FOREST CITY, Iowa – As Waldorf University and Forest City Schools put the finishing touches on the new artificial turf for Bolstorff Field, the institutions reflect on the history of the facility and its bright future ahead.

In 1920, Waldorf College established football as an intercollegiate sport. The team practiced and played at Pammel Park, walking down the hill and across the highway from their locker room in the basement of Salveson Hall. In the spring of 1975, the college sodded the area to the south of what is currently the Hanson Fieldhouse and Forest City YMCA (however, that building wouldn't be added until 1987). The following fall saw the first football game played in that location.

Waldorf added men's soccer in 1993, however, the field football used at the time had not been set up for soccer. The team of 15 played every game on the road and practiced in the grass lot east of the Hanson Fieldhouse, where the Boman Fine Arts Center currently sits. Waldorf hosted its first home game the following season. Five years later in 1998, women's soccer played their first varsity season with 15 athletes.

On Sept. 24, 1995, the field was named in honor of coach, professor, and chaplain A. David Bolstorff for his 30 years of service. Sixteen years later, in 2011, Waldorf upgraded the facility as part of the Shared Services agreement. This included artificial turf for the sports of football and soccer, an eight-lane track around the field, a new scoreboard, a new concessions facility and areas for other field events. To allow room for these upgrades, the field was moved to the north and the home bleachers were moved to the northwest. The full project was completed in the summer of 2014. The track was officially named Beebe Track in April 2015, dedicated to Ray and Joan Beebe for the contributions to the university, local school district and Forest City community.

As part of the 2024 Homecoming celebrations, Waldorf University unveiled the Bolstorff Field and Beebe Track Gateway, marking the main entrance to the facility. At the next year's Homecoming weekend, the undefeated 1969 Football Team donated a 40-foot flagpole just inside the entrance dedicated to Coaches Bolstorff and Neil Boyd. New on the field with the turf upgrade is the Waldorf 'W helmet' logo donated by the Waldorf Gridiron Club.

What's next for Bolstorff Field and Beebe Track? Short term, the sports that call the facility home will return in July and Aug. 2026 to prepare for their upcoming seasons. Waldorf and Forest City students use the field and track throughout the school year for practices and training and conditioning exercises. We are excited for the community and fans of Waldorf to return to Bolstorff Field for our upcoming home games to see the finished product.

Long term, Waldorf and Forest City schools, as part of the Shared Services agreement, will complete their Home Field Advantage fundraising campaign. Projects included in this campaign are the new artificial turf for Bolstorff Field, walkway to the guest bleachers, field benches for our home and visiting teams, updates to the Waldorf Warrior Press Box and other projects on Waldorf's and Forest City school's campuses.

If you are interested in supporting the Home Field Advantage campaign, click here.