The Elmira College Board of Trustees approved moving ahead with a plan to invest $2.5 million in a multi-sport turf field on the main campus. The project will increase the college’s athletic offerings, support enrollment and retention efforts, and support mental and physical well-being on campus as identified in the College’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.
“We are excited to move forward with this investment, which impacts our entire student experience and has far-reaching benefits,” said Dr. Charles Lindsay, Elmira College President. “The new field expands our intercollegiate athletic offerings while supporting our enrollment goals, academic programs, and on-campus recreation and activities. Also, with the field located on our main campus, we envision an increase in spectators patronizing area restaurants and shops while in Elmira.”
The turf installation project will enable EC to reinstate both its intercollegiate men’s and women’s lacrosse programs. This means an initial overall enrollment increase of 25-30 students with more projected as the programs grow. Provided the project phases move ahead as expected, lacrosse competitions will begin in the Spring of 2025. Additionally, the Soaring Eagles’ field hockey team will relocate from the Murray Athletic Center (MAC) to the turf field for all competitions beginning with the Fall 2024 season. The closer proximity to academic buildings and student resident halls will make it easier for the campus community to attend games.
Additionally, the turf field will provide a space for activities and events related to academic programs such as the pre-athletic training minor.
The next phase of the project is to begin the official permitting process with the City of Elmira, which is expected to take two to four months. Once permitting is complete, the construction phase could begin as early as March or April 2024, with the project completed by the summer of 2024.
The design and construction firm of Clark Companies, based out of Delhi, New York, provided design services for the turf facility. Financing for the $2.5 million project has been secured by the college, and philanthropic efforts will support initial start-up costs for the turf field project.