The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men’s lacrosse team will open its 2026 season today, hosting Cortland State at the East Campus Athletic Village (ECAV) Stadium, with the game scheduled to begin at 1 PM.
ECAV Stadium, a key component of the larger East Campus Athletic Village, opened on October 3, 2009, as part of the Rensselaer Plan, a university-wide revitalization effort initiated in 1999 under then-President Shirley Ann Jackson. The stadium currently has a seating capacity of 5,200.
The East Campus Athletic Village represents what RPI has called its most ambitious athletic construction project to date. In addition to the stadium, the complex includes a 1,200-seat basketball arena, a 4,800 square foot strength and conditioning center, a sports medicine suite, and various offices and meeting spaces. The athletic village also houses the Athletics Hall of Fame and a pro shop.
The ECAV facility was designed with sustainability in mind, achieving LEED Gold certification through features like skylights for natural light, a solar shading screen to manage heat and glare, and a roof equipped with photovoltaic arrays. Landscaping was also carefully planned to conserve water and reduce the need for irrigation. The facilities were constructed to meet NCAA standards, enabling RPI to potentially host NCAA tournament events.
The ECAV complex is situated along Georgian Terrace, offering views of the Hudson River Valley. The stadium features a lighted field turf surface.
As of this report, RPI Athletics has not released any statements regarding anticipated attendance or specific game-day protocols.
