News Detail
Baumgartner-Gilbert Stadium Renovation Project
Benet Announces Plan to Renew Campus Stadium
LISLE, June 27, 2025 – Benet Academy announces that it has proposed a two-phase improvement plan to substantially renovate, renew, and modernize the Baumgartner-Gilbert Stadium and athletic fields. The modernization plan includes amenities and technologies commonly found in schools throughout the region. The school is seeking approval for its plans from the Village of Lisle.
“Since opening our current campus doors in 1956, Benet has continuously invested in its campus to provide students with access to the facilities, faculty, curriculum, and faith-based programs that inspire them to reach their potential, but the one area that has mostly stayed the same is our stadium and athletic fields,” said Bill Myers, Benet President. “We’re excited at the opportunity to move our campus and student experience forward by renewing the stadium and bringing the tradition back home to Benet.”
The existing stadium and athletic fields are largely a relic of the 1960s. For more than 20 years, Benet has undertaken a series of workarounds due to current stadium conditions, including hosting some home competitions off-campus at rented facilities across DuPage County.
“We look forward to being able to host all our home competitions on campus, providing our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete before classmates, family, friends, teachers, and neighbors in a modern stadium environment that provides a sense of community and pride,” said Scott Lawler, Athletic Director. “Our student-athletes are disciplined and committed to achieving their best. It is time we give all our students access to the facilities that are equal to their dedication and performance.”
The school’s renovation plan has two phases. The initial phase will involve renovating the existing stadium through the installation of a multi-sport synthetic field, replacing the current track with a new all-weather track, constructing a new grandstand with enclosed press, hospitality, and coaches’ boxes, and creating visitor seating on the east side. Other upgrades include the installation of modern lighting, audio systems, and a scoreboard. A new alumni plaza will be featured at the stadium entrance to honor the community’s past and current support of Benet.
The second phase will include the construction of a hospitality building and pavilion at the northern portion of the stadium complex, housing concessions, a spirit store, restrooms, team rooms, and a training room. To the east of the main drive, the school plans to install another synthetic turf field, primarily for hosting soccer matches.
Officials are designing the renovated stadium and fields to host various men’s and women’s sports, including football, cross-country, soccer, track and field, and lacrosse. The new all-weather track and multi-sport turf field will elevate the quality of physical education classes for students.
In advance of public hearings before the Lisle Plan Commission, the school has met with neighbors and created a project website, benetstadium.com, where individuals can learn more about the proposal or sign up for updates.
“As we’ve shared and shaped this proposal, what’s been most meaningful to me is seeing how many people believe in the vision of creating a facility we can all take pride in—right in the front yard of Benet Academy,” said Myers. “We’re committed to bringing this to life and are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received so far. Thanks to the generous support already received, we’re confident that—together—we can create something truly special for our students and the generations to come.”
To manage the stadium’s renovation and deliver the renewed facility in time for the 2026-2027 academic and athletic calendars, the school envisions commencing construction shortly after obtaining all necessary approvals and permits from the Village.
Thanks to the generous support of early donors and the strong encouragement of Benet Academy’s Board of Directors, the school is preparing to move forward with the first phase of the stadium renovation project. To offset all the costs associated with the stadium and athletic field renovation, the school is undertaking a capital campaign.
The Public Hearing before the Plan Commission is expected to take place on July 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Village Hall, located at 925 Burlington Avenue in Lisle.
To learn more about the renovation project, visit the stadium website: www.benetstadium.com. The website also includes important information on how you can support our efforts with the Village of Lisle as we move through the permitting and approval process.
As part of our fundraising efforts, we invite you complete a brief, 5-minute survey to show your spirit and support for the project. Click HERE to complete the survey.
To learn more about the renovation project, visit the stadium website: www.benetstadium.com. The website also includes important information on how you can support our efforts with the Village of Lisle as we move through the permitting and approval process.
As part of our fundraising efforts, we invite you complete a brief, 5-minute survey to show your spirit and support for the project. Click HERE to complete the survey.
Address: 2200 Maple Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532 | Phone: (630) 969-6550 | Fax: (630) 719-2849
