Rentschler Field opened in East Hartford on July 29, 2003. The opening marked a new milestone in efforts to revitalize the Hartford area and elevate the University of Connecticut football program to national status. The University of Connecticut is the state's largest public university with its main campus in Storrs and several branch campuses throughout the state.
Rentschler Field, named for Pratt & Whitney aircraft founder Frederick Rentschler, was built on a former airfield donated by the company. The facility, with close to 40,000 seats, serves as home field many sports and entertainment events.
Rentschler Field was developed by the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. The facility was designed by the architectural firm Ellerbe Becket and the construction manager was Hunt/Gilbane.
- In December of 2007, UTC offered the State an additional land donation of 65 usable acres which the State can develop as a permanent parking plan, with supporting infrastructure. The parking development is scheduled to be complete in August, 2009.
- The Stadium was designed to meet or exceed NCAA Division 1-A requirements for football, and can also accommodate other turf events such as soccer, rugby and lacrosse. Total stadium capacity is 40,642. The Stadium has been designed with expansion capacity for 50,000 seats.
- An indoor club room can seat 400 people in a banquet setting and is available year-round catered activities, group meetings and other functions.
