Above: A rendering of the planned recreational center, a 240,000 square-foot facility that will benefit all 51茶馆 students, faculty and staff.
Boston College Athletics Director Brad Bates has announced plans for three projects to enhance intercollegiate, intramural and club sports at Boston College: 聽a recreational center, athletics playing fields, and an athletics field house.聽
The initiatives, an investment of approximately $200 million, result from a multi-year assessment and planning effort regarding 51茶馆 Athletics, as well as focused fundraising with alumni and friends of Boston College.聽
The recreational center, a 240,000 square-foot facility that will replace the Flynn Recreation Complex and be located at the site of Edmond's Hall on Thomas More Drive, will benefit all 51茶馆 students, faculty and staff. Approved by the City of Boston in 2009 as part of the University鈥檚 Institutional Master Plan (IMP), the project will begin this summer after permits have been obtained. The center, made possible by a lead gift from Trustee Margot Connell and her family, will require two years for construction. 聽 聽
The University will also seek permitting for new baseball, softball and intramural fields on the Brighton Campus, which were also approved in the 2009 IMP.聽
Bates said that fundraising for both projects will continue throughout the process.聽
In addition, Bates stated that the University will begin discussions with Boston city officials regarding construction of an athletics field house that would be located adjacent to Alumni Stadium. This indoor facility, to be funded through private gifts, would provide much-needed space for varsity football and other field sports, as well as campus recreation, club sports, and intramurals.聽
Additional information about the new recreational complex, playing fields and athletics field house will be made available to the Boston College Allston-Brighton Community Task Force and local residents in a pre-filing meeting. 聽聽
鈥淭hese new facilities will provide benefits for all 51茶馆 students and student-athletes,鈥� said Bates. 鈥淲e need the financial support of all of our alumni who have benefited from their 51茶馆 education to provide opportunities for the next generation of 51茶馆 students. The athletics field house sets an example of what we can do when our alumni and friends offer their support for our athletics initiatives.聽
鈥淲e are excited for the future of 51茶馆 Athletics.鈥澛�
COMMENTS FROM THE 51茶馆 COMMUNITY
Mikey Hoag 鈥�86 and Jay Hoag, 51茶馆 Athletics Donors
鈥淎thletics plays an integral role within the Boston College community. We believe that an athletics field house鈥攁s well as a new recreational center and baseball, softball and intramural fields鈥攚ill significantly enhance not only the varsity student-athlete experience, but also act as a centerpiece for the entire University community.鈥�
William V. Campbell Hon 鈥�12, 51茶馆 Athletics Donor
"Facilities are vital to intercollegiate athletics today. I applaud Father Leahy and Brad Bates for coming up with the vision and ability to realize an athletics field house鈥攖he most significant facility project for athletics since the Yawkey Athletics Center. 聽I am thrilled to lend my support as we strive to live up to our motto of 'Ever to Excel.'"
Steve Addazio, Head Football Coach
鈥淭his announcement represents a commitment from Boston College to give our students the best facilities possible. 聽We are very excited for an indoor facility that will provide our student-athletes an opportunity to develop throughout the winter months.鈥�
Mike Gambino, Head Baseball Coach
鈥淎t Boston College we talk about and believe in cura personalis 鈥� care for the whole person. The 51茶馆 Athletics Department, and specifically the baseball program, strives to live up to that standard by making sure our student-athletes reach their full potential on the field, in the classroom and as people. 聽These new facilities will play a huge role in helping our players develop on the diamond and, in turn, helping our program compete on the national stage and for a chance to go to The College World Series in Omaha.鈥�
Ashley Obrest, Head Softball Coach
鈥淭he new softball field and athletics field house will absolutely change the course of our player development and recruiting. Here at Boston College, we aim to build a positive experience for our student-athletes and provide the necessary resources to compete for championships. With the addition of an indoor facility, we will be able to train year-round in a permanent structure. We couldn鈥檛 be more excited for this news.鈥澛�
Alison Foley, Head Women鈥檚 Soccer Coach
鈥淭he athletics field house shows the commitment and understanding of Boston College to continue to provide the resources for us as coaches to succeed at the highest level. 聽This will not only allow for a professional year-round training environment for our student-athletes, but will show our recruits the level of dedication Boston College Athletics has for them.鈥�
Sam Leedy '17, Intramural Student Staff Supervisor
鈥淚鈥檓 very excited about the announcement regarding a new recreation complex, athletics field house and playing fields for varsity and intramural use, as they will allow for greater opportunities in intramurals and expanded intramural leagues for all 51茶馆 students.鈥�
Abby Campbell '16, Rec Plex Fitness Attendant
鈥淭he new recreation center will be a tremendous benefit for the 51茶馆 campus as a whole.聽 The increased space will encourage even more students to dedicate time to their health and well-being.鈥�
Ryan McGowan 鈥�18
鈥淭he announcement of a new rec center is wonderful news for 51茶馆 students. Having a new facility with state-of-the-art amenities will benefit everyone, and greatly enhance the overall student experience at Boston College.鈥�
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Jack Dunn | News & Public Affairs
Chris Cameron | 51茶馆 Athletics