Byrne & Jones builds three turf fields and track at Missouri State

Missouri State University is launching its 2014-2015 academic year with the debut of several new athletic and recreation facilities in the school’s largest athletics and recreational improvement project to date. It includes a new track and three synthetic turf fields, all installed by St. Louis-based Byrne & Jones Sports. Byrne & Jones’ work is part of $24 million in new construction and improvements to the campus.

“Wet weather challenged the project in the spring and early summer, but Byrne & Jones was able to ramp up manpower quickly and optimize its productivity to take full advantage of dryer weather and deliver the project on time,” said Kyle Moats, MSU director of athletics. “The entire building team pulled together to ensure the students’ commitment to fund the project was rewarded with outstanding athletic facilities.”

MSU students approved of a fee to help pay for the improvements. It also gained financial support from Betty and Bobby Allison for which two new stadiums are named.

The improvements by Byrne & Jones included relocating the school’s track and building a new artificial turf football field closer to the west bleachers to improve the fan experience. A new NCAA-regulation, eight-lane track was also built as part of the new synthetic turf soccer field. The new track incudes steeple chase, long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault and a warm up running area. Meanwhile, Byrne & Jones installed a shock pad to improve safety, play and the durability for a new field hockey surface installed by SportsTurf.

To create a stable sub-base that sheds water efficiently, Byrne & Jones imported 15,000 tons of rock delivered in 750 truckloads for the three fields.   “We essentially created a huge French drain that directed water flow efficiently into the storm water system,” said Ben Traetow, project manager, Byrne & Jones Sports.

Springfield, Mo.-based general contractor DeWitt and Associates, Inc. managed the overall improvements which included renovations to the Plaster Sports Complex to provide better seating and new concessions, restrooms, ticket windows and team facilities. Other improvements were made to the soccer stadium and recreational amenities on campus. Hastings + Chivetta Architects, Inc. was the architect for the improvements.

Founded in 1905, Missouri State University is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs and an enrollment of more than 24,000 students. Its main campus in Springfield, Mo. It also has campuses in West Plains and Mountain Grove, Mo.

Founded in 1977, St. Louis-based Byrne & Jones Construction is the region’s largest commercial paving contractor and serves its clients through three divisions – concrete, sports, and asphalt.   The firm builds and maintains parking lots, roads and highways, athletic fields, running tracks, tennis courts, underground drainage systems and paved surfaces. The company employs 140 people at its headquarters at 11745 R Lackland Road in Maryland Heights, Mo.   Learn more at www.byrneandjones.com