by M.D. Dupuy

The new Tulane stadium  won't be called Tulane Stadium, or even New Tulane Stadium. No, all ghosts of the past will lie with the mummies below New Orleans. Pressing into the future, University President Scott Cowen announced at a press conference today that the long awaited facility has been christened Yulman Stadium after donors and retired Serta Mattress magnate Richard Yulman, and his wife Janet.

Another familiar New Orleans power couple will also factor into the new Green Wave home's name. Although they weren’t the biggest givers this time around, Tom and Gayle Benson were on stage to reap the rewards of their contribution to the new facility, Benson Field.  

Tulane’s marching band welcomed the crowd into Wilson Center, and cheerleaders were positioned on either side of the stage to get people pumped for the Green Wave’s upcoming game against Rice University.

Rick Dickson began the event by saying he was ready to see Tulane’s players “run out the tunnel and ring the victory bell at our own stadium.”

Cowen is thrilled to move forward after introducing plans for the stadium a year ago. 

“We are celebrating a tremendous milestone in the timeline of the new stadium.”

The first announcement  was for Avie and Jill Glazer, seated with the other donors. Jill Glazer is a Tulane grad herself, and thanks to the pair, the new stadium will include a Glazer Family Club area for those seeking a more luxurious spectator experience. Avie Glazer owns the Manchester United Football Club, as well as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Saints-Hornets-Fox8 Owners Tom and Gail Benson were on stage for Cowen’s announcement of Benson Field. Standing in front “pillars of the New Orleans community," Cowen also gave a happy 46th birthday to another New Orleans’ institution, the Saints.  

The stadium itself will bear the name of donors Richard and Janet Yulman, today’s most honorable guests. 

Richard Yulman, who chaired and owned Serta Mattress and sits on the governing body of Tulane, accepted the distinction with a few words about what the stadium means to him and to the city. Harkening back to the devastation he and his wife witnessed during Katrina, Yulman said a few words about how projects like the new athletic facility impact the greater New Orleans community.  

“When the future of Tulane is bright, the future of New Orleans is bright,” Yulman said.  “Local schools and community organizations will enjoy this field, along with Green Wave Football and other activities.” 

As the newly coined slogan goes, “You’ll Love Yulman Stadium.”