L to R: Dr. Rob Lech and Dr. Polly Peterson hold a rendering of the proposed shared use facility.
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A rendering and announcement for planned renovations of the University of Jamestown’s Taylor Stadium were unveiled Tuesday afternoon.
The $11 million renovation is expected to take place beginning October 2020.
Brett Moser, VP for Development and Alumni Relations, says the campaign will be a joint venture between the University and Jamestown Public School District.
The current stadium was built in 1935 during the Great Depression and has served the University for 84 years. Right now, the running surface is not up to standards due to structural wear and tear. UJ also remains the only collegiate football program in North Dakota that plays on a grass surface as opposed to turf.
Moser says this project would address both the track and field.
Moser added that fundraising for the project is more than halfway complete.
The lead donor for the project was Jo-Ida Hansen, a University of Jamestown Trustee and Jamestown High School graduate. Her lead donation of $3 million allowed the University to take its first steps towards the project start.
University of Jamestown President Dr. Polly Peterson says there have been numerous discussions in previous years for the University and School District to partner. She cited an already strong working relationship with the district as a big reason this project would work moving forward.
Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Lech says he is grateful to his school board and the University for affording the district this opportunity for a shared-use facility.
Lech added that this move will also allow the district to address other needs within their schools.
Dustin Jensen, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs, added that they looked to be aggressive in the construction timeline with their sights set on Fall 2021 to use the new facility.
More details on the project will be expected during University of Jamestown homecoming this fall. For more information, contact Brett Moser at 701-252-3467 ext. 5638 or email Brett.Moser@uj.edu.
You can click here to watch the full announcement.
