Francis Olympic Field

Francis Olympic Field is a stadium at Washington University featuring a modern artificial turf surface that accommodates soccer and football with a capacity of around 4,000 spectators. The facility sits on the western portion of the Danforth Campus.

The field was built in 1902 for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and served as the primary venue for the 1904 Summer Olympics, making it the first Games held outside Europe. This event left a lasting mark on the city's place in Olympic history.

The field honors David Rowland Francis, a former Missouri governor who helped bring the Olympic Games to this city. The naming reflects how the place remains connected to a pivotal moment in St. Louis history.

The site is located on the western section of the Danforth Campus, making it straightforward for visitors to locate and access. The area is well-marked and offers convenient pathways to other university facilities.

The adjacent Francis Gymnasium hosted four United States presidential debates over the years. This made the sports complex a site of national political importance.

Location: St. Louis

Architects: Cope and Stewardson

Official opening: 1904

Capacity: 4000

Website: http://bearsports.wustl.edu/facilities/francis-field

GPS coordinates: 38.64778,-90.31361

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:48