Bluffton University’s Alumni Field project, to install artificial turf and resurface and upgrade the running track and field event areas at Salzman Stadium, is now scheduled for completion in time for the fall 2015 sports seasons.
Bluffton alumni and friends have contributed more than $750,000 for the improvements, whose expected completion date is Aug. 1, also in time for fall preseason practice. A leadership team of 13 alumni athletes, friends and university trustees contributed gifts of $10,000 or greater, totaling $410,000.
“I greatly appreciate the efforts of Bluffton’s loyal alumni athletes, trustees and others whose contributions have made possible these significant and timely improvements to our outdoor athletic facilities,” said Bluffton President Dr. James M. Harder. “We can’t wait to see our student-athletes compete with these improvements on the new track and turf at Salzman Stadium this fall.”
The project includes replacing the stadium’s current grass field with FieldTurf lined for football and soccer; track and field event-area upgrades; and work on adjacent parking, sidewalks and a donor recognition area.
With the improvements, Bluffton student-athletes will benefit from a multipurpose, all-weather playing surface, plus an enhanced track and field event complex. The artificial surface will also reduce annual maintenance costs, while the resurfaced track and field event areas will allow Bluffton to host the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference meet, and possibly larger high school meets.
Combined with its baseball, softball and indoor athletic facilities—in the Sommer Center—Bluffton will have a full range of facilities for student-athletes, as well as intramural participants, that are equal to the best in the Beavers’ athletic conference.
“With the improvements we are making,” said university Athletics Director Phill Talavinia, “we are able to offer first-class competitive playing fields in Salzman Stadium that will benefit our student-athletes in their efforts to compete for championships, especially in football, soccer and track and field.”
