Nelson Stadium Project Making an Impact for Carroll and Helena
What began as a forward-looking vision for Carroll College’s Nelson Stadium in September 2023 is now a daily, lived experience for Carroll students and the Helena community.
With construction breaking ground in May 2024, the first phase of the Nelson Stadium Enhancement Project came to life by mid-August with the installation of a new turf and new stadium lighting. In just a short time these upgrades have reshaped how-and how often - the space is used
Two-thirds of Carroll’s student-athletes depend on outdoor facilities for training and competition, and the new surface provides a consistent, reliable field that extends practices and play into Montana’s unpredictable seasons. For the softball program, this has meant stepping onto the field for outdoor practices before the first game of the year- an opportunity that didn’t exist before. Track and field athletes are completing more workouts on campus, and even club lacrosse and various intramurals have used the field.
The addition of lighting has further expanded the stadium’s reach. Evening practices, games, and campus activities are now possible, creating a space that supports student life well beyond daylight hours. Beyond Carroll’s student-athletes, Nelson Stadium is increasingly serving as a shared community space for Helena and has hosted adult soccer leagues, Helena Youth Soccer Association practices, and high school football games. These uses reflect one of the project’s original goals: to make Nelson Stadium an asset not only for Carroll College, but for the greater Helena community.
“We see Nelson Stadium as more than just a place for athletics and have the ability to be a place for entertainment for the Helena community,” said Charlie Gross, Carroll College Athletic Director.
What’s Next for Nelson Stadium
As the project moves into its next phase, the focus will shift toward enhancing the experience for fans, families, and visitors. Planned priorities include a new scoreboard, improved walkways and entrances, and continued care of seating and structural elements to ensure the stadium remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant space for years to come.
The continued evolution of Nelson Stadium reflects the generosity of donors, alumni, and community partners who believe in investing in spaces that serve both students and the greater Helena community.
“We could not do this without the generosity of a large group of supporters of Carroll College: Your continued support of Carroll College Athletics truly makes an impact,” said Gross.
For more details or to contribute to the Nelson Stadium Enhancement Project, please contact John Girolami, Major Gifts Officer for Institutional Advancement, jgirolami@carroll.edu, (406) 447-5403 or Charlie Gross, Director of Athletics, cgross@carroll.edu, (406) 447-5480.
To learn more about the Nelson Stadium Enhancement Project, please visit www.carrollathletics.com. To contribute to the project, please visit the Nelson Stadium Enhancement Fund.