Building a legacy of excellence with Klöckner Stadium

People sat in the stands, watching the football at the Klöckner Stadium.

At kp, we strive for excellence in the materials we create, and in the impact we leave on the communities we serve. This philosophy of giving back and fostering growth lives on through one of our notable partnerships: Klöckner Stadium at the University of Virginia.

Since 1992, Klöckner Stadium has stood as a beacon of athletic excellence and a testament to the power of collaboration. kp’s contribution towards its original construction helped pave the way for one of the nation's premier collegiate soccer facilities. This has become a source of immense pride for everyone in the kp family and showcases our commitment to creating lasting value beyond the manufacturing floor.

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When Klöckner Stadium was created with a significant donation from kp, it set the foundation for turning a dream into reality and establishing a facility where champions could thrive.

The vision behind Klöckner Stadium

When the idea for Klöckner Stadium first took shape, it aligned perfectly with our belief in supporting world-class endeavours. kp is deeply committed to innovation and quality, and we hold the same high standards for the communities we serve.

When Klöckner Stadium was created with a significant donation from kp, it set the foundation for turning a dream into reality and establishing a facility where champions could thrive. As Harry J.G. van Beek, then-President of Klöckner Capital Corporation, shared:
"World-class teams such as UVa deserve world-class stadiums. On behalf of all the Klöckner companies in the United States, we are thrilled to be a part of championship soccer at UVa."

The first phase of Klöckner Stadium featured everything a top-tier facility needed: seating for thousands of enthusiastic fans, a natural grass field, practice facilities, locker rooms, and more. As the University of Virginia's soccer programme grew, so did our commitment. In 1995, we were proud to serve as the largest donor to fund the installation of a state-of-the-art lighting system, enabling the Cavaliers to host night games and broaden the stadium's functionality.

A legacy of impact on and off the field

For kp, supporting Klöckner Stadium was more than just helping build a facility - creating a space for the University of Virginia and the Charlottesville community to thrive. Over the years, the stadium has become a hub for world-class athletic competition and community engagement.

Home to champions: With an incredible home record of 164-25-10 (.849) in men's soccer and 120-31-11 (.775) in women's soccer, Klöckner Stadium has provided the Cavaliers with an undeniable advantage that has helped propel their programs to national prominence.
Hosting historic moments: From NCAA playoff games to U.S. Soccer Federation events and Olympic qualifiers, Klöckner Stadium has hosted soccer's most prestigious competitions, cementing its place as a venue of choice for top-tier events.
Engaging the community: Beyond collegiate athletics, Klöckner Stadium has also been a valuable resource for the local community, hosting coaching clinics, high school championships, and even professional training for D.C. United, a Major League Soccer team.

This far-reaching influence reminds us why we believe in contributing to meaningful projects. Klöckner Stadium isn't just a place for games - its where young athletes' dreams are encouraged, fans come together, and the spirit of competition flourishes.

Klöckner Stadium plaque, detailing the partnership.

Reflecting the kp values

At kp, we understand that our responsibility extends beyond manufacturing. Our partnership with the University of Virginia reflects the core values that we bring into every aspect of our business:

Innovation: As Klöckner Stadium incorporates cutting-edge features like modern lighting and a video display board, our products exemplify technical mastery and forward-thinking design.
Community commitment: Whether in Charlottesville or the other communities where we operate, we strive to create meaningful connections that drive progress and support local needs.
Sustainability: Like Klöckner Stadium, which brings people together in a sustainably maintained sports facility, our work is guided by environmental responsibility and long-term impact.

Looking ahead

As Klöckner Stadium continues hosting milestone events and creating memories for athletes and fans alike, kp remains proud of the part we've played in its success. Our commitment to supporting initiatives like this stands as a testament to our overarching purpose: creating value to meet today's goals and inspire future generations.

We're humbled to have contributed to a facility that embodies the best in sportsmanship, community, and athletic excellence. Klöckner Stadium is more than a monument to soccer greatness; it symbolises what's possible when innovation, collaboration, and community investment come together.
Together, we continue to build a legacy as strong, enduring, and aspirational as Klöckner Stadium.