Dial-Roberson Stadium

GPS Address: 3768 Klinger Rd, Ada, Ohio

Dial-Roberson Stadium has been the home of Polar Bear football since the fall of 2004 and Polar Bear lacrosse since 2016.

The stadium is named after Jim Dial (ONU ’57) and his wife, Nidrah (ONU ’58), and Arden “Stretch” Roberson (ONU ’49). Roberson was the head football coach at Ohio Northern from 1960-1969 and also quarterbacked the Polar Bears from 1946-1948.

After 57 seasons playing off-campus at Ada War Memorial Stadium, Ohio Northern opened Dial-Roberson in fine fashion on Sept. 4, 2004, defeating Westminster (Pa.) 31-0.

The stadium was dedicated three weeks later on Sept. 25 when ONU defeated Ohio Athletic Conference rival Muskingum 31-11. Ohio State head football coach and longtime friend of the Roberson family, Jim Tressel, was on hand for the stadium dedication.

The $6 million, 20,000-square foot facility houses three team locker rooms, a weight room, a training room, a locker room for the football and men’s lacrosse coaching staff and a locker room for game officials.

It has a seating capacity of 4,000 with lawn seating on a grassy bank for more than 1,000 more. In 2024, the visitor’s bleachers were completed thanks to a generous donation from a former ONU football student-athlete. 

An Astro-Turf field was added and dedicated as Bill Robinson Field on Oct. 4, 2013. In 2023 a former football student-athlete’s donation provided a newer turf surface.

The main concourse, including the restrooms and concession stand, is heated and air-conditioned to aid in the comfort of the fans.

The stadium is located on the west end of campus adjacent to Kerscher Stadium, which hosts ONU Men’s and Women’s Soccer and Men’s and Women’s Track and Field.

Dial-Roberson Stadium is an outstanding compliment to the rest of Ohio Northern’s superb athletic facilities, giving the Polar Bears one of the Midwest’s most complete athletic facilities.