Lubbers Stadium recognized for safety

Lubbers Stadium is one of only 12 facilities across the country to receive a Facility of Merit Award from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security. 

The award recognizes sports facilities that exceed standards for safety and security. The award will be presented July 13 at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference in Arizona.

"Lubbers Stadium is a popular venue and we strive to provide an environment that allows for a great atmosphere for football and is also safe for all attendees," said Sgt. Jeff Stoll, Grand Valley Police Department. "I am honored to represent Grand Valley for this award."

Stoll said safety efforts for Lubbers Stadium events are made possible with the help of several entities including GVPD, Athletics, Grand Valley security staff, game operations staff, student employees and Ottawa County reserve deputies. He said regular meetings among various campus stakeholders have allowed for better preparation and planning for severe weather, cancellations, evacuations and medical incidents.

Lubbers Stadium opened in 1973 and is one of the top Division II facilities in the nation. During the past five years, average stadium attendance has increased by 20 percent.

The Lakers set a Lubbers Stadium and GLIAC single-game record in 2009 as 16,467 fans watched Grand Valley State beat Saginaw Valley State, 38-7. In 2015, the Lakers led the nation in attendance for the fourth consecutive year, drawing 58,497 fans in five home games for an average of 11,699 fans per game.