Located just to the west of Barber Gym, Butler Stadium is a part of Quantico’s history that dates back to 1921, when the construction of the stadium by Marines began. The stadium has graced its present location since then and has gone through renovations over the years to keep it usable.

The latest renovation was started in September 2011, and it was a major renovation.  The redo of the stadium in 2011-2012 included:

•  Installation of  NCAA quality artificial turf football/soccer field with Marine logo at center field and custom Marine end zones.
• Installation of drainage under football field and around perimeter of existing running track.
• Demolition and replacement of field goals.
• Demolition of existing seating.
• Replacing deteriorated concrete seating planks with precast structural concrete seat planks.
• Removing and replacing existing handrails with painted steel handrails.
• Installation of crack sealant and new coping stones on upper and lower walls.
• Removing and replacing existing upper and lower sidewalk with new poured concrete.
• Renovating existing press box and VIP seating area. This work included lead abatement, window replacement, new drywall, new seating and seat backs, sun protection, and painting of all wood surfaces.

 But what went into its construction originally?

Butler Stadium began as a project of Base Commander Brig. Gen. Smedley D. Butler. Begun in 1921, Butler’s goal, simply stated, was to build “the world’s largest stadium.”  But in the years after World War I, with budgets for the military significantly cut, how would Butler make this goal come about?

With $5,000 pledged for concrete to begin the construction, the largest hurdle was manpower and iron. The manpower Butler found was by having those Marines stationed aboard Quantico take shifts working on the new stadium, from privates first class to the general himself. The iron was found by getting local railway companies to donate used rails, and also by using iron left at old bases shut down after World War I had ended. Sand and gravel needed were dredged from the Potomac River and work progressed on the stadium.

While construction of the original stadium itself was in fits and spurts until proper completion after World War II, the stadium did see use in Butler’s lifetime. One memorable event from the stadium’s early years involved a game between the Naval Academy and the Quantico Marines. Following a 42-0 first half, the Academy’s band had started playing Anchors Aweigh, leading a fuming Butler to point at the Navy side of the field and scream, “Chaarrge!” According to the anecdote, the resulting ruckus was only ended when the Navy band started to play the National Anthem and everyone snapped to attention. Supposedly, it took 16 choruses of the Anthem before order was fully restored.