Eastern Michigan Athletics
Crosby Field Officially Open for Business
6/22/2024 3:00:00 PM | Football
Former Eagle and his wife, Rachel, were back on campus, June 21, to officially open the new surface
Cinematic Video Recap | Speaking Program | Highlights | Photo Gallery
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Crosby Field, the new playing surface inside Rynearson Stadium on the Eastern Michigan University campus, was officially dedicated and opened Friday, June 21, as Maxx Crosby and his wife, Rachel Crosby, returned to Ypsilanti for the celebration. Renovations recently finished inside "The Factory" feature the removal of the track surface and the installation of new gray and green turf throughout the stadium with the start of the 2024 season just 69 days away.
"Maxx is somebody who wants to leave a legacy here and wants to give back to our student-athletes," Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee said. "Maxx cares about Eastern. He wears it on his sleeve; he literally wears it on his arm and cares about this place. He told me he wanted an opportunity to do something, and we talked about this field. He stepped up and there were more willing people in line to give and they followed him. I want to say thank you to Rachel and Maxx for stepping up with this lead gift and getting these projects off the ground. I am forever grateful to Maxx and Rachel for making this happen and I could not be happier that we named this field after them."
"The Crosbys are E-Tough!" Head Coach Chris Creighton said. "At the lowest point -- and we had a low one here -- you bounced back you just said it to everybody you never quit that's what believing is; never quitting or giving up and obsessed with being your best. As we unveil Crosby Field, it is Rachel and Maxx Crosby who have done it together and it has not been easy. You are the epitome of who we are and what we want to be."
"Coach Creighton gave me the chance to live out my dream," Crosby told the gathered crowd. "I wanted to be a Division I football player and I didn't care where it was. I needed to be a part of something that was bigger than just myself and gave me a chance to build something special, and I found that here at Eastern. Every day, I wake up and I know I can be a better version of myself than the day before and that's why I've gotten to this spot in my life because I never give up. I'm obsessed with being perfect, even though I never will get there, and I wouldn't be able to do it without this army around me. I have the best people in the world that support me every single day. I just want to say I love everyone, thank you guys for showing up and Coach Creighton, without you giving me a chance, none of this would have been possible, so I appreciate it."
All In A Days Work
It was quite a day for Maxx on his return to Ypsilanti, starting with a morning meeting with EMU President Dr. James Smith and his wife, Connie Ruhl-Smith. From there, Maxx was off on a golf-cart tour of Ypsilanti as 'The Condor' took flight through memory lane from his time at Eastern before finding his way to the hardwood inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center for a few friendly games of HORSE.
With the games in the books, the group went back to work as they recorded the latest episode of 'The Rush with Maxx Crosby' podcast. Co-hosted by former Eastern football players Brogan Roback, Dustin Creel, and Darien Terrell, the episode will feature an interview with Creighton. The podcast is available through all podcast apps.
After meeting with the 2024 team and imparting his wisdom and shared experiences, Maxx and Rachel, who played soccer at Eastern, entered Crosby Field just as the team does during home games: coming out of the garage, smashing down the wall, and stepping onto the turf. Following photo opportunities and uncovering the Crosby Field lettering, family and friends, guests, and members of the EMU football program sat down for dinner.
Following dinner, Wetherbee opened a short program as he spoke about his interactions with Maxx and what led to his gift of $1 million to the department nearly one year ago. Wetherbee also spoke of how the Crosby's generosity started a string of gifts that not only made Crosby Field possible, but also the current construction of the new track and field complex nearby that will give the Eastern Track & Field and Cross Country programs their own home, a home that is slated to open in September.
Creighton came to the stage and delivered a powerful speech as he spoke about the belief the former players in attendance brought to Ypsilanti, a belief that was able to be built into a rebirth of Eastern Football. He reminisced about the tough early days and the success the 2016 squad accomplished, laying the groundwork for the recent success of the program that has included six bowl games in the past 10 years, the most of any school in the Mid-American Conference.
Finally, Maxx took the stage and, after thanking everyone in attendance, spoke of the bond he and Rachel have shared since their time together at Eastern and the growth he has made every day as strives for perfection. Wetherbee returned to the stage to present the Crosbys with a framed picture of the new Crosby Field and presented Maxx with a shadow box containing a piece of the original grey turf and a piece of the newly installed field along with pictures from his playing days to commemorate his generosity.
The night concluded with Maxx meeting with fans in attendance to sign autographs and take pictures.
Tickets On Sale NOW
For fans seeking the ultimate experience, exclusive season ticket packages are available, offering perks such as VIP seating and parking privileges. With options to suit every budget and preference, there's never been a better time to secure your spot and join the EMU community in cheering on the Eagles to victory.
The benefits of being a 2024 season ticket holder include: piece of the turf from "The Factory" with official certificate of authenticity; invitations to exclusive season ticket holder events; printed season ticket holder group photo; and official Eastern Athletics corporate partners coupon book.
Ultimate fan season tickets include a new and improved chairback with increased leg room on the 50-yard line along with VIP season parking for just $180. Additional chairback season tickets are available in Reserved Sections 104-109 for only $150.
Reserved season tickets are available for $120 or general admission season tickets are $108. Eastern Michigan faculty, staff, and young alumni (35-and-under) season tickets are only $84. Additionally, former EMU student-athletes can purchase an E-Club membership for $200 that provides season tickets for all home football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games. To purchase E-Club season memberships, please call the Eastern Athletics Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
The alumni season value pack also returns for just $240, which includes four tickets per game. Meanwhile, VIP season parking in the George Gervin GameAbove Center parking lot will also be available for $60.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Crosby Field, the new playing surface inside Rynearson Stadium on the Eastern Michigan University campus, was officially dedicated and opened Friday, June 21, as Maxx Crosby and his wife, Rachel Crosby, returned to Ypsilanti for the celebration. Renovations recently finished inside "The Factory" feature the removal of the track surface and the installation of new gray and green turf throughout the stadium with the start of the 2024 season just 69 days away.
"Maxx is somebody who wants to leave a legacy here and wants to give back to our student-athletes," Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee said. "Maxx cares about Eastern. He wears it on his sleeve; he literally wears it on his arm and cares about this place. He told me he wanted an opportunity to do something, and we talked about this field. He stepped up and there were more willing people in line to give and they followed him. I want to say thank you to Rachel and Maxx for stepping up with this lead gift and getting these projects off the ground. I am forever grateful to Maxx and Rachel for making this happen and I could not be happier that we named this field after them."
"The Crosbys are E-Tough!" Head Coach Chris Creighton said. "At the lowest point -- and we had a low one here -- you bounced back you just said it to everybody you never quit that's what believing is; never quitting or giving up and obsessed with being your best. As we unveil Crosby Field, it is Rachel and Maxx Crosby who have done it together and it has not been easy. You are the epitome of who we are and what we want to be."
"Coach Creighton gave me the chance to live out my dream," Crosby told the gathered crowd. "I wanted to be a Division I football player and I didn't care where it was. I needed to be a part of something that was bigger than just myself and gave me a chance to build something special, and I found that here at Eastern. Every day, I wake up and I know I can be a better version of myself than the day before and that's why I've gotten to this spot in my life because I never give up. I'm obsessed with being perfect, even though I never will get there, and I wouldn't be able to do it without this army around me. I have the best people in the world that support me every single day. I just want to say I love everyone, thank you guys for showing up and Coach Creighton, without you giving me a chance, none of this would have been possible, so I appreciate it."
All In A Days Work
It was quite a day for Maxx on his return to Ypsilanti, starting with a morning meeting with EMU President Dr. James Smith and his wife, Connie Ruhl-Smith. From there, Maxx was off on a golf-cart tour of Ypsilanti as 'The Condor' took flight through memory lane from his time at Eastern before finding his way to the hardwood inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center for a few friendly games of HORSE.
With the games in the books, the group went back to work as they recorded the latest episode of 'The Rush with Maxx Crosby' podcast. Co-hosted by former Eastern football players Brogan Roback, Dustin Creel, and Darien Terrell, the episode will feature an interview with Creighton. The podcast is available through all podcast apps.
After meeting with the 2024 team and imparting his wisdom and shared experiences, Maxx and Rachel, who played soccer at Eastern, entered Crosby Field just as the team does during home games: coming out of the garage, smashing down the wall, and stepping onto the turf. Following photo opportunities and uncovering the Crosby Field lettering, family and friends, guests, and members of the EMU football program sat down for dinner.
Following dinner, Wetherbee opened a short program as he spoke about his interactions with Maxx and what led to his gift of $1 million to the department nearly one year ago. Wetherbee also spoke of how the Crosby's generosity started a string of gifts that not only made Crosby Field possible, but also the current construction of the new track and field complex nearby that will give the Eastern Track & Field and Cross Country programs their own home, a home that is slated to open in September.
Creighton came to the stage and delivered a powerful speech as he spoke about the belief the former players in attendance brought to Ypsilanti, a belief that was able to be built into a rebirth of Eastern Football. He reminisced about the tough early days and the success the 2016 squad accomplished, laying the groundwork for the recent success of the program that has included six bowl games in the past 10 years, the most of any school in the Mid-American Conference.
Finally, Maxx took the stage and, after thanking everyone in attendance, spoke of the bond he and Rachel have shared since their time together at Eastern and the growth he has made every day as strives for perfection. Wetherbee returned to the stage to present the Crosbys with a framed picture of the new Crosby Field and presented Maxx with a shadow box containing a piece of the original grey turf and a piece of the newly installed field along with pictures from his playing days to commemorate his generosity.
The night concluded with Maxx meeting with fans in attendance to sign autographs and take pictures.
Tickets On Sale NOW
For fans seeking the ultimate experience, exclusive season ticket packages are available, offering perks such as VIP seating and parking privileges. With options to suit every budget and preference, there's never been a better time to secure your spot and join the EMU community in cheering on the Eagles to victory.
The benefits of being a 2024 season ticket holder include: piece of the turf from "The Factory" with official certificate of authenticity; invitations to exclusive season ticket holder events; printed season ticket holder group photo; and official Eastern Athletics corporate partners coupon book.
Ultimate fan season tickets include a new and improved chairback with increased leg room on the 50-yard line along with VIP season parking for just $180. Additional chairback season tickets are available in Reserved Sections 104-109 for only $150.
Reserved season tickets are available for $120 or general admission season tickets are $108. Eastern Michigan faculty, staff, and young alumni (35-and-under) season tickets are only $84. Additionally, former EMU student-athletes can purchase an E-Club membership for $200 that provides season tickets for all home football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games. To purchase E-Club season memberships, please call the Eastern Athletics Ticket Office at 734.487.3669.
The alumni season value pack also returns for just $240, which includes four tickets per game. Meanwhile, VIP season parking in the George Gervin GameAbove Center parking lot will also be available for $60.
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