DePaul University

Sept. 28, 2010

CHICAGO - Prior to the start of the men's soccer BIG EAST match against Villanova on Saturday afternoon, the DePaul athletics department will honor Vic and Char Cacciatore and the Cacciatore Family with the dedication of the stadium for DePaul's soccer and softball programs. Their generosity has transformed Cacciatore Stadium into one of the premier venues for college soccer and softball in the Midwest.

The stadium dedication brunch will be served at 11 a.m. with a brief program at 11:45 a.m. The on-field dedication ceremony with DePaul President Fr. Dennis Holtschneider, C.M. is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. prior to the 1 p.m. kickoff between the Blue Demons and Wildcats. To attend the dedication brunch, please RSVP online by clicking HERE or by calling Marge Mazik at 773-325-7240 or by e-mail at mmazik@depaul.edu. Parking is available in the Sheffield Parking Garage.

"Cacciatore Stadium stands testament to the commitment DePaul Athletics, its alumni and donors have to providing a championship-caliber experience for our student-athletes," Director of Athletics Jean Lenti Ponsetto said. "We are indebted to Vic and Char Cacciatore and their family for stepping forward to provide an incredible stage on which our student-athletes in softball and soccer can perform."

The stadium now boasts more than 1,200 permanent seats that extend from traditional behind-the-plate seating for softball to midfield seating for soccer. Additionally, fans will enjoy complete concessions and restroom facilities. Cacciatore Stadium also features a state-of-the-art press box for media. 

Cacciatore Stadium named in honor of Vic and Charlotte Cacciatore, and their family, as a testament to their leadership, service and generosity to DePaul University.

Victor J. Cacciatore, Sr. graduated from the College of Commerce in 1952 and the College of Law in 1955.  Following graduation, and a period of two years, he was in the U.S. Army as a Special Agent for Counter-Intelligence Corps. After this tour of duty, he embarked on what was to become a long and prominent career in banking, real estate and law.

A strong proponent of education, Vic joined the University's Board of Trustees in 1973. Since then, he has enthusiastically served the University, playing an important role in DePaul's acquisition of the Goldblatt Building, now the the DePaul Center, and the historic Blackstone Theatre, now the Merle Reskin Theatre. Vic also was involved in the negotiations that ultimately brought the Goodman School of Drama to DePaul University.  Through the years, he and his family also became some of the university's most charitable supporters.

Vic, Charlotte, and their children believe in the University's mission and its ability to transform lives.  A DePaul education is a tradition in the Cacciatore family, and more than a dozen family members are graduates of the university. Seven of Vic and Charlotte Cacciatore's 10 children are DePaul graduates. Two of Charlotte's brothers are College of Law graduates who became judges and three of Vic and Charlotte's son-in-laws earned master's degrees.

Devoted DePaul athletics fans, a generous gift from the Cacciatore's made this stadium possible.  The largest outright gift in DePaul athletics history, Cacciatore stadium serves more than 1,200 Blue Demon softball and soccer fans.