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EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern University’s Big Ten champion softball program has received a $5 million gift from Northwestern Trustee and former student-athlete Harreld N. “Kip” Kirkpatrick III ’94, ’97 MBA and his wife, Sara Kirkpatrick. The gift will support the construction of a new softball stadium, which will be named Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick Stadium.
“We are deeply grateful for Kip and Sara’s incredible dedication and generosity to many areas across the University,” Northwestern President Michael Schill said. “One of Northwestern’s stated priorities is to enhance the student-athlete experience. With this new gift, the Kirkpatricks are making a significant impact on Northwestern softball for years to come and helping ensure that the team’s facilities match the distinction of the overall program.”
The project will create spaces for student-athletes, increase the stadium’s seating capacity and elevate the fan experience. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with completion anticipated by spring 2026. The softball team will continue playing home games on the current field during construction.
“Through their philanthropy, Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick are not only supporting our softball student-athletes in their continued success but also helping advance women’s collegiate athletics on a grander scale,” said Dr. Derrick Gragg, the Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation.
The Kirkpatricks’ gift kicked off a fundraising drive to support additional aspects of the new stadium. Several spaces are available for naming. Learn more about opportunities to support this project.
“The transformation of our stadium will have a tremendous impact, creating an environment for our student-athletes and fans that will complement the championship play of our program,” Head coach Kate Drohan said. “As a former student-athlete at Northwestern, Kip understands the amazing life lessons learned on our campus, especially through sports. This gift is a commitment to the standard of excellence here at Northwestern, ensuring that our student-athletes can train and compete in a state-of-the-art facility.
“On behalf of the entire Northwestern softball family — especially our alumni and current and future student-athletes — we sincerely thank Kip and Sara Kirkpatrick for their belief in our program.”
The design will feature a team clubhouse with a players’ lounge and new locker rooms. In the new layout, softball student-athlete support areas — for training, team development, practice and competition — will be centrally located and easier for the student-athletes to access.
Kirkpatrick Stadium also will include:
- New dugouts and a clubhouse connected to the home dugout
- New seating bowl and concourse with chairback seating
- New restrooms
- Expansive press box for full TV and radio coverage
- New entrance with courtyard space for tailgating and special events
- Improved ADA accessibility
“It is an honor to be able to give back to the University that gave me so much,” Kip Kirkpatrick said. “We have truly enjoyed watching Wildcats softball achieve such great success on a national stage, like their appearances in the Women’s College Softball World Series, and reaching historic milestones under the direction of Coach Drohan and her team.”
“We look forward to seeing these outstanding women showcase their talent in a stadium that reflects their skill, hard work and dedication,” Sara Kirkpatrick said. “This project is an investment for today and for future generations of Wildcats softball superstars.”
“These student-athletes deserve an upgraded home that allows the women’s softball program to stand out among Big Ten collegiate programs,” Kip Kirkpatrick said. “Sara and I invite fellow Wildcats supporters to join us in helping to realize this vision.”
The playing field within the stadium will retain the name Sharon J. Drysdale Field, which was named in honor of the legendary Northwestern softball coach upon her retirement in 2001.
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