SINCE 1924
James Gamble Nippert Memorial Stadium
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the dedication of James Gamble Nippert Memorial Stadium, home to Cincinnati Bearcats football for over a century. Named for Jimmy Nippert, a 1923 team center who tragically passed away after an injury during a game, the stadium’s creation was a heartfelt tribute by his grandfather, James N. Gamble. Known as “The Wrigley Field of College Football,” this historic venue has been a fortress for the Bearcats and a symbol of enduring legacy, echoing the spirit of Jimmy Nippert and standing proudly as the University of Cincinnati marks its bicentennial.
REMEMBERING JIMMY
The Story
James Gamble "Jimmy" Nippert
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background: Born on March 6, 1900, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jimmy Nippert was part of the prominent Nippert family, with his grandfather being James N. Gamble, co-founder of Procter & Gamble.
High School: Jimmy attended Hughes High School until 1914.
Military Service: In 1918, Jimmy graduated from Culver Military Academy and promptly enlisted in the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant, one of the youngest to achieve this rank.
University of Cincinnati & Football Career
Enrollment: After being discharged from the military in December 1918, Jimmy enrolled in the law program at the University of Cincinnati.
Football Career: Jimmy played as a center for the UC Bearcats. He initially retired from football after his junior year to focus on law studies but returned in October 1923 to help the struggling team.
1923 Season: Jimmy’s return marked a turning point for the team, leading them to several victories, culminating in a dominant 23-0 win over Miami University on Thanksgiving Day.
The Fatal Injury
Thanksgiving Day Game: On November 29, 1923, during a muddy game against Miami University, Jimmy sustained a severe leg injury from a cleat. Despite the injury, he continued to play the entire game.
Complications: The injury led to septicemia due to the lack of antibiotics, and despite numerous blood transfusions from teammates, Jimmy’s condition worsened.
Death and Legacy
Death:Jimmy Nippert died on Christmas Day, 1923, at Christ Hospital. His death deeply affected the UC community and his family.
Stadium Dedication: In his memory, his grandfather, James N. Gamble, funded the completion of the UC stadium, leading to its renaming as the James Gamble Nippert Memorial Stadium. The dedication took place on November 8, 1924.
Family Legacy: The Nippert family continued their philanthropic efforts, significantly impacting the University of Cincinnati and the Greater Cincinnati area.
Personal Life
Family Tradition: Jimmy’s father, Alfred K. Nippert, began a tradition of planting a Christmas tree each year, creating a grove that symbolized the passing years. This tradition continued even after Jimmy’s death, marking the family’s lasting legacy.
Memorials: Jimmy’s contributions to his team and his tragic death are remembered as a testament to his dedication, courage, and the indelible mark he left on the University of Cincinnati.
Our History
Early Years
Carson Field in Burnet Woods
It was a farm, at first. A Scottish family was the first people of record to tame the land up the hill from Cincinnati in the early decades of the 1800s.
18s
20s
1920s
The birth of a stadium
With a permanent home atop the hill overlooking Cincinnati and a series of concrete seating sections lining Carson Field, Cincinnati football was charging into a new era as the sport’s popularity grew nationwide.
1930s
Early expansion of NIppert Stadium
The 1930s brought a new superstar, a presidential visit, a conference move, and the greatest run of success in program history.
30s
40s
1940s
Post-war growth fuels new Bearcats era.
In the 1940s, the Bearcats overcame World War II challenges, leading to post-war success with record attendance, a conference title, and their first bowl game under coach Sid Gillman.
1950s
A Home Win Streak
With Sid Gillman at the helm, Cincinnati football surged into a golden era, his innovative style igniting national interest and solidifying the team’s presence on the hilltop.
50s
60s
1960s
The Era of the Quarterback
The late 1950s to 1960s was transformative for UC sports. Basketball legends like Jack Twyman, Oscar Robertson, and others rose to fame, while quarterbacks Brig Owens and Greg Cook redefined UC football. The formation of the Cincinnati Bengals and their early games at Nippert Stadium added to UC's impact on Cincinnati's sports scene.
1970s
A Field of The Future
As the 1970s began, Nippert underwent a major transformation with the installation of AstroTurf, ushering in a new era for UC football. Despite the modernization, the Bearcats struggled to find consistent success, balancing ambitious goals with financial challenges.
70s
80s
1980s
Nippert at the Breaking Point
The 1980s tested UC football and Nippert Stadium to the brink. Financial struggles, NCAA battles, and a crumbling stadium pushed the program’s resilience, while coaches like Mike Gottfried and Tim Murphy fought to keep UC in Division I amidst relentless challenges.
1990s
Revival, Renovation, and Resilience
In the 1990s, UC chose to stay at Nippert Stadium, investing $13.5 million in upgrades that kept football on campus. By 1993, the team saw a winning season, and joining Conference USA in 1996 brought more success, including a big 1999 upset over #8 Wisconsin.
90s
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100 YEARS OF GROWTH
Then vs Now
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James gamble nippert memorial stadium
The Nippert Memorial Today
COMMEMORATING THE MOMENT
The Memorial Shield
The 100th Anniversary Identity Logo.
Namesake
Honoring the full name of the home of the Cincinnati Bearcats, typically referred to as Nippert Stadium
Cream Color
Representative of old, worn paper color tone of early 1920’s Nippert archives
100 YEARS
Typeset in Present-day Athletics Number-Font
DATE
Stadium Dedication
Nov. 8, 1924
Diamond Shape
University of Cincinnati symbol present on Dieterle Hall since 1910. Position in the logo signifies it’s physical location, as well as the location of Jimmy’s Memorial
Stadium Shape
Simple representation of Nippert Stadium seating maps in it’s old form
Jimmy Nippert
Translation of iconic Jimmy Nippert image, 1923
Crest
University of Cincinnati symbol present on Dieterle Hall since 1910. Position in the logo signifies it’s physical location, as well as the location of Jimmy’s Memorial
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