Photo: Rob Lech

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – More pieces are coming together for the shared track and football field for the University of Jamestown and Jamestown High School.

On Thursday, crews began laying turf down on the shared facility referred to as Hansen Stadium & Greeno Field. Jamestown School District Superintendent Dr. Rob Lech says they’re excited to share this space with the University and utilize the Erstad Practice Field to it’s full extent.

“Erstad Practice Field will be to soccer field dimensions with an added turf add-on that will allow for softball [and] baseball,” Dr. Lech stated. “It’s going to be an amazing space for Blue Jays and Jimmies if they need to use it.”

Erstad Field will be turfed once the stadium project is finished. As far as funds raised, Dr. Lech says they’re sitting at about $9.7 million fundraised and $2 million from the school district for the $11.7 million project.

“[It’s a] great community project,” Dr. Lech added.

A ceremonial ground breaking took place at halftime of the University of Jamestown football game on Saturday, October 31st.

The facility upgrades include a new state of the art artificial turf playing surface and 9-lane, 400-meter track with new jump and throwing areas. A total renovation of the home side seating area includes a brand new press box and suite facility along with lights and parking lot upgrades. There will also be a new videoboard and sound system as part of the project.

The project is estimated to be complete by September.