Boston Univ. yesterday announced plans for a new on-campus field hockey venue made possible in part by a $3M gift from Boston-based New Balance. The 110,000-square-foot facility will be called New Balance Field and will have seating for 1,000. The total cost of the field and parking structure is estimated to be $24M. Construction of the new complex is scheduled to begin in the spring of this year, and the field is slated for use in the fall of '13. The team has played its home games off campus since '01 (New Balance). The venue also will include a "500-square-foot press box" (BOSTON GLOBE, 2/15).
UNDER CONSIDERATION: In Akron, Carol Biliczky reports Univ. of Akron officials are studying the James A. Rhodes Health & Physical Education Building "with an eye toward remodeling it or scuttling it entirely for a new facility." UA is working with K.C.-based Populous "to determine how much it might cost to fix flaws" in the 29-year-old basketball venue. UA Associate VP & Chief Communications Officer Eileen Korey stressed the Populous contract is for only a "preliminary feasibility study." UA VP/Capital Planning & Facilities Management Ted Curtis said that he "would meet with UA athletic officials in coming weeks about early findings from the $49,500" study (ARKON BEACON JOURNAL, 2/15).
HATCHING A PLAN: In Memphis, Kyle Veazey notes reps of the three major tenants of Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium -- the Univ. of Memphis, the Liberty Bowl and the Southern Heritage Classic -- met with Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton last Thursday to "list what they would do to improve the facility." Southern Heritage Classic Founder Fred Jones said that the group "discussed a new video board, sound system and elevators, and improvements to the field, suites and press box" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 2/15).
