Crookston, Minn. (July 31, 2007) – Nearly $400,000 in renovations are being invested in Ed Widseth Field at the University of Minnesota, Crookston this summer. Improvements to the field, which is shared by both the U of M, Crookston Golden Eagles and Crookston High School Pirates, include a new track surface as well as a new ticket booth and concession building which will house permanent, handicapped accessible bathrooms.
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| Working on the concession stand |
“The upgrades to our outdoor facilities are a great addition to campus. It’s a great venue to watch Golden Eagle football as well as Pirate football and track and field, and the improvements will make it even better,” U of M, Crookston Athletic Director Stephanie Helgeson said. “The track is complete already and looks fantastic. The concession/restroom/ticket area is also a wonderful improvement to our facility. Both will benefit the community, student-athletes and fans.”
Upgrades are scheduled to be completed by mid-August and a community celebration is being planned. Golden Eagle Football will host five home games this year while the Pirates will host four football home games and several track and field meets. More than 20 major activities and a variety of other events are held on the field annually, including the Crookston campus NFL Youth Experience, which begins this fall.
The renovations and upgrades are part of the U of M, Crookston’s ongoing commitment to support Golden Eagle athletics and Chancellor Charles H. Casey’s decision to compete at the NCAA Division II level.
“Exceptional facilities are important components of a strong, competitive athletic program,” Chancellor Casey said. “We are pleased to be moving forward with the investments and upgrades and to be working in concert with the city of Crookston and the Crookston School District, who also share use of the field.”
Crookston Public School District Superintendent Wayne Gilman said the district is also pleased with the results and that the track appears to be in excellent condition after the resurfacing. “We are also extremely happy to have a new concession stand, restroom area and new entrance as we continue to recognize upgrades and improvements to Ed Widseth Field.
“We are very happy and appreciate being able to collaborate with the University of Minnesota, Crookston. They have done a really nice job in making this an excellent site,” Gilman continued.
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| New track |
Helgeson is also appreciative of the strong working relationship that the University has with Crookston and the school district. “We appreciate the partnership that we have with the high school and we will continue to work with the community and school district as we move ahead,” says Helgeson.
Costs for construction of the concession/restroom/ticket facility are being paid for by the U of M, Crookston. Track repairs are being paid for by the Crookston Independent School District.
For more information on Golden Eagles Athletics, visit the Web at http://athletics.UMCrookston.edu/.
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