Nipissing University’s new turf field is being billed as a place for all students to learn, compete and cheer, and for the entire community to enjoy.
The turf field officially opened today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 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 $2.1million 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. “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 hometown 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.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce the new Buy a Brick campaign for Nipissing University and Lakers Athletics,” said Cook. “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. 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.
