Finlandia breaks ground on first phase of fieldhouse
September 1, 2015University invests $700,000 in McAfee Field building that’s set to open in 2016
While Finlandia’s first NCAA Division III football game is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, Tuesday morning university leadership had something a little more long-term in mind as they announced the start of construction on the first phase of the athletics fieldhouse at McAfee Field.
“This is a good day for Finlandia,” President Philip Johnson said. “This project marks another step toward meeting the commitments we have made in our strategic vision, Plan 2021.”
Johnson was joined by several members of the community Tuesday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony at McAfee Field. The project was designed by OHM Advisors, with LJJ Construction serving as the general contractor on the project. Finlandia is investing $700,000 for this phase of the project.
The 3,970-square foot structure will house the “Terry Talo Lion’s Den,” accommodating a football roster of 110 student athletes.
“This project is made possible through the support of an anonymous friend of the university who wished to name the building in honor of a good friend and proud Finn, Terry Talo,” Johnson said.
This investment advances Finlandia’s plan to grow its learning community and enhance the student experience at Finlandia with new NCAA Division III athletics programs. The plan, announced in March 2014, has Finlandia resurrecting cross country, Nordic skiing and women’s golf, while also adding football, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s volleyball, and wrestling.
Tags: Groundbreaking, LJJ Construction, McAfee Field, OHM Advisors, Philip Johnson, Terry Talo Lion's Den