Lyle Hare Stadium
 Interactive map of Lyle Hare Stadium | |
| Location | Spearfish, South Dakota, United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°29′55″N 103°52′13″W / 44.4985°N 103.8703°W |
| Owner | Black Hills State University |
| Capacity | 3,500 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1950 |
| Tenants | |
| Black Hills State Yellow Jackets football (1950–present) Black Hills State Yellow Jackets track and field | |
Lyle Hare Stadium is an outdoor athletic stadium located in Spearfish in the U.S. state of South Dakota. Opened in 1950, the stadium is home to the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets football and track teams of Black Hills State University. It also hosts the home football games of the Spartans of Spearfish High School.
A 2018 article from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) described Lyle Hare Stadium as one of NCAA Division II's most scenic football stadiums, citing the mountain view from the stands.[1]
History
[edit]Lyle Hare Stadium officially opened in 1950.[2][a] The stadium is named after Lyle Hare, a former BHSU student-athlete, football coach, and physician.[5]
In 1975, the stadium was renovated. Among the renovations were improvements to the concession areas, press box, new concrete stands with aluminum seating, new scoreboards, and a new all-weather running track. The renovations increased stadium seating capacity to 3,200. Previously, the stadium had 1,100 permanent seats. The first activity held in the newly-renovated stadium was a high school football game between Spearfish and Glendive.[6]
In 2013, the field was renovated, with the grass replaced with artificial turf and a new electronic scoreboard installed.[7] Installation for a new press box was also announced.[8] In 2017, the turf was replaced due to failed soil stabilization underneath the prior turf.[9]
In July 2016, plans were announced to expand the stadium to accommodate BHSU's new women's soccer program. While the South Dakota Board of Regents approved planning of the field expansion,[3] the program announced later that month that the women's team would play at Ronnie Theisz Soccer Field.[10]
Track and field
[edit]Prior to the 1975 renovations, both Spearfish's high school and BHSU practiced on dirt and cinder tracks, with both unable to host track meets. In a 1981 article, Joe Case of the Queen City Mail described the track as "one of the finest facilities in the state."[11] In 2005, a new track was installed.[12]
The stadium has played host to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference track and field championships. In the leadup to the 2016 conference championship, the university installed a new cage for hammer throw and discus throw and repainted its track.[13]
In 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Dakota, the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) announced that Lyle Hare Stadium would be one of three host stadiums in the Black Hills area for the state high school track and field championships, the others being Woodle Field in Sturgis and O'Harra Stadium in Rapid City.[14]
Notes
[edit]- ↑ A 2016 Black Hills Pioneer article lists the opening year of the stadium as 1947,[3] but the university itself recognizes 1950 as the official opening year.[4]
References
[edit]- ↑ Cavadi, Wayne (October 11, 2018). "These are the 13 most scenic stadiums in DII football". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- ↑ "Harry Johnson Leaves City Tuesday for California". Rapid City Journal. October 4, 1950. p. 7. Retrieved March 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Mercer, Bob (July 2, 2016). "Regents OK BHSU to plan Lyle Hare Stadium rebuild". Black Hills Pioneer. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ↑ BHSU Alumni and Advancement (August 29, 2025). 75th Anniversary of Lyle Hare St. Black Hills State University – via Facebook.
- ↑ "Stories about Dr. Lyle Hare -- our own country doctor!". Spearfish Area Historical Society. February 8, 2012. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- ↑ Case, Joe (April 12, 1978). "Lyle Hare Stadium is one of the best". Queen City Mail. p. 19. Retrieved March 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Murschel, Heather (June 8, 2013). "Lyle Hare Stadium upgrades set for BHSU". Black Hills Pioneer. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- ↑ Anderson, Richard (June 23, 2013). "Spruced-Up Stadium". Rapid City Journal. p. 47. Retrieved March 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Lyle Hare Stadium turf to be replaced". Black Hills Pioneer. April 17, 2027. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- ↑ "BHSU soccer finds a home". Black Hills Pioneer. July 27, 2016. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- ↑ Case, Joe (May 20, 1981). "Lyle Hare track one of best". Queen City Mail. p. 15. Retrieved March 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Lyle Hare Stadium will open during specified hours". Black Hills Pioneer. October 17, 2005. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- ↑ "BHSU set to host RMAC track championships". Rapid City Journal. May 6, 2016. p. 9. Retrieved March 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Haenchen, Brian (April 1, 2021). "SDHSAA announces scheduling changes to 2021 South Dakota high school state track meet". Argus Leader. Retrieved March 21, 2026.