Wilfrid Laurier University’s board of governors has voted in favour of major upgrades to University Stadium, the home of the Golden Hawks football team.
The facility’s bleachers have already been removed to make way for improvements that will come following the 2023 season. These upgrades will include a new field surface, scoreboard, and lighting.
Pending further approval from the board, University Stadium will also receive winterized dome infrastructure, reconstructed bleachers, and a new indoor facility housing a double gymnasium, high-performance athletic training area, and multi-use student spaces.
“Our students deserve more,” said acting director of athletics Kate McCrae Bristol in a statement. “We have outgrown our facilities and are looking to build a space to serve our expanding intramural and recreational programming and our varsity athletic programs as they compete at the national stage. With this first project phase, we’re gaining momentum toward our bold vision for the future of Laurier athletics and recreation.”
University Stadium was opened in 1958 and most recently underwent renovations in 2007. The venue has a capacity of 6,000.
The Golden Hawks finished fourth in the OUA last season with a record of 5-3. The club defeated Carleton 41-13 in the first round of the postseason before losing to Western in the OUA semi-finals by a score of 45-9. The average attendance for their home games was 2,079.
Last week, Wilfrid Laurier re-opened Alumni Stadium on the east side of campus with a “soft launch” in celebration of some of the upgrades that have already been completed to the venue. When the full renovation is done, the facility will feature new turf, seating, scoreboard, and press box. The facility plays host to the school’s soccer, rugby, and lacrosse competitions.
The cost of the renovations to Alumni Stadium were covered by donors with “significant gifts” coming from the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association, the Students’ Union, and the Graduate Students’ Association.
