Eastern Oregon University > Alumni > Stadium-Track Project celebrates official ground-breaking

Stadium-Track Project celebrates official ground-breaking

Stadium-Track Project celebrates official ground-breaking

Nearly 80 student-athletes, Mountaineer fans and stakeholders celebrated the official ground-breaking of the Stadium-Track Project on May 5.

With gold-painted shovels in-hand, EOU President Tom Insko and Athletic Director Anji Weissenfluh joined board chair David Nelson, superintendent of La Grande schools George Mendoza, student-athletes and members of the Mountaineer Athletic Association to lift ceremonial scoops of soil out of the natural grass field.

“It’s time for our facilities to mirror our success,” Weissenfluh said.

Eastern Oregon University, with the EOU Foundation and La Grande School District, gathered community support to replace the natural grass field in Community Stadium with synthetic turf that will stand up to increased use and improve athletic performance.

In addition, the university’s 30-year-old track will be improved with a new running surface and field event facilities. Energy-efficient lighting and increased accessibility in Community Stadium are also included.

“These upgrades are game-changing for EOU athletics and the community as a whole,” said Tim Seydel, vice president for University Advancement. “The new track and turf promise improved performance on the field, increased attendance in the stands and more opportunities for engagement with the entire region.”

The EOU Foundation’s Building Champions campaign continues to raise funds in support of the updates. Details are available at eou.edu/stadium-track.