[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Joyce_Ron08.jpg” caption=”Ron Joyce stands on the field of the stadium that bears his name. Photo by Denis McGreal. “]McMaster students and the Hamilton community are the big winners after the University officially opened the Ron Joyce Stadium Saturday. More than 4,000 spectators took part in the historic event, which included special ceremonies to recognize the generous gift from one of Canada's most accomplished entrepreneurs.

Ron Joyce, founder of Tim Hortons, donated $10-million towards the stadium, which together with the new David Braley Athletic Centre, is being heralded as the finest University sports complex in the country.

“The opening of Ron Joyce Stadium is the latest and one of the greatest Marauder victories in our athletic history, and it is a victory that touches on so much more than competition and fitness,” said McMaster University President Peter George. “It is a victory for the whole student, a student who is active inside and outside the classrooms, labs and libraries of our university — a victory for the engaged student, for the involved student, and for the student leader. It is a victory for the ever-growing partnership between McMaster and its communities, a partnership that we hope brings the people of our city and our region into the life of the university and engages the university in the vibrant communities that surround us.”

Therese Quigley, director of atheltics and recreation, added, “We are all extremely proud of the coaches and student-athletes who represent the maroon and grey. They have achieved great things while making do and now, they can excel to even greater heights based not just on their strength, but also on the facilities that support their efforts.”

The 6,000-seat stadium will host training sessions, professional and recreational athletic events. Local community sports teams, including elementary and high school teams, will also compete at the stadium, which is located next to the David Braley Athletic Centre. The centre, which opened in September 2006, was built with the help of a $5-million donation from David Braley and features 15,000 square feet of recreational gymnasium space, an indoor track, squash courts and a sports medicine and rehabilitation clinic.

Despite a steady rainfall, guests and spectators enjoyed a closely fought football game. In addition, pyrotechnic displays, a performance by the McMaster Choir and Burlington Teen Tour Band plus special video tributes on the stadium's new scoreboard were highlights of the evening.

The 6th ranked University of Ottawa Gee-Gees held on to defeat the McMaster Marauders 22-19 in a thrilling game broadcast to a national television audience on The Score network.