In depth

Discussion Forum

The Athletic Department has plans to renovate many of the athletic facilities in the upcoming years.

The areas that will be refurbished include Wilson Field, virtually all of the gymnasium, and the Liberty Hall Fields. There are also long-term plans to build an indoor field house and natatorium, according to Director of Athletics, Mike Walsh.

There have already been significant improvements to on-campus athletic facilities.      Director of Athletics Mike Walsh

The baseball field and stadium, turf field, fitness center, locker rooms, soccer fields, football field and track have all been renovated.

While the majority of the Warner Center has undergone significant upgrades, there are many areas that are still in desperate need of a touch-up. The floor in the Doremus gym, for example, is the same floor that has been there since the mid 1920's.

The plans for the Doremus and Warner Center Complex are to generally make the facility more user friendly and accessible to the public. These plans focus on recovering classroom space, upgrading office space, and updating the court space. New lights, bleachers, and gym floors will be added to the basketball and volleyball courts.

There are also plans to create a Hall of Fame lounge that can be used for conferences.

The racquetball and squash court areas will undergo extensive renovations. The number of courts will be reduced from ten to eight, to accommodate a climbing wall. The courts will also be converted to Plexiglas paneling to better facilitate instruction and spectators.

The swimming pool may also be lengthened.

These renovations are all part of the ultimate goal to make the complex a “state-of-the-art facility,” says Chuck O’Connell, the Assistant Athletics Director.

Wilson Field is also a blemish on the impressive campus. The grass and track were resurfaced this past summer, but the stadium has remained largely untouched since the 1920's.

O’Connell says that the stadium is an “ugly, battleship from the civil war era. It’s hideous…it’s got to be replaced.”

The renovations planned for the football stadium include the stands and seating capacity, concession stands, press box, general landscaping around the stadium, additional locker rooms for the visiting team, and the scoreboard. 

The University has also contacted “campus planners” to help decide what space exists and how it can be successfully utilized.

The Athletic Department has already made requests for proposals for the renovations to at least four architectural firms, according to O’Connell. This will help the University gauge interest level and assist in developing models and providing a cost estimate.

According to Mike Walsh, they have about half of the estimated $5 million price tag raised.  Fundraising efforts have been made in conjunction with the Development Office as well as seeking donations from parents, alumni, and philanthropic organizations.

These renovations will benefit athletes and non-athletes alike.

Currently, there is not nearly enough field space and facilities for collegiate athletic teams as well as club and intramural teams. The additional field space would allow certain areas to be dedicated to non-varsity and recreational sports.