Tempe Normal gained accreditation as a 4-year institute in 1925. It was quickly decided the football team would need a new larger home. In 1927 ground was broken on the new stadium. The stadium was named for
Fred Irish who was the head coach of the team for its first 8 seasons. Irish Field was located where the current Memorial Union sits on campus. Stadium lighting was added to Irish Field in 1930, allowing the team to play night games. ==References==