The Lawrence A. Wien Stadium replaces the legendary 50,000-seat wooden stadium which served Columbia University since 1927. Built on Columbia's 27-acre Baker Field in upper Manhattan, and overlooking the Harlem River and New Jersey Palisades, the new facility is responsive to community concerns. It allows off-hour community use of the running track. In order to minimize the stadium's visual impact on the surrounding residential community, the home stand structure is partially on-grade - taking advantage of a natural slope and lowering the profile of the stadium complex. The on-grade seats are cast in place, with upper sections of the stadium built of pre-cast concrete. A three-level press box, VIP lounge, and observation roof, reached by elevator and stairs, also hosts campus events in a setting with spectacular views. In addition to inter-collegiate football, the Wien Stadium is the setting for major track and field competitions.
