UND Breaks Ground for UND Athletics High Performance Center Thursday, Sept. 5

Peter Johnson

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-3-2013

Abstract

UND Breaks Ground for UND Athletics High Performance Center Thursday, Sept. 5

The University of North Dakota will hold groundbreaking ceremonies for Phase I of the $13 million UND Athletics High Performance Center Thursday, Sept. 5, 1:30 p.m., at the UND Practice Field South (south of Memorial Stadium). Parking is available in the UND lot on Second Avenue North, just north of Memorial Stadium.

The facility, which will be located between Memorial Stadium to the west and the UND Energy & Environmental Research Center to the east, will serve as the indoor training center for all UND Athletics programs as well as a competition facility for track and field events.

"This is an exciting time for UND Athletics. We have finished UND's transition to NCAA Division I in all sports. The UND Athletics High Performance Center will be an important asset for recruiting and retaining student athletes and for continuing UND's tradition of building nationally competitive teams," said UND President Robert Kelley.

The UND Athletics High Performance Center will be used by every athletics program on campus. It includes a 100-yard artificial turf field, a 300-meter, eight-lane track, spectator seating, a state-of-the-art academic center, and also space for sports medicine and strength and conditioning.

"This facility is a true game-changer for UND Athletics and an important part of our Athletics plan to build our program brick-by-brick," said UND Athletics Director Brian Faison.

The UND Alumni Association and Foundation has headed up fundraising for the project, securing major gifts in the process.

"The UND Athletics High Performance Center is transformational for all of UND Athletics," said Tim O'Keefe, Executive Vice President and CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation. "It's impact will allow for UND student-athletes to compete consistently at a championship level. As they have throughout the $300 million North Dakota Spirit Campaign. UND Alumni and friends have stepped up supporting their university."

The leadership gift for the project comes from Altru Health System, which provided $9 million.

"Altru's investment promotes our ongoing partnership with UND as we work together to improve the health of the entire community. We're extending our educational collaboration by supporting a state-of-the-art facility that helps UND's students gain necessary experience in the field of sports medicine and thus feeding our community with needed health professionals. The partnership will also conduct research to advance sports medicine knowledge and techniques," said Dave Molmen, Altru Chief Executive Officer.

"The University plays a vital role in educating future health care professionals. This gift creates an opportunity to improve the university experience for students, who we rely on as our future leaders, to continue our mission of improving health and enriching life. By working with UND, we're investing in training the best for the community," said Altru President Casey Ryan, MD.

Major funding also comes from SCHEELS, which is contributing $1 million for the project.

"SCHEELS is very proud to support UND Athletics and their student athletes. We are excited to be a small part of this facility and the benefit it will provide the University and student athletes in the future," said Steve M. Scheel, President.

Designed by ICON Architectural Group, the project is planned to be completed in two phases. Phase I consists of a 100-yard football field and an eight-lane, 300-meter track, and spectator seating for approximately 1,500. Phase II, predicated on securing additional funds, would house an academic center, locker rooms, coaches offices, and also space for sports medicine and strength and conditioning.

Phase 1:

• 196,500 total square feet featuring a 100-yard football field and a 300-meter NCAA regulation track with eight 42" lanes• Spectator seating for approximately 1,500• Separate 20-yard artificial turf lineman workout area• Separate field events area• 60 foot clear height for kicking and punting• Videotaping tower locations for performance recording• Warmup/Walking Track• Observation Area

Phase 2:

Plans include:• Sports Medicine & Athletic Training Center• Academic Center• Class & Meeting Rooms• Locker rooms and coaches offices• Weight Room• Cardio Training• Hall of Fame Lobby• Concessions

Peter Johnson

Executive Associate Vice President for University Relations, University and Public Affairs

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