Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, June 23, 2026

Curtis Granderson donating $5 million for new university stadium

The Yankees outfielder is helping out the University of Illinois at Chicago, his alma mater, by personally funding over 70 percent of the new stadium costs.

USA TODAY Sports

Injuries have kept Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson from making much of an impact on the field thus far this season, but they haven't stopped him from making positive contributions to baseball altogether.

The three-time All-Star has come to an agreement with the trustees at the University of Illinois at Chicago -- whence he was drafted in 2002 -- to personally fund $5 million of the $7 million needed for the university’s new baseball stadium, per the Associated Press.

Expected to open in time for the 2015 season, Curtis Granderson Stadium will be an open-air, brick-and-stone will seat up to 1,200 fans. The agreement drawn up between Granderson and the trustees sets up the stadium to be used not only for UIC Flames baseball games, but also for events put on by Chicago public schools and local youth organizations.

Granderson is already well known for his charitable endeavors -- he was the 2009 Marvin Miller Man of the Year award winner and his Grand Kids Foundation raises money for the education of inner-city kids -- so this latest donation only reinforces his reputation as one of the nicest guys in baseball.

More from SB Nation:

Neyer: Tim Lincecum’s new normal

Maybe the Yankees really are in trouble

David Wright establishing himself among all-time greats

Pearlman: How one player can change a small town

MLB draft: Key pitchers to know | Key hitters

See More:

More in MLB

MLB
Men’s College World Series Finals: What you need to know about UNC-OklahomaMen’s College World Series Finals: What you need to know about UNC-Oklahoma
MLB

Everything you need to know about the Men’s College World Series Finals

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Oklahoma-Georgia gave us an incredible family moment at the Men’s College World SeriesOklahoma-Georgia gave us an incredible family moment at the Men’s College World Series
MLB

Kolby Branch’s final collegiate swing capped off a bittersweet night for the Branch family in Omaha

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series 2026: Schedule, scores, and how to watchMen’s College World Series 2026: Schedule, scores, and how to watch
MLB

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Men’s College World Series, from the full schedule to how to watch

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Owen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS FinalsOwen Hull and UNC knock off West Virginia to advance to the MCWS Finals
MLB

UNC is headed to the Men’s College World Series Finals after knocking off West Virginia in Omaha

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series: Joey Volchko dominates as Georgia knocks off TexasMen’s College World Series: Joey Volchko dominates as Georgia knocks off Texas
MLB

Georgia’s Joey Volchko was dominant as the Bulldogs knocked off Texas to open their MCWS

By Mark Schofield
MLB
Men’s College World Series: Gavin Gallaher, Colin Hynek deliver for UNC vs. Ole MissMen’s College World Series: Gavin Gallaher, Colin Hynek deliver for UNC vs. Ole Miss
MLB

Gavin Gallaher’s first career MCWS hit came at a perfect time for UNC against Ole Miss

By Mark Schofield