A place for all students to learn, compete and cheer, and for the entire community to enjoy.
That sentiment sums up Nipissing University’s new turf field, which officially opened today with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“This is a wonderful occasion for our university and our community,” said Dr. Mike DeGagné, Nipissing University president and vice-chancellor.
“This new field is a benefit to all our students who will utilize it for classes and intramural sports. It will benefit researchers in our Bachelor of Physical and Health Education program studying movement and team dynamics. Our soccer and lacrosse teams and their fans have a fantastic new home to play and cheer. Youth soccer has already utilized the field all summer, and we will continue to see this facility available for youth sports, adult leagues and perhaps one day soon, provincial tournaments and championships.”
Construction began on the 64m x 100m field in July 2018. During the summer of 2018, North Bay Youth soccer used the field for games and practices while some landscaping work was accomplished around the field.
Bleachers to seat 600 fans, a press box and a new scoreboard were recently installed, completing construction on the $2.1 million project, which is designed in accordance with FIFA standards.
“Speaking as both a representative of the student union and the Lakers Lacrosse team, the new field is a fantastic addition to campus life,” said Andrew Wood, Nipissing University Student Union vice-president finance and Lakers lacrosse goaltender. “It looks great and provides an excellent opportunity for our students academically, athletically and socially. I’m excited to see students joining together to cheer on the Lakers teams and build school spirit while strengthening our ties to our friends in the community.”
The university also announced a $60,000 pledge of support to the field from North Bay Youth Soccer.
“Thank you to North Bay Youth soccer for their investment in our university and our community,” said DeGagné.
“We are grateful for your support and it was exciting to see all the youth teams enjoying the field this summer. From all accounts, the players enjoyed the experience. We hope to see your players here for many years to come, perhaps one day as student-athletes attending Nipissing.”
“North Bay Youth Soccer is pleased to be able to support the university and the construction of this beautiful new facility that our community will be able to enjoy for many years,” said Sue Knight, president of North Bay Youth Soccer.
“It was important for us to make this investment in our home town university and our community. Our players, parents and coaches all enjoyed the experience of coming to the university and playing on the new field."
University Chancellor, Dr. Paul Cook, introduced a new fundraising initiative connected to the field called the "Buy a Brick" campaign for Nipissing University and Lakers Athletics.
“As part of the program, the university invites sports fans, family, alumni and friends to support student athletes by purchasing a brick for the new walkway to our Turf Field," said Cook in a release.
"You can buy a personalized engraved brick for $100.00 that will be on display for all to see. This campaign allows us to celebrate, honour and remember current and past student-athletes.”
For more information on the Buy a Brick campaign, and to buy a brick, please visit the website at www.nipissingu.ca/buyabrick.
The new field will see plenty of action this weekend, as the Lakers men’s soccer teams face off against Trent on Friday, October 5 at 2:15 p.m., and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology on Saturday, October 6 at 2:15 p.m.
