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Bob Cunningham Field: Field Renovation
SUMMARY Wayne State College has been investing in athletic facilities with the help of the Wayne State Foundation for many years. Recent upgrades such as the baseball and softball complex, Memorial Stadium renovation, football/soccer locker rooms, varsity weight room, Rice Auditorium seating and the Wildcat Sports Medicine Center play an important role in the success of the athletic department. These investments need to continue to take place because they positively impact the quality of athletics which in turn benefits the college community, campus life and student success. Wayne State student athletes excel both on and off the field. In 2011-2012 the all sport average G.P.A. was 3.13.
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It is the intent of Wayne State College to renovate the playing surface of Bob Cunningham Field located at Memorial Stadium. The Wayne State Foundation fundraising goal is $575,000. This project will completely replace the existing natural grass surface with a synthetic turf product. As part of the development of the recent 2012 Wayne State College Master Plan, renovation of the football field playing surface was noted as a key goal. The football field renovation is part of a larger $1.3 million project which includes resurfacing the Dr. LeRoy Simpson Track and widening the soccer field playing surface to meet NCAA guidelines.
Wayne State College is a proud member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Its 15-sport program competes at the Division II level. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track and field and outdoor track and field. The women compete in basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, softball, volleyball and soccer. WSC is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) in all sports.
Primary Project Objectives
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$1.3 Million in facility enhancements |
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Installation of an artificial turf playing surface on Bob Cunningham Field in Memorial Stadium |
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New Goal Posts |
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Aesthetic fencing surrounding Memorial Stadium |
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Resurfacing of the Memorial Stadium track |
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Widening of the soccer field to NCAA regulation size |
Benefits of Artificial Turf
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PLAYING SURFACE
The most recognizable benefit of having artificial grass is the playing surface itself. Consistent field conditions are an important factor in most sports, especially football. Artificial fields do not deteriorate like natural grass which eliminates the concern of having late season worn out and muddy fields caused by overuse and rain. Facilities with wear and tear are not an inviting impression for the fans or for a group of visiting football recruits and their parents.
SCHEDULING
The current natural grass field is only used for home football games by Wayne State and Wayne High School. Regularly scheduled football practice, marching band practice and intramural sports take place on other fields in order to keep the game field in good condition. An artificial field could allow this space to be used 24/7/365 by many different organizations on and off campus. Area high schools could also rent the field during football playoffs which would bring extra exposure to campus. This facility would be available to all 15 WSC sports programs, WSC intramurals, WSC Band, general campus activities and area high school events.
SAFETY
According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine, artificial turf was proven safer than natural grass. Their three year college football safety study reported 12% fewer concussions, 40% lower ACL trauma, 20% fewer severe injuries and 31% fewer ligament tears.
RECRUITING
The quality of athletic and recreation facilities have become an increasingly important factor in a student’s selection of a college. Opportunities for involvement in sports have increased dramatically in recent years, resulting in higher quality facilities at the middle, high school and college levels. For instance, in Nebraska, all of the class A high schools, except two, play all of their games on artificial turf. There are also a number of class B schools upgrading to turf. Currently, 12 of the 16 NSIC schools have artificial turf. The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) is in the same region as Wayne State College and 13 of their 15 schools have field turf. Student athletes are attracted to colleges with facilities that are competitive within their decision.
CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION
Wayne State has done an excellent job maintaining its campus. Many visitors, students, staff, alumni and friends enjoy the beauty of the trees, landscaping, historic state buildings and facilities. With Memorial Stadium in the heart of campus, a well designed field turf facility will offer an impressive impact to all visitors to campus. In the dead of winter visitors will have a bright green field to look at every day (when it is not covered with snow). Also, additional items such as refurbishing the fence and better branding of the facility will offer additional aesthetic benefits to the stadium and campus.
TIMELINE
Project Kick-off |
September 12, 2012 |
Project Review Meeting |
October 3, 2012 |
Complete Program Statement |
October 15, 2012 |
Begin Fundraising |
November 1, 2012 |
BOT Program Statement Approval |
November 8-9, 2012 |
Begin design |
November 26, 2012 |
BOT Design Approval |
January 15, 2013 |
Complete Fundraising |
April 30, 2013 |
Start Construction |
May 2013 |
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