Gaels fans cheer on their team from the new field-level bleachers at Richardson Stadium.

By Craig Leroux, Senior Communications Officer

The Queen’s Gaels football team played its first home game of the year at Richardson Stadium on Monday, defeating the McMaster Mauraders 31-24 to remain unbeaten early in the OUA season.

The new seating configuration at Richardson Stadium accommodated spectators for the exciting game action, providing a new experience for fans and players alike.

“It was a really good feeling, being surrounded by the fans, and I feel like the people at the corner of the end zones got a really good show,” says defensive captain John Miniaci. “It’s a really good atmosphere, especially for the guys running into the end zones and walking into a sea of Queen’s fans. It was a really, really cool experience, actually.”

Twenty-six sets of transportable bleachers have been erected at the stadium to replace portions of the old bleachers that were removed earlier this year following recommendations made in an engineering report.

The university’s ultimate goal is to revitalize its playing fields and Richardson Stadium to be among the highest quality university facilities in Canada to inspire the community, support student health and wellness, showcase Queen’s athletic successes, and recruit train, and challenge scholar-athletes. The Fields and Stadium Project is a $25 million priority of the Initiative Campaign.

The Gaels next game takes place on September 7 at Richardson Stadium when they take on the Windsor Lancers.

More information about Gaels football