Thursday, February 21, 2008

            February 15, 2008 marked the beginning of a new era in Valparaiso football as work began on a $2.6 million renovation of Brown Field. 

            “This is a tremendous step forward not only for football, but for the entire athletics and recreation programs” stated Athletics Director Mark LaBarbera.

            The project, part of the F.I.T.T. (Football, Intramurals, Tennis, and Track) initiative, includes the installation of a synthetic turf field configured for both football and soccer, a new scoreboard with video message board, and renovations of the existing seating to bring it into compliance with current ADA guidelines.

            “We are very excited to know we will have a new field surface to play on this season,” said head football coach Stacy Adams.

            Funding has been set aside for the future installation of field lighting.  The work is scheduled to be completed by August 4^th.  The facility has been designed to accommodate the future inclusion of an eight lane running track.

            “We are appreciative of the supporters and former student-athletes who have stepped up to make this project a reality” added LaBarbera. “We had an original goal of $3.2 million that was exceeded as people caught the vision of continuing our championship tradition here at Valpo.”

            Other phases of F.I.T.T. that have already been completed include the new Valpo Tennis Complex that opened in 2006 as well as funding for the cardio fitness center in the Athletics-Recreation Center.

            “This is one step further in allowing us to expand our intramural programs, and offer our participants a quality field to compete on,” said Rin Seibert, Assistant Director of Athletics for Recreational Sports said.