BURLINGTON, Vt. - A gift from James Edward “Ted” and Danielle “Dani” Virtue of Rye, N.Y., will fund construction of a new synthetic turf field on the campus of the University of Vermont.
Virtue Field, as the new facility will be called, will serve as the home for the UVM men’s and women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s soccer teams and will also be used for campus recreation activities. It is the first phase of a planned stadium project that will include grandstand seating for 3,000 spectators, game-day locker rooms, public restrooms, concessions, and storage space.
“The generosity and commitment of the Virtue family to our athletic program is truly remarkable,” said Dr. Robert Corran, UVM Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics. “I cannot overstate the impact this project will have on our lacrosse and soccer programs, and indeed the entire campus community. Our coaches and student-athletes are more than excited to see this project come to fruition, and I am thrilled to join them in extending our most sincere thanks and appreciation.”
The new field is located next to Moulton Winder Field and UVM’s new outdoor track facility slated for completion in approximately three weeks. Phase one of construction, which began in early August, includes the field installation, perimeter fencing, temporary seating, and a scoreboard. Completion is expected by the end of October, weather permitting. The UVM men’s and women’s lacrosse teams will play their 2012 home games at Virtue Field.
“We are tremendously grateful to the Virtue family for this generous gift, which allows us to proceed immediately with construction of an impressive new addition to UVM’s athletics facilities,” said O. Richard Bundy, III, UVM Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, which oversees fundraising for the university. “By elevating our competition space for lacrosse and soccer so dramatically, Virtue Field is a powerful and visible example of the significant impact that private giving can have on the quality of the student experience at UVM.”
The 127×87-yard surface will be made of Revolution fiber manufactured by FieldTurf, which the company says is the most durable of its kind. A patented FieldTurf infill formula ensures player safety and is one of the most player-friendly surfaces on the market.
“We could not be more excited for UVM and the Catamount administration,” said FieldTurf President Eric Daliere. “We take great pride that UVM has put their trust in our product and our company. We look forward to providing our innovative turf system in Virtue Field. The student-athletes will truly enjoy competing on this surface for many years to come.”
The UVM Athletic Department is currently raising funds for the second phase of the project. Alumni and supporters of UVM Athletics are encouraged to contact Pat McBride, Senior Director of Major Gifts for UVM Athletics, at 802-656-7720 if they are interested in contributing to the project.
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