The iconic stone walls of Breese Stevens Field have reached a century. Formally opening on May 5, 1926, this Madison landmark is currently in the midst of a massive centennial celebration that spans the entire 2026 season.

The Centennial Slate

The stadium has planned over 100 events to mark its 100th year. While the official birthday passed earlier this month, the public festivities are just beginning.

  • Centennial Kickoff (May 15): A grand reopening weekend begins this Friday. This event marks the stadium debut of Rally Madison FC, the city’s new professional women’s soccer team, facing Chicago House AC.
  • Centennial Night (May 29): Forward Madison FC will celebrate the milestone during their match. The team is set to wear a “Centennial Kit”—a “faux-back” jersey designed to look like an imagined kit from the 1920s. The night includes the inaugural induction ceremony for the Breese Stevens Field Hall of Fame.
  • Field of Drums (June 27): A nod to the stadium’s deep history with drum and bugle corps. This event features the Madison Scouts, the UW Marching Band, and several local percussion groups. It will also include an official city proclamation.
  • Curd Fest (August 15): The annual celebration of Wisconsin’s favorite snack returns for its 13th year, integrated into the centennial calendar with live music and the crowning of a curd-eating champion.

A Venue Reborn

Originally built for baseball and later known for high school football and track, Breese Stevens has transformed into the premier outdoor hub for Madison’s East Side. The current 2026 concert lineup reflects this versatility, featuring acts like Little Big Town (June 5), Train (August 8), and Brandi Carlile (August 24).

The venue has even introduced a special anniversary logo for the year. The design highlights the original 1926 grandstand and the iconic brick facade, centered by a star—a reference to the “beacon of excellence” marker pressed into the stadium’s concrete.

An earlier version of this article was published July 1, 2024

Visiting the Landmark

For those looking to catch a piece of the 100th-anniversary season, tickets for the upcoming soccer matches and concerts are available through the stadium’s official site. Whether you are there for the history, the soccer, or the sound of drums echoing off the WPA-era stone, the 2026 season offers a rare chance to see a local gem at its peak.