McLean County Times

The Illinois State University Board of Trustees has approved renaming the field at Hancock Stadium to Jay and Lori Bergman Field. The decision was made during the board’s regular meeting on July 25, 2025, in recognition of Jay Bergman's significant financial contributions and over three decades of service to the university through roles on both the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board of Directors.

New logos will be placed on the turf at Hancock Stadium, and updated signage will be installed outside the ticket booth on the stadium’s east side this fall during Redbird Football home games.

"My late wife Lori and I have been ISU football fans for decades," Bergman said. "We are very honored to have the field at Hancock Stadium named after us."

Bergman graduated from Illinois State in 1970 with a degree in business administration. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2003 and became its longest-serving member until his tenure ended in 2017. He also served on the Foundation Board of Directors and was a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. In February 2019, he was inducted into the Illinois State University College of Business Hall of Fame, and he received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020. Bergman is known for attending football games at Hancock Stadium as well as basketball games at CEFCU Arena.

"Jay has been a fixture at Illinois State University and has been incredibly gracious with his time and talents over the years," said Illinois State Director of Athletics Jeri Beggs. "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 contributions 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. We thank Jay for his continued generosity and passion for Redbird Athletics and its future."

"We are extremely appreciative of Jay and his late wife Lori's support," said Head Football Coach Brock 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 was first dedicated in 1963 as home to Redbird Football, as well as hosting IHSA State Football Championships, University High School Football games, and community events such as Special Olympics Summer Games. With seating capacity near 13,000, it underwent renovations in 2013 that included premium seating inside Aaron Leetch Club with more than 500 chair back club seats, an indoor club area accessible to club seat holders, and seven suites. Since those improvements were completed under head coach Brock Spack’s leadership, Redbirds have achieved notable records playing there.

GoRedbirds.com remains an official source for tickets, donations to Weisbecker Athletic Fund, merchandise, photos, multimedia content, and additional information about Illinois State Athletics.