MONMOUTH, Ill. — Part of the splendor of Monmouth College’s April Zorn Memorial Stadium is its many bright colors – the brand new green synthetic turf, with crisp white lines marking the football field and a large red Fighting Scots logo at midfield. While the installation of that turf was an ongoing story over the summer, it’s a little splash of color on the home side of the stadium that has created the latest buzz about the $4.2 million, two-phase project.

Just days before more than 100 student-athletes will arrive on campus to begin practicing for the Fighting Scots’ defense of their Midwest Conference football championship, Monmouth’s Red Seat Campaign reached the 100 percent mark. For $1,000, donors could sponsor a seat, complete with a nameplate to commemorate their gift or honor a friend, family member, teammate or coach.

The campaign’s goal was to sell sponsorship of all 144 red stadium seats – located in the top three rows of the east bleachers – prior to the start of the season. Thanks to a generous outpouring of support from donors and the diligent work of the college’s development staff, that goal was met last week.

“This campaign came together very quickly, and it was wonderful that we were able to generate so much support in such a short time,” said MC president Mauri Ditzler. “All of the first 144 seats have been sold, but we may need to install additional seats if donor response keeps coming in.”

In addition to stadium seats, donors can also sponsor one of the stadium’s terrace or patio areas. Individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact the college by calling 309-457-2323 or 888-827-8268.

The first phase of the stadium project was completed prior to last season, when new seating was built on the home and visitor sides of the field. On the home side, a new press box was built, with a special focus on enhancing the college’s webcasting capabilities. Those improvements were particularly appreciated by fans when Monmouth reached the NCAA playoffs for the first time in school history. Those able to come to campus for the games saw the Fighting Scots play in a sharp new facility, while those who couldn’t attend were able to follow along with a professional-quality webcast from their computers.

The second phase of the renovation got off to a quick start this summer with the installation of lights, which will not only make night football games a possibility in the college’s future, but will also allow additional hours of opportunities for marching band practice and intramural activities. A longer task was the installation of the synthetic field turf, a fascinating project that included spreading more than 230 tons of a rubber and sand mixture that provides the field’s cushioning. The final part of the second phase is the resurfacing of the track surrounding the field. It will be completed in the next two weeks.

The Fighting Scots are scheduled to kick off their season Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. against Loras College. On game day, there will be a dedication ceremony for the stadium at 10:30 a.m., followed by refreshments in a hospitality tent beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Walter S. Huff Jr. of Atlanta, Ga., an emeritus trustee of Monmouth College who graduated in 1956, provided the naming gift for the stadium in memory of his late wife, April Zorn Huff, Monmouth College Class of 1959. Huff has contributed to major projects at his alma mater in the past, most notably the Huff Athletic Center, which was completed in 2003.

“April was very fond of Monmouth College football,” said Huff. “That fondness goes back to her days as a student, when she participated in the Pep Club and school band. She enjoyed going to football games, whether it be high school, college or professional games. April’s family is thrilled to have her alma mater’s stadium named in her memory.”