1083 - Ron Stephens Stadium

Like most of the United States, the Great Depression was devastating for Oklahoma. To relieve the economic hardship, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Works Progress Administration, commonly called WPA, in 1935 to provide jobs and income to the rising population of unemployed Americans. The WPA is the most famous of President Roosevelt’s New Deal programs because it affected so many lives. His work-relief program employed more than 8.5 million people who were tasked with building bridges, roads, public buildings, city parks, and airports. Comanche County was not immune to the havoc created by the Great Depression and through the WPA, the Ron Stephens Stadium was built.

Originally called Roosevelt Stadium, the facility was completed in 1936 for roughly $72,000. Surrounded by high granite walls, the arena provided seating for each side of the football field. This particular project became a passion project for Ron Stephens, who was the assistant WPA director at the time. In honor of his ardent dedication to the stadium and to the city of Lawton itself, the name was later changed to the Ron Stephens Stadium. He would, undoubtedly, be proud that it is still being used today for junior varsity games and scrimmages, as well as various civic events.

By the time the Works Progress Administration was terminated in 1943, it had made a significant impact on the state of Oklahoma. Not only had it provided jobs for those in desperate situations, but it left behind a number of treasured and useful artifacts, including the Ron Stephens Stadium in Lawton.