Ralph Young Field, home of the Michigan State field hockey and track and field programs, has had a long source of history and tradition for Spartan athletics. Located in the heart of campus adjacent to Spartan Stadium, the facility features seating for more than 1,500 spectators. A press box features media seating, a state-of-the-art sound system and a camera platform on the roof.
Before Ralph Young Field, the Spartan track and field program competed at three different sites on campus, including Old College Field and Macklin Field (now Spartan Stadium). The track at Ralph Young Field was dedicated on April 17, 1937, as MSU defeated the University of Chicago in a dual meet, 88-43. MSU hosted its first Big Ten outdoor track and field championships in 1960.
The site was renovated at the turn of the century and constructed for the dual purpose of housing the MSU field hockey program as well as the men's and women's track and field programs.
On Sept. 6, 2002, the MSU field hockey team opened a new chapter in the history books with the unveiling of the MSU Field Hockey Complex at Ralph Young Field.
Eight light towers allow the Spartans to host night games. The playing surface is AstroTurf 12, a water-based turf that is ideal for field hockey.
The first track meet at the new complex arrived in the spring of 2004, as the Spartan men and women hosted the Spartan Invitational. MSU hosted the Big Ten Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2006.
From Capital City Airport: Turn right (west) onto Grand River Avenue to Waverly Road and turn left (south). Follow Waverly to I-496 East. Follow I-496 East to Trowbridge Road exit. Turn left (north) at first traffic light, which is Harrison Road. Turn right (east) on Shaw Lane. Ralph Young Field will be on the left.
From the South (Jackson): Take US 127 North to Trowbridge Road exit. Turn left (north) at first traffic light, which is Harrison Road. Turn right (east) on Shaw Lane. Ralph Young Field will be on the left.
From the North (St. Johns): Take US 127 South to Trowbridge Road exit. Turn left (north) at first traffic light, which is Harrison Road. Turn right (east) on Shaw Lane. Ralph Young Field will be on the left.
From the East (Detroit): I-96 West to US 127 (Exit 106) North to Trowbridge Road exit. Turn left (north) at first traffic light, which is Harrison Road. Turn right (east) on Shaw Lane. Ralph Young Field will be on the left.
From the West (Grand Rapids): I-96 East to I-496 East (Exit 95) to Trowbridge Road exit. Turn left (north) at first traffic light, which is Harrison Road. Turn right (east) on Shaw Lane. Ralph Young Field will be on the left.
From the Southwest (Charlotte): I-69 North to I-96 East to US 127 North to Trowbridge Road exit. Turn left (north) at first traffic light, which is Harrison Road. Turn right (east) on Shaw Lane. Ralph Young Field will be on the left.
From the Northeast (Flint): I-69 South to US 127 South to Trowbridge Road exit. Turn left (north) at first traffic light, which is Harrison Road. Turn right (east) on Shaw Lane. Ralph Young Field will be on the left.
