Van Metre Field transforms Ash Park

By Cornell Report staff

Historic Ash Park has been transformed. The stadium is now known as Van Metre Field at Ash Park, in honor of the Van Metre family that donated $1.5 million to renovate Ash Park for football, lacrosse, and track & field competition.

Dave Van Metre
As honorary coach of the game, Dave Van Metre flips the coin to begin play. Both Dave and his sister-in-law, CeCe Van Metre, were named honorary Cornell alumni.

A new entrance, stadium seating, restrooms, concessions space, scoreboard, and a renovated press box have modernized the experience for Rams athletes and fans.

Mount Vernon native Dave Van Metre led the contributions for this project, joined by his sister-in-law, CeCe Van Metre, and their families. Dave grew up just blocks from campus and remembers spending boyhood days playing games at Cornell’s athletic facilities. Mount Vernon High School will continue to use Van Metre Field at Ash Park for many of its football games.

“Dave has a deep affection for both Cornell and Mount Vernon, and his philanthropy has benefited both,” said President Jonathan Brand.

The 1922 stadium has held many years of great games. Now it will hold many more with a new name and that familiar train whistle that seems to cheer on the Rams right along with everyone in the stands.

Van Metre Field at Ash Park
Van Metre Field at Ash Park