September 01, 2004
Alumni Hall Weight and Aerobics
renovation, Belson Stadium Press Box complete; Field House
construction begins
Queens, NY - St. John's University has unveiled several new
athletic facilities for the start of the school year and has begun
construction on an Athletic Field House that will sit adjacent to
Alumni Hall. A total investment of $23 million, the overall
construction and renovations reinforce the University's commitment
to the overall success of the athletic department's programs in
accordance with the strategic plan for athletics.
View the Photo
Gallery.
A Weight Training and Aerobic facility is located inside Alumni
Hall and houses weight training, cardio-vascular and other
equipment for use by the general student body and varsity teams. An
approximately $2.4 million project, the 6,400 sq. ft. facility
replaces the smaller one previously housed in the University
Center. That space, approximately 2,800 sq. ft., will be returned
to office and meeting space for Student Life and Academic
Clubs.
Work has also been completed on the Press Box and VIP Suites for
Belson Soccer Stadium, finishing the project as it had been
originally envisioned when it was announced in 2002. The two-story
structure is faced in stone and features soaring, arched windows,
team dressing rooms and a terrace that overlooks the Soccer and
Baseball fields. Home to the Red Storm men's and women's soccer
teams, Belson Stadium was primarily funded by a $6 million gift
from Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Belson, Esq. Mr. Belson is a graduate of
the School of Law, a member of the University's Board of Trustees
and a generous benefactor of St. John's. The stadium seats
approximately 3,000 spectators and is situated on a raised
platform, with parking underneath.
"We are pleased to be able to provide these types of facilities
to our students and varsity teams," said Rev. Donald J. Harrington,
C.M. "Varsity, intramural and recreational athletics is an
important part of the collegiate experience. These facilities will
be open to all our students - as well as our employees and alumni -
for their enjoyment and personal growth as part of the St. John's
Community."
Work is just underway on the Athletic Field House, a two-story,
38,000 sq. ft. structure adjacent to Alumni Hall. Announced in
December 2003, the Field House is a $16 million project that will
include four full size basketball courts (two for Student Life, two
for Varsity Basketball); academic support classrooms and study
space for student-athletes; office and meeting space for Recreation
and Intramural Sports; audio/visual rooms for all varsity athletic
teams; dedicated locker rooms for student recreation and Men's and
Women's basketball; new offices and meeting rooms for Men's and
Women's basketball; and Weight Training and Medical Training Rooms.
Construction is expected to be complete in Spring 2006.
About St. John's
At St. John's University education is not only about career
preparation but about learning to make a difference in the world.
In addition to rigorous academic study, there is a focus on direct
experience helping those less fortunate, which is at the core of
our Vincentian heritage. With a total enrollment of almost 20,000
students, St. John's University operates five campuses: in Queens,
Staten Island, Manhattan and Oakdale in New York and in Rome,
Italy. The University has six schools and colleges and offers
associate, baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and professional
degrees.
Images available. For more information, please contact Jody
Fisher, Director of Media Relations, at (718) 990-6185 or at fisherjo@stjohns.edu.