Groundbreaking for New Athletics Fields

The first phase of the university’s "Home Field Advantage" project will begin with a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, April 20, at 5 p.m.

President Walter Harrison, civic leaders, donors, and friends of the Department of Athletics will gather behind the Sports Center to celebrate the launch of the project, which will involve the construction of new outdoor athletics facilities. Phase I will include the renovation of an existing soccer and lacrosse field (Al-Marzook Field), the relocation and construction of a softball field, and the construction of a baseball field.

“Not only will many of our intercollegiate programs have new facilities, including bringing baseball back on campus for the first time since 1985, but the new construction will provide recreational and fitness opportunities for the Greater Hartford community at large,” Harrison said.

Expected to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony will be President Harrison, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez, West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka, University Director of Athletics Pat Meiser-McKnett, Home Field Advantage Campaign Co-Chairs Robert Forrester and Gary LaRocque, student-athlete Katie Gardiner of Storrs (a senior on the women’s soccer team) and Tom Reich (the lead donor to the campaign).

The renovation of Al-Marzook Field will be finished in early August, in time for fall 2005 competition, while construction of the baseball and softball fields will be completed in November 2005 for spring 2006 competition.

Phase II of the Home Field Advantage project will consist of the construction of a track surrounding an all-purpose field.

The architect on the project is Clough Harbour Sports, headquartered in Albany, N.Y., which specializes in the planning and design of sports and recreational facilities. Clough Harbor Sports has been involved with the construction of athletics facilities at more than 50 institutions, including America East Conference schools New Hampshire, Vermont and Boston University. The construction manager is David White & Sons from New Hampshire.