NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Yale Athletics is proud to announce the re-opening of the Lapham Field House at the Smilow Field Center thanks to the generosity and support of distinguished Yale alumni and the university. As part of the capital project, the Yale Bowl complex will be dedicated in memory of Carm Cozza, who served as Yale Football's head coach from 1965 to 1996.

The $38 million, newly renovated Lapham Field House at the Smilow Field Center is home to the Yale football and Yale men's and women's track & field and cross country programs. Each team has their own designated locker room space, complete with upgraded lockers and lounges for student-athletes. Additional spaces are comprised of a 110-person meeting space with a retractable wall, stadium seating, and upgraded audio-visual equipment, as well as positional meeting rooms, nutrition stations, and a creative studio.
 
"The renovation of the Lapham Field House at the Smilow Field Center reflects Yale's commitment to providing our student-athletes with the very best," said Victoria M. "Vicky" Chun, Yale's Thomas A. Beckett Director of Athletics. "First-class facilities are not just about bricks and mortar; they are about empowering our student-athletes to reach their full potential, both on and off the field. By creating a state-of-the-art environment for our football and cross country & track teams, we're not only honoring Yale's rich athletic tradition but also paving the way for future success. This achievement is a result of the incredible support from our donors and the unwavering commitment of the university administration, and for that, we are deeply grateful."

The building also includes space for athletic medicine and equipment services. The upgraded athletic medicine space consists of hydrotherapy pools, upgraded rehab and medical equipment, and a physician's office. The renovated lobby showcases the tradition, history and success of Yale Football. Additionally, the updated cross country and track & field space honors the history and achievements of Yale Olympians as well as highlights the venerable Coxe Cage facility.

The facility opened for student-athletes, coaches, and staff members in August 2024. The official opening and formal ribbon cutting ceremony is set for Fall 2024.
 
Yale Head Coaches on the Renovation
 
Tony Reno – Joel E. Smilow '54, Head Coach of Football
 
"The Lapham Field House at the Smilow Field Center has been home to the men of Yale Football for over a century.  Because of the incredible generosity of our amazing alumni, and support of our administration, we are so fortunate to open a state-of-the-art facility today. Developing men and providing an elite experience for our players on and off the field is what makes Yale Football unique, and the completion of this renovation project allows us to do so at the highest level. I can't thank Vicky Chun enough for her leadership as well as Ann-Marie Guglieri and Danielle Upham who poured their heart and souls into the project to make our vision into an amazing reality."
 
 
Courtney Jaworski – Mark T. Young '68, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field
 
"The transformation of the Lapham Field House at the Smilow Field Center represents Yale's clear commitment to providing our teams with the nation's best training and competition facilities. The pairing of AD Vicky Chun's leadership and the support of our alumni family has created a reimagined space equipped with the tools our student-athletes need to succeed. This state-of-the-art facility will advance our determined pursuit for excellence and, perhaps equally important, embolden the sense of home and community for the track & field and cross country program. It's an amazing time to be a part of Yale Athletics."