The stadium opened on September 26, 1964, with covered seating for 3,300 spectators and an additional 2,500 bleacher seats.[1] It was the first stadium for the UPS football program and was built with a grant from prominent Tacoma businessman John S. Baker;[2][3] the field is named after former Puget Sound alumni Joe Peyton, who was a long-time coach and faculty member.[2] The stadium has covered seating of 3,000 and uncovered seating of 500.[2]