The Illinois State University Board of Trustees has approved renaming the football field at Hancock Stadium in honor of former trustee and alumnus Jay Bergman and his late wife Lori.
The field is now known as Jay and Lori Bergman Field.
The vote was approved at the board’s July 25 meeting July, where the board approved a $566 million budget and worker pay raises. President Aondover Tarhule also announced the university saw a record total of $44.55 million in donations for fiscal year 2025.
Among other naming rights was the dedication of the field for the Bergmans for Jay’s 30 years of service and financial support to the university.
“My late wife Lori and I have been ISU football fans for decades,” Bergman said in a statement. “We are very honored to have the field at Hancock Stadium named after us.”
After graduating from ISU in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Jay served on the board of trustees from 2003 to 2017. He also served on the Foundation Board of Directors and Illinois Board of Higher Education. Bergman is the recipient of the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award and was inducted into the university’s College of Business Hall of Fame.
ISU Athletics Director Jeri Beggs celebrated the renaming of the field, citing Bergman’s long-held devotion to the university.
"Jay has been a fixture at Illinois State University and has been incredibly gracious with his time and talents over the years,” Beggs said. “Whether it be his work as a longtime member of the Illinois State University Board of Trustees, his time on the Foundation Board of Directors or his 11 years on the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Jay has been a dedicated advocate for Illinois State University. His contribution to athletics further demonstrates Jay’s commitment to a lasting impact on our athletics department and the student-athletes who will benefit from the support.”
ISU head football coach Brock Spack also expressed his gratitude and optimism for Bergman’s support.
“We are extremely appreciative of Jay and his late wife Lori’s support,” said Spack. “They have been longtime fans of our program, and we are proud to have their names on the turf at Hancock Stadium. This gesture will help our athletic department and football program for years to come.”
Hancock Stadium will add new turf and signage on the east side of the stadium to reflect the renaming of its football field for the upcoming season.
The facility was dedicated in 1963 and has been the home of Redbird Football, IHSA State Football Championships, University High School football and community events such as the Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games.
