UMO to break ground on new track/lacrosse facility Tuesday

By UMO Public Relations
Published in Sports on February 29, 2016 1:50 PM

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UMO Public Relations

MOUNT OLIVE -- The University of Mount Oilve is set to break ground on Phase 1 of its new track and field/lacrosse complex on Tuesday.

The ceremony, scheduled for 2:30 p.m, will occur at the practice lacrosse fields, which are located off of James Hunt Drive across from Grantham Residence Hall.

Phase 1 of the complex is estimated at $2 million.

The facility will include an eight-lane synthetic surface track (400 meters) and an artificial surface field inside the track for men's and women's home lacrosse games. Areas for throws and jumps are outside the track area.

The complex is expected to serve as a hub for both the university and the region.

"The complex will increase the number of out-of-town guests to the region," said Jimmy Williams, vice president for institutional advancement. "Hotels, restaurants and other service providers in the community will benefit from visitors to the track complex. In addition, the complex will meet the vital needs of the university's athletic programs and provide a sports venue for charitable organizations such as Special Olympics, Relay for Life, and for sports clinics and summer camps.

"The track and lacrosse complex will also promote wellness thorughout the region by providing another venue for exercise and training."

The origination behind the facility was to help the ever-expanding athletics program at UMO. Both the track and lacrosse teams are gaining recognition not only a regional level, but national level as well.

"The track and field/lacrosse complex will be a great boon to our athletics program," said Jeff Eisen, vice president for athletics. "Our track and lacrosse teams have had great success, and the addition of an on-campus track and artificial turf field will only enhance those teams.

"It will also be of great benefit to our other teams, as well as the campus community and local residents."

Construction is scheduled to begin upon conclusion of the ground-breaking ceremony. The project is projected for completion next fall -- just in time for the fall sports season. Jimmy Hite of Hite Associates in Greenville is the project architect. Travis Credle of Advantage Sports Services in Morehead City is the contractor.

The university is also conducting a fund-raising campaign entitled "My Meter Matters." You can sponsor one meter of the track for $250 and if one the one-time gift is a little out of reach financially, the university will allow a plan that requires $10 payments over a 25-month period.

Sponsorships are available for $500 and $1,000, also.

Each sponsor of $250 or more will receive a "My Meter Matters" T-shirt to show their support in the project's success. All meter sponsors will be permanently recognized on site once construction of the complex is complete.

For more information on "My Meter Matters," contact Ashley Mitchell at 919-658-7761 or amitchell@umo.edu.