Andre Reed Responds to the Naming of KU Stadium in His HonorKUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University's stadium, currently known as University Field, will be named in honor of Golden Bear alumnus and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Reed '05 at a ceremony at the facility on October 18.
The Kutztown University Council of Trustees approved the name Andre Reed Stadium at its September 18 meeting.
"Andre Reed is one of the best players ever to play the game of pro football, and his induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to that," said KU Acting President Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto. "We are truly honored to name our stadium after a Golden Bear legend."
Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on August 2. A native of Allentown, Pa., Reed was a standout at Dieruff High School, where he excelled at quarterback. He starred at KU from 1981-84, setting nine school records and being named to the All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference team three times, including the first team twice. He finished his college career with 142 catches for 2,020 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Reed was selected by the Buffalo Bills as the 86th pick overall in the 1985 NFL draft. In 15 seasons with the Bills, he played in four Super Bowls and was selected to seven Pro Bowls. Also a four-time All-AFC choice, he is still the team's all-time leading receiver with 941 receptions. His 13,095 career reception yards are still a team best, as are his 36 games with 100-plus receiving yards and his 15 receptions in a game.
Upon retirement after one season with the Washington Redskins in 2000, Reed was considered one of the greatest "yards after catch" receivers and his 951 career receptions ranked third in league history. His 13 seasons, including nine consecutive, with 50-plus receptions was second all-time at the time of his retirement.
Reed was inducted into the Kutztown University Athletics Hall of Fame, the NCAA Division II Football Hall of Fame, the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
Reed returned to his studies at Kutztown University, and earned a bachelor's degree in 2005.
"Andre is truly is the most decorated athletic alumnus in the history of our university," said
Greg Bamberger, KU Director of Athletics. "He is the only Pro Football Hall of Famer ever in the long and storied history of the PSAC, and we are proud to call him a Golden Bear."
The 5,600-seat stadium will be dedicated during a pre-game ceremony, with Reed in attendance, before Kutztown University's homecoming football game against PSAC East rival Bloomsburg. The ceremony will begin at approximately 1:05 p.m. Ticket information for the game is available at kubears.com or by calling 610-683-4094 during business hours.
University Field has been home to KU football since 1936. The facility has also been home to KU men's and women's outdoor track and field. The current grandstand, press box, and concession stand were constructed for the 1988 season. In 2005, the current artificial turf was installed and the track was resurfaced, and Golden Bear field hockey moved to the facility. Lights were installed the same year, and first became operational for the 2006 season. Reed tossed the coin at the first football night game. The visitors' bleachers, which seat approximately 1,000, were replaced in 2010. The stadium has also hosted KU club and intramural sporting events, KU's spring commencement ceremonies (until 2005, the year Reed graduated), high school football, various special events, and occasional Golden Bear women's lacrosse games.
In honor of its 78-year history, the field at the facility will retain the name University Field, and will be referred to officially as University Field at Andre Reed Stadium.
