- October 28, 2016
- Posted by: SportsV
- Categories: Home News, Industry News, News
The University of Minnesota announced this week that PCL Construction Services and DLR Group have been selected to design and construct the new University of Minnesota Track and Field Stadium.
PCL/DLR will begin work on the facility immediately and will ultimately be responsible for all facets of taking the facility from the drawing board to reality. Though construction timelines are always fluid, current plans call for the facility to open in September 2018.
University of Minnesota Athletics Director Mark Coyle said:
The construction of a competition-level outdoor track and field stadium is one of our top priorities for the athletics department. We appreciate all the organizations that took the time to participate in the selection process and we are excited to get to work with PCL and DLR to provide a first-class facility for every student that proudly wears Minnesota on their chest and competes for our track and field programs.
The PCL/DLR team was selected from a competitive best value selection process. The team has experience as the University’s design/build partner with its work on the new Siebert Field, a facility which will be the next-door neighbour of the new track. PCL/DLR delivered that project on time and on budget against some of the same challenges that will face the new track, particularly a tight worksite and an ambitious construction timeline.
In addition to the team’s experience with Siebert Field, PCL/DLR works with expert track consultants, particularly Don Paige. Paige, one of the most respected track designers in the nation, will work closely with PCL/DLR on this facility. His resume includes work on more than 350 track and field facilities around the country.
Michael Headrick, Vice President and District Manager for PCL, said:
On this project we have the opportunity to perform at the highest level for so many students at the University of Minnesota, particularly those with the track and field programs. This facility will shape many student experiences in a very positive way. As a construction company, it is the most meaningful work we can ever engage in.
The facility’s funding was approved by the University’s Board of Regents in October, as well as its location in the heart of the new Athletes Village area, steps from core student-athlete development facilities. The new stadium will feature a nine-lane track, full field event and steeplechase hosting capabilities, and a design to allow sprints and certain field events to be held in multiple directions to take advantage of wind conditions on competition days. Permanent and event-based seating will offer enough room for spectators to satisfy the hosting requirements for Big Ten and NCAA competition, the Minnesota state high school meet, and USA Track and Field’s marquee events.
The University has not been able to host outdoor track and field competitions for nearly 15 years. The previous track and field facility had been unfit to host competitions due to the shifting and uneven surface of the track, a recurring issue caused by unstable soil beneath the old facility. This new facility will change that, providing a new, everyday home for the more than 150 Gopher student-athletes who compete for the Gopher men’s and women’s programs, as well as a centerpiece facility for the state’s track and field community.
PCL was founded more than a century ago, growing into an expansive collective of independent construction companies owned by employee shareholders. The company does nearly US$7bn worth of construction work annually, including many projects in the Twin Cities. Notable local work led by PCL includes the Minneapolis Central Library, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and St. Paul City Hall and Ramsey County Courthouse. In the sports world, PCL handled the construction of the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and the StubHub Center in southern California, a facility that includes competition space for soccer, tennis, track and field and more.
The DLR Group celebrated its 50th year in 2016. Built on architecture and engineering expertise, DLR counts work for higher education and athletics among its core competencies. The firm has worked on new builds such as Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as Alex Box Stadium at LSU and the University Sports Complex at Southwest Minnesota State.
The project will cost the University of Minnesota’s Athletics Department approximately US$19m, which is expected to be funded through private contributions.
For more details on the University of Minnesota Track and Field Stadium project, please visit: NothingShortOfGreatness.com
Image (top): Preliminary track plan of the new University of Minnesota Track and Field Stadium. Courtesy: University of Minnesota.
