Story Links

CHARLOTTESVILLE-The track at Virginia’s Lannigan Field will be closed to all use beginning Monday, May 9, when construction starts on UVa’s new track and field facility. The completion of the project’s first phase is scheduled for early December.

The Park at North Grounds is a suggested alternate jogging and walking location at the University for individuals who use the track at Lannigan Field. Individuals may also want to explore other alternatives in the Charlottesville area.

It was announced on March 28 that Amy Griffin, a 1998 UVa graduate and former volleyball player for the Cavaliers, pledged $5 million for the construction of the new track and field facility. Griffin’s gift is the largest commitment ever made for an Olympic sport capital project at UVa.

The commitment by Griffin enabled the athletics department to move forward with the design and construction of the facility, which will take place in two phases. The track needs to be in place for the 2012 Atlantic Coast Conference Track and Field Championships along with the infrastructure necessary to complete the entire project.

Fund raising is ongoing to complete the $7.5 million needed to completely fund the first phase. The timing for the second phase of the project, which is estimated to require approximately $7 million, depends on additional fund raising.

In addition to replacing the existing track, plans for the new facility include seating for 1,500 fans, lights, a scoreboard and team locker rooms. The facility’s plans create a new entrance plaza for the track and field facility, Davenport Field and Klöckner Stadium, and also include column features similar to those at Scott Stadium and John Paul Jones Arena.

Print Friendly Version