seating capacity can be expanded to 10,000 using a bermed area at the north end of the stadium. The field, which will be large enough for football and soccer competition, is being constructed 16 feet below ground level, providing easy access to seating on the home and visitors sides. The home stands include a press box, concessions facilities and several hospitality areas and suites, including a lobby for large social functions. The Koury Field House, located adjacent to the stadium, is being expanded to provide locker room space for the home and visitor teams.