As we enter the closing months of our Bicentennial year, the Quad is becoming the heart of the celebration. Starting September 4, it will transform into the Bicentennial Village. This Bicentennial Village on the Quad will host our homecoming festivities, the student ball, and other college activities leading up to the closing weekend of the Bicentennial celebration and Rivalry Week.
There will be some noise and change along the way as we build it, and I am grateful in advance for your patience. What is taking shape on the Quad is not just a temporary structure; it is the activation of our beloved Quad, as we launch into our third century with ambition, optimism, and pride.
— President Nicole Hurd
A temporary structure built on the Quad for one semester only, site of the Bicentennial Ball, our donor fundraiser; the free Student Bicentennial Ball; Homecoming; concert performances and celebrations; and more.
Construction begins Friday, Sept. 4, and is expected to take three to four weeks, weather permitting, running roughly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
The grassy areas of the Quad will be unavailable during construction and through the fall semester. Perimeter walkways will remain open. The Village is temporary and will be removed at the end of the semester.
Some construction noise during work hours is expected, particularly in the first two weeks. We’ve asked the construction team to keep noise-generating work concentrated during the day and to be mindful of the academic buildings and library nearby. If disruption affects a specific class or event, contact AVP for Operations Geoff Labe, and we’ll help troubleshoot.
Anderson Courtyard, Schwartz Schoor Plaza, Easton Quad, and the brand-new Fisher Quad Sports Court have all been upgraded and are ready to go, with seating, games, and equipment. See the map of alternative spaces below. Email reserve@lafayette.edu or call 610-330-5077 to reserve a space.
March Field is not affected by the Bicentennial Village construction. Intramural and recreational sports will continue as usual this fall.
Facilities will use the opportunity to address longstanding grade and drainage issues, then rehab and replant the Quad from mid-December through early spring so it’s ready for Commencement. The Village is not a permanent structure; the Quad returns to normal use afterward.
It’s the heart of campus and the natural gathering place for a celebration of this scale, the same reason it hosted last year’s Bicentennial kickoff. This is a once-in-200-years moment, and the Quad is where the college comes together to mark it, for one season.
The Village is funded as part of the College’s broader investment in Bicentennial programming, anchored by the Bicentennial Ball on Oct. 10, the largest and most ambitious donor event in College history. Proceeds help write Lafayette’s next chapter, supporting our students and programs for generations to come.
While the Quad hosts the Bicentennial Village, we’ve upgraded outdoor spaces across campus so you don’t lose a place to gather: Anderson Courtyard, Schwartz Schoor Plaza, Easton Quad, and the brand-new Fisher Quad Sports Court, all outfitted with seating, games, and equipment. Reserve a space at reserve@lafayette.edu or 610-330-5077.