When Georgetown College's vision for a new Athletic Complex coincided with the Cincinnati Bengals' plans to relocate their summer training camp, the college was presented one of its most exciting opportunities in years.
In April 1996, the college initiated discussions with the Cincinnati Bengals about moving the NFL team's summer training camp to Georgetown's campus. The Bengals were making plans to leave their longtime training site at Wilmington College in Ohio.
Georgetown College, which had needed a new Athletic Complex for years, immediately realized that a partnership with the Bengals could be the financial catalyst needed to build a new state-of-the-art facility.
After several months of negotiations, in August of that year, the college publicly announced a seven-year agreement for the Bengals to conduct their annual summer training camp on Georgetown's campus.
"The tremendous economic impact of the annual summer training camp to the community, along with the revenue the college will realize from the leasing and merchandising opportunities, were a strong impetus for the project," said Georgetown College President William H. Crouch Jr.
Due to the extremely tight timeline, architectural design and site excavation began immediately. Construction started in earnest by October. By May of 1997 all buildings were substantially completed with the exception of the stadium. In early June, crews installed stadium bleachers and SportGrass turf.
"Although many were skeptical that the project could be completed in 10 months, our dream for an Athletic Complex of this caliber was realized through a combination of efforts," said Crouch. "We appreciate the courage of our board of trustees, the support of several key alumni, the confidence of Bengals President and General Manager Mike Brown, a committed college campus, excellent construction and design companies, and the foresight of many individuals in the Georgetown community."
2008 will be the twelfth year of the Partnership's effort.