updated 11:52 a.m. ET Oct. 15, 2008

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The MIT athletic department has received a $1 million gift from the Steinbrenner Foundation to upgrade its athletic stadium named for the father of New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology said in a statement Tuesday that it planned to build a new pathway and entrance to Steinbrenner Stadium, along with a new press box and improvements in lighting and seating.

The stadium was built in 1978 with proceeds from another donation by the foundation.

Henry G. Steinbrenner received his bachelor's degree in naval architecture and engineering from MIT in 1927. He was also a two-time track and field All-American and won a national championship in the low hurdles in his senior year.