The UConn Division of Athletics has announced the establishment of stadium enhancement/construction funds to upgrade or build new facilities for soccer, baseball, and softball.
Planning for these new sport-specific projects is in the early stages, and while the full scope of the projects has yet to be determined, each will be funded entirely through private donations, as is the case with the recently announced new $30 million UConn Basketball Student-Athlete Development Center, for which $16 million in private funding has already been raised.
“As we continue to aggressively raise funds for our Basketball Development Center, we are also doing the same to support our men’s and women soccer, baseball, and softball programs,” says Paul Pendergast, interim director of athletics. “All four of these programs have enjoyed national success over the years, but our on-campus playing venues have fallen behind those of our peer institutions. In order to maintain and enhance the excellence we desire in these sports, we have to make sure these teams have modern, outstanding facilities.”
The most recent athletics facility built on the Storrs campus was the Burton Family Football Complex and Mark R. Shenkman Training Center, which opened in 2006, three years after the completion of the football stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
The last new playing facility to open in Storrs was The Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum, which opened for the 1998-99 season, replacing the 1960s-era open UConn Ice Rink.
The George J. Sherman Family-Sports Complex – the home field for track and field, lacrosse, and field hockey – opened during the 1995-96 academic year.
Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, home of Huskies men’s and women’s basketball and for volleyball, opened in 1990 and was last renovated in 2002.
Joseph J. Morrone Stadium, home field for the men’s and women’s soccer teams, opened in 1969 and was last renovated for additional seating in 2009.
The Burrill Family Field at the Connecticut Softball Stadium opened in 1987.
J.O. Christian Field, home of the baseball team, was last expanded in 1993, and an Indoor Batting and Pitching Facility opened in 1997.
For information on contributing to any of these funds, please contact the UConn Athletic Development Office at 860-486-3863.
