Murray State University Athletics
Murray State Athletics Receives $2.5 Million Gift from the Rudolph Family
5/19/2026 9:10:00 AM | General
Gift secures football field naming at Roy Stewart Stadium
Murray State Athletics has received a $2.5 million gift from the Rudolph Family that will further enhance the department's vision for the future through the Leading The Pack campaign and secure the naming rights to the field inside Roy Stewart Stadium, it was announced on Tuesday.
With new turf coming to the football stadium this summer as part of the second phase of the stadium's renovation, the field will be christened with the name Rudolph Family Field ahead of the 2026 season.
"This transformational gift will have a profound impact on our Department of Athletics and football program," Murray State University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "The Rudolph Family has been a major supporter of Murray State for years, and this is a fitting way to honor their incredible contributions to our University and their incredible legacy in our community."
"Robbie, Lisa, and the entire Rudolph family have gone above and beyond for Racer Athletics with their time, talents, and treasures, and we are incredibly grateful for this generous gift," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "Their support of athletics, along with their impact on the University and the community, shows their unwavering commitment to advancing Murray, Calloway County, and our region. There has been a tremendous amount of progress around our athletics footprint over the last two years, and this gift will allow us to further build on the momentum that we have created together to better serve our region for years to come."
The Rudolph's are multi-generational Racers and have been active throughout the Murray-Calloway County community, playing significant roles in numerous philanthropic causes and organizations in the area. Their work includes The Four Rivers Foundation, which has provided thousands of hours of dual-credit classes and scholarships to high school students.
The Rudolph family owns Rudolph Tire, a leader in the tire industry with locations in both Murray and Dallas, and Rudolph Freight, which serves the trucking industry nationwide. They run the companies with their children, Mallory and Grant.
"We have been loyal Murray State supporters for years and are extremely blessed to be able to make this investment into the long-term vision that President Patterson, Director of Athletics Nico Yantko, and his team have for Racer Athletics," Robbie Rudolph said. "There is so much positive progress impacting our community, powered by the many successes of Murray State Athletics, and we wholeheartedly believe in its importance for our region. This is an exciting time to be a part of Racer Nation, and we are thrilled to see the continued trajectory and momentous growth of our community."
Roy Stewart Stadium is set to begin the next phase of its transformation, with level one being re-branded and receiving new flooring. The inside of the facility will also be getting a facelift with the installation of the new FieldTurf and a new videoboard.
Â
The football team areas have already received significant enhancements over the last two years, including the addition of the Draffen Family Performance Center and the upgrades to the program's team meeting space, locker room, coaches' suite, and shower facilities.
Additionally, the training room within Roy Stewart Stadium is being completely overhauled with new hot and cold plunges, upgraded athletic training equipment, updated branding, and new digital displays throughout the space.
Over the last two years, Murray State has raised a school-record $42.5 million in support of new facilities, initiatives, and championship resources. That total was made possible by 15 seven-figure gifts, which also amounts to the most in department history.
The $42.5 million is committed towards the department's bold, comprehensive $100 million fundraising campaign, Leading The Pack, which was created to further position itself for the future by investing in student-athlete success and wellness, revenue share, and competitive resources and world-class facilities.
Learn more about how you can support the campaign by clicking HERE.
Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics), and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
Â
With new turf coming to the football stadium this summer as part of the second phase of the stadium's renovation, the field will be christened with the name Rudolph Family Field ahead of the 2026 season.
"This transformational gift will have a profound impact on our Department of Athletics and football program," Murray State University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "The Rudolph Family has been a major supporter of Murray State for years, and this is a fitting way to honor their incredible contributions to our University and their incredible legacy in our community."
"Robbie, Lisa, and the entire Rudolph family have gone above and beyond for Racer Athletics with their time, talents, and treasures, and we are incredibly grateful for this generous gift," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "Their support of athletics, along with their impact on the University and the community, shows their unwavering commitment to advancing Murray, Calloway County, and our region. There has been a tremendous amount of progress around our athletics footprint over the last two years, and this gift will allow us to further build on the momentum that we have created together to better serve our region for years to come."
The Rudolph's are multi-generational Racers and have been active throughout the Murray-Calloway County community, playing significant roles in numerous philanthropic causes and organizations in the area. Their work includes The Four Rivers Foundation, which has provided thousands of hours of dual-credit classes and scholarships to high school students.
The Rudolph family owns Rudolph Tire, a leader in the tire industry with locations in both Murray and Dallas, and Rudolph Freight, which serves the trucking industry nationwide. They run the companies with their children, Mallory and Grant.
"We have been loyal Murray State supporters for years and are extremely blessed to be able to make this investment into the long-term vision that President Patterson, Director of Athletics Nico Yantko, and his team have for Racer Athletics," Robbie Rudolph said. "There is so much positive progress impacting our community, powered by the many successes of Murray State Athletics, and we wholeheartedly believe in its importance for our region. This is an exciting time to be a part of Racer Nation, and we are thrilled to see the continued trajectory and momentous growth of our community."
Roy Stewart Stadium is set to begin the next phase of its transformation, with level one being re-branded and receiving new flooring. The inside of the facility will also be getting a facelift with the installation of the new FieldTurf and a new videoboard.
Â
The football team areas have already received significant enhancements over the last two years, including the addition of the Draffen Family Performance Center and the upgrades to the program's team meeting space, locker room, coaches' suite, and shower facilities.
Additionally, the training room within Roy Stewart Stadium is being completely overhauled with new hot and cold plunges, upgraded athletic training equipment, updated branding, and new digital displays throughout the space.
Over the last two years, Murray State has raised a school-record $42.5 million in support of new facilities, initiatives, and championship resources. That total was made possible by 15 seven-figure gifts, which also amounts to the most in department history.
The $42.5 million is committed towards the department's bold, comprehensive $100 million fundraising campaign, Leading The Pack, which was created to further position itself for the future by investing in student-athlete success and wellness, revenue share, and competitive resources and world-class facilities.
Learn more about how you can support the campaign by clicking HERE.
Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics), and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
Â
Evansville VS Murray State | Women's Basketball Game Highlights
Saturday, February 28
Head Coach Rechelle Turner | Racer Basketball | 2/26/26 Post Game Press Conference
Friday, February 27
Thomas & Pena | Racer Basketball | 2/26/26 Post Game Press Conference
Friday, February 27
Indiana State VS Murray State | Women's Basketball Game Highlights
Friday, February 27
