More sports. More play time. More fun. The increase in activity will be the result of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s new turf fields at the Outdoor Recreation Complex on campus.
SIUE displayed its weather resistant fields during an open house on Tuesday, March 20.
“The new fields will allow more opportunities for participation by our students, because the turf is more tolerant to usage in any season as opposed to natural grass that might be dormant or too wet at certain times of the year,” said Keith Becherer, director of Campus Recreation. “The fields are under lights, so theoretically activities could occur 24 hours a day.”
The new turf fields are for student recreation play, including informal recreation, Intramural Sports, Club Sports and student organization reservations, according to Becherer.
“We expect a wide range of students to use the fields, including groups like the Color Guard, Quidditch Club, soccer clubs, Ultimate Frisbee Club and more,” he said.
“Student response thus far has been very positive,” said Tom Dougherty, coordinator of Intramural Sports. “Many are happy to see the investment the University is making to increase their SIUE experience.”
“Our department believes word will continue to spread to students around campus,” continued Dougherty, “and aid as a positive recruitment tool for prospective students.”
“This enhancement reaffirms our commitment to providing quality facilities and programs for our students,” added Becherer. “Gauging by the number of student requests we already have on the books for the remainder of the spring semester, the fields are going to be extremely well utilized.”
Photos:
The SIUE Color Guard, a new student group, gets in some practice on the new field.
Members of the Quidditch get some playing time in.