Ever wondered where the University of Hawaiʻi Rainbow Warriors play their home football games? That’s the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. This sports complex is on the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in Honolulu. It is home to various sports.
The Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex wasn’t always the football team’s home. Aloha Stadium was their venue since 1975. In December 2020, Aloha Stadium had issues. So, the university decided to move home games to the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. The team planned to play there for at least three years.
Before the 2021 season, the complex was upgraded. Seating capacity increased and the turf was replaced. A new scoreboard and speaker system were installed. The press box was also upgraded. In 2021, the stadium held 9346 fans. By 2023, it expanded to 15194. In 2024, the capacity further increased to 16909.
The Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex replaced Cooke Field. This happened after a $5 million donation. The donation came from the Clarence T. C. Ching Foundation. Clarence T. C. Ching was a real estate developer. The donation was a record for the university’s athletics program. The project faced delays and budget increases. It eventually opened in 2015.
The NCAA once threatened to decertify the university’s athletic department. This was due to a lack of women’s sports facilities. The Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex was intended to improve this. It better served women’s athletics, especially the soccer team.
Before moving to Waipiʻo Peninsula, the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex was home to the women’s soccer team. It also has a beach volleyball venue. This venue seats 778 and has two competition courts. The university’s beach volleyball team uses it. The complex also serves as a cross country course. The field and track are used for outdoor track and field.
Clarence T.C. Ching was born on Kauaʻi in 1912. He was a developer, realtor, and philanthropist. He founded The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation in 1967. The foundation supports charitable and educational functions.
Tailgating is prohibited on the UH Mānoa campus. This includes the Zone 20 parking structure. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and cooking devices are not permitted. However, eating inside your vehicle is allowed. Also, outside food and beverages are prohibited inside the complex.
The Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex is more than just a sports venue. It’s a testament to the legacy of Clarence T.C. Ching. It supports various athletic programs. It’s a place where athletes compete. It’s a place where fans gather.