Knosher Bowl

The Bowl at Knox College is one of the few stadiums of its kind in the nation. Constructed in the mid 1960s, the unique bowl-shaped sides were created from the earth excavated from other building projects. While the first game was played in the Knox Bowl in 1967, the original plans reveal that the project was never completed. The Bowl was intended to have permanent bathrooms, sidewalks, stairs, and a concession facility.

These amenities -- and more -- have become a reality.

In the summer of 2008, the College renovated the Bowl and renamed it the Knosher Bowl in honor of Harley Knosher, who served Knox for 40 years (1960-2000) as a faculty member, coach, and athletic director. According to Coach Knosher, he has missed only two Knox football games in the past 48 years.

The $1.8 million project included:

• Synthetic turf, which allows the Bowl to be a recreational destination 365 days a year versus five Saturdays each fall with a natural grass surface,
• Paved sidewalks, ramps, and stairs leading up to the Bowl's berms and around the upper level of the field,
• Decorative iron fencing,
• Entrance gates on northeast and northwest corners,
• Cut backs into the sides of the Bowl on both sides of the field (between the 30 yard lines), enlarging the space for team benches and athletic training staff and equipment, 
• New goal posts, 
• Lowered north berm to open the Bowl to viewing from Knox Street, 
• Handicap parking,  and
• Additional bleacher seating.

Work is now complete on the Oberembt Amenities Center, named for  football and track coach Randy Oberembt '76. The center includes space for food preparation and concession, restrooms, and storage. A covered pavilion, named for Steve '75 and Lela Luetger, has also been completed.