By Colter Hettich, Features Editor
Construction permeates the Edwards parking lot, but ACU women’s soccer and softball players do not need to complain because the demolition work will soon lead to the university’s newest addition to its athletic facilities-the one-story soccer/softball field house-soon to be located this spring in the old intramural field across the parking lot from Edwards Hall.
Plumbing and sewage construction for the field house began in Edwards parking lot two weeks ago and, if weather permits, should be completed next week.
“As soon as it quits raining and dries up a little bit, probably next week, the lot will be reopened and construction will begin in the grassy area,” Bob Nevill, director of physical resources, said. “We don’t know just yet when we’re going to resurface that portion of the lot, but it will be drivable.”
Nevill also said recent heavy rains have significantly delayed progress and pushed back the original completion date.
“Until the weather did us in, we were planning on finishing it by the start of the spring semester,” Nevill said. “But it will certainly be finished in the spring.”
Athletes and fans have much more to look forward to than locker rooms and showers in the new field house.
Jared Mosely, director of athletics, said in addition to locker rooms for women’s soccer and softball players, the structure will house a team classroom for meetings and film study, a satellite training room for treating injuries on location, two offices per sport, restrooms and a concession stand.
“This is a major facility we’ve had on our radar for a long time,” Mosley said. “We’ve done a lot of renovations and facility work. This is one project we’ve discussed needing and wanting to do for a long time, and several years ago we felt we needed to move forward with it,” he said.
All building and construction plans have been approved and finalized and Mosley said,” the funding is in place.” Mosley is confident the needed funds are available, although project coordinators are not sure how much of the final cost will be covered by fundraising and how much by “sources within current budget structures.”
“That’s still kind of a moving target,” Mosley said. “There’s a possibility we could have the entire project funded by donors, or it could be a combination. We’re continually fundraising for this project, and the university is comfortable with the plan that is covering [the costs].
