The long-awaited Copeland Athletic Complex at MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) is scheduled to begin construction in October, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for September 20, 2023. The public is invited to attend this event, which will take place on the southeast side of MNU’s campus, adjacent to 143rd and Mur-Len.
The state-of-the-art complex will be situated near Dixon Baseball Stadium and Williams Softball Field, as well as Pioneer Soccer Field and Cook Centre, home to Bell Family Arena. Spanning an impressive 11 acres, the facility is designed to enhance the sporting experience for both athletes and spectators.
In a recent statement, MNU President Dr. David Spittal said, “This facility is part of our strategy to provide a superb experience for athletes and fans alike. Our student athletes make up half of our student body, so it’s important to give them a home-field advantage. The new complex will not only benefit our athletic programs but also enhance our entire school and the surrounding community.”
Key Features of MidAmerica Nazarene University Athletic Complex
- Stadium with 1,000 seats
- State-of-the-art artificial grass pitch for football and other sports like soccer
- Eight-lane track
- Improvements to existing infrastructure
Todd Garrett, the director of athletics at MNU, shared that the new complex will not only provide much-needed home fields for several sports but also offer additional training and gathering spaces to further develop and educate student athletes.
The construction of the Copeland Athletic Complex was made possible through the multi-year Bright Futures Campaign for MNU. The campaign received a significant $2 million incentive from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. Dr. Jon North, vice president for university advancement, expressed gratitude, stating, “With the momentum created by the Mabee Challenge grant, our committed donors and volunteers came together, raising an astounding $8 million in just one year.”
FAQ
When will construction on the Copeland Athletic Complex begin?
The construction is scheduled to start in October.
When is the groundbreaking ceremony for the Copeland Athletic Complex?
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on September 20, 2023.
Where is the Copeland Athletic Complex located?
The complex will be situated on the southeast side of MidAmerica Nazarene University’s campus, close to 143rd and Mur-Len.
What are the key features of the MidAmerica Nazarene University Athletic Complex?
The complex will include a stadium with 1,000 seats, a cutting-edge artificial grass pitch for football and other sports, an eight-lane track, and improvements to the existing infrastructure.
How was the construction of the Copeland Athletic Complex funded?
The construction was made possible through the multi-year Bright Futures Campaign for MNU, which received a significant $2 million incentive from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. The campaign raised a total of $8 million in just one year.
Closing Statements
The construction of the Copeland Athletic Complex at MidAmerica Nazarene University marks an exciting development for the university’s athletic programs and the overall student experience. This state-of-the-art facility will provide student athletes with top-notch training and competition venues while enhancing the campus and benefiting the local community. With the support of generous donors, the university looks forward to the completion of this project and the many positive impacts it will bring.
