The University of Detroit Mercy broke ground on a new track and field at their main McNichols campus.
The complex, to be located just north of Calihan Hall, consists of a synthetic turf field and a six-lane all-weather track. The field will be playable by the first week in October, according to UDM's new athletic director Keri Gaither.
The field will be lined for soccer and football and will be usable for the university's intramural athletes as well as Horizon League teams. Gaither points out that if lacrosse is added to UDM's roster of competitive sports -- as is being considered -- that team would use the field as well.
Because UDM had no outdoor track, its track and field athletes had to practice off-site in Ferndale and Windsor. The new track will allow the university to host home dual meets as well improve the quality of athlete's lives by saving time on practice days.
Gaither estimates the track and field, stadium and associated lighting will cost $1.3 million. It is being funding partially through university bonding as well as through contributions from the athletic department.
Gaither also notes that six new positions have been added to the athletic department as part of UDM's sport expansion plan. "Really, there's just a whole number of wonderful things happening right now," she says.
Source: Keri Gaither, UDM
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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