The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge received a $1 million pledge from the Steinbrenner Foundation for improvements to Steinbrenner Stadium.

The gift will help with construction of a new entrance and pathway from Vassar Street to the stadium, as well as lighting, seating and a new press box, the foundation and the school said in a joint statement today.

"The legacy of the Steinbrenner connection to MIT lives on through this generous gift," MIT Athletic Director Julie Soriero said in the statement. "This will vastly improve Steinbrenner Stadium as it currently exists, making it an outstanding venue in which to compete or watch a game."

In 1977, New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and his sisters, Susan and Judith, made a contribution to MIT for the construction of the stadium in honor of their father, Henry G. Steinbrenner.

The late Henry G. Steinbrenner, a two-time track-and-field All-American, received a bachelor of science degree in naval architecture and engineering from MIT in 1927. He became the first MIT student to earn an athletic national title, winning the low hurdles championship in record time during his senior year. He spent most of his professional career as president of Kinsman Marine Transit Co., a family owned shipping line.

The stadium is the home field for the university's football, men's lacrosse, soccer and outdoor track and field teams. The MIT Engineers play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division-III New England Football Conference.