GPS Location: -81.27357 43.00104
The state-of-the-art Western Alumni Stadium, which opened in 2000, is conveniently located on the beautiful Western University campus in London, Ontario. It was built as a replacement for the J.W. Little Stadium. J.W. Little Stadium had been in use since 1929 and stood adjacent to where the Health Sciences Building is today. The original stadium was named after John William Little, whose generosity made possible the building of the stadium used for both sports and convocations. He was a former mayor of London and an active member on Western's Board of Governors.
Situated near the corner of Western and Sarnia Road, the field is CFL regulation size featuring an infill turf playing surface with a 2" rubberized e-layer. Bordering the field is an eight-lane, 400-metre mondo track.
In the summer of 2007, I.C. Improvements based out of Stoney Creek, Ont., replaced the former AstroTurf with infill turf. Western's new turf causes less burn on legs and is better for mobility, while also decreasing the potential for injury seen with other turf products. The infill turf integrates rubber granules into the surface with longer fibres, providing more give and better safety for both ankles and feet. The new turf meets FIFA 1 Star standards and features two purple end-zones with white lettering - the north end-zone reads "Western," while the south end-zone reads "Mustangs".
The 1000 lumens lighting is perfect for television coverage and for evening events. Spacious change rooms with shower facilities, equipment, training and referee rooms, address most of the needs of the student athletes, and seating is available for over 8,000 spectators, with concession and vending services also provided.
The Press Box is outfitted for TV, voice and print media. Radio Western (CHRW Radio, 94.9 FM) in London has been the voice of the Mustangs for 30 years.
The fully licensed Alumni Lounge offers the perfect vantage point to watch the game. The lounge area, which can be booked for special events, accommodates 120 guests and the floor-to-ceiling windows provide a great view of the north end of the playing field. Smaller meeting rooms are also available.
Home to the Western Mustangs' football team, the facility was proud to host the 2001 Canada Games, the Pan Am Field Hockey Championships, the World Transplant Games, the Ontario Paralympic Championships, the 2006 World Lacrosse Championships and the 2010 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.
Additions to the J.W. Little Building, which is situated at the stadium's entrance, include the completion of the state-of-the-art Michael Kirkley Training Centre.
The Mustangs football team has their own dressing room which has a storied past with motivational quotes on the walls and custom stalls for each player on the team. Coaches' offices, classrooms and other equipment surrounding the training centre are located on the second floor.
