IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium

History

The Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium was built in 1982 and designed by Browning, Day, Pollack, Mullins, Corp. The construction was first approved in December 1980 to give Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and Indianapolis an additional facility to host large sporting events. The complex would also include four softball fields, a combination football/soccer field, and four outdoor basketball courts.

The construction was completed in the summer of 1982 alongside the IU Natatorium leading into the National Sports Festival. This marked the beginning of the IUPUI positioning itself as a major leader in amateur sports for the Indianapolis community and physical education with the completion of the National Institute for Fitness and Sport in 1987. The stadium is also referred to as the IU Track Stadium and the IUPUI Track Stadium in various publications at this time. In 1993, the stadium was recorded as being capable of seating 19,800 spectators.

In 1997, the stadium had a new drainage system, track surface, and soccer field installed to expand and update the facilities. The infield was reconstructed to accommodate field sports such as soccer, rugby, and lacrosse. In 1998, a new timing, scoring, and scoreboard were installed, including digital photo-finish timing equipment. In 2012, the interior field of the stadium was removed and replaced with a synthetic turf surface.

When IUPUI was dissolved in 2024 and replaced by separate institutions affiliated with the Indiana University and Purdue University systems, the stadium was inherited by the new IU Indy.

Namesake

The stadium is named after Michael A. Carroll (Feb. 9, 1941-Sept. 11, 1992), deputy mayor of Indianapolis from 1970 to 1976. As deputy mayor, Carroll played a key role in many construction projects throughout Indianapolis. In 1984, Carroll became vice president for community development at Lilly Endowment, Inc. Carroll died on September 11, 1992, in a mid-air collision in southern Marion County alongside Frank E. McKinney Jr., Robert V. Welch, and John R. Weliever. The Indianapolis Business Journal established the Michael A. Carroll award in 1993 for his role in the development of Indianapolis.

Notable events

• 1987 Pan American Games
• 1988 US Olympic Trials
• 1999 Komen Race for the Cure
• 2000 Komen Race for the Cure
• 2000 AIDS Walks and Festivals
• 2001 19th Corporate Challenge
• 2001 World Police and Fire Games
• 2001 9th Annual Citizen Gas Race for Heat
• 2003 21st Corporate Challenge
• 2004 March of Dimes Walk
• 2006 USA Outdoor and Junior Track & Field Championships
• 2007 USA Outdoor and Junior Track & Field Championships

References

References

1. (2002-05-01). "Indiana plane crashes". [[Indianapolis Star]].
2. "Michael A. Carroll Stadium History". Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
3. (July 29, 1987). "Pan Am Games Schedule".
4. Gee, Brandon. (April 25, 2013). "Indianapolis' NASL Expansion Team Unveils Name as Indy Eleven".
5. Mack, Justin. (January 29, 2018). "'We can't wait to see you at our new venue.' Indy Eleven headed to Lucas Oil Stadium".
6. "Track Stadium to Be Constructed.” The Sagamore. December 10, 1980. [https://archives.iupui.edu/handle/2450/9995/recent-submissions?offset=20. https://archives.iupui.edu/handle/2450/9995/recent-submissions?offset=20.]
7. Dulin, Ben. “Welcome, ’82 National Sports Festival!.” ''Indianapolis Recorder'', July 24, 1982.
8. Bodenhamer, David J., Robert G. Barrows, and David Gordon Vanderstel. ''Encyclopedia of Indianapolis''. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1994: 188.
9. “Michael A. Carroll Stadium.” IUPUI Athletics. Accessed October 2, 2023. [https://iupuijags.com/facilities/michael-a-carroll-stadium/7. https://iupuijags.com/facilities/michael-a-carroll-stadium/7.]
10. “Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium Field Replacement.” Capital Planning & Facilities, 2012. [https://cpf.iu.edu/capital-projects/projects/renovation/carroll-track.html. https://cpf.iu.edu/capital-projects/projects/renovation/carroll-track.html.]
11. Bodenhamer, David J., Robert G. Barrows, and David Gordon Vanderstel. ''Encyclopedia of Indianapolis''. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1994: 386-387.
12. “Martin University Joins “Race for the Cure.” ''Indianapolis Recorder'', April 16, 1999.
13. “Downtown Events.” ''Indianapolis Recorder'', April 14, 2000.
14. AIDServe Indiana Inc. Kicks Off Walks and Festivals.” ''Indianapolis Recorder'', September 8, 2000.
15. “19th Annual Corporate Challenge Returns.” ''Indianapolis Recorder'', August 17, 2001.
16. “9th Annual Race for Heat to be on Nov. 24”. ''Indianapolis Recorder'', November 23, 2001.
17. “Extended Deadline”. ''Indianapolis Recorder'', August 22, 2003.
18. “Downtown Events.” ''Indianapolis Recorder'', April 16, 2004.
19. “Track and Field Event to be Held in Indy.” ''Indianapolis Recorder'', May 14, 2004.