Photo courtesy of Elmira College Athletics

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) - Elmira College announced they have been approved to invest in a new multi-sport turf field. The turf will replace the natural turf on Campus Field where the men's and women's soccer teams play. 

The project consists of a $2.5 million investment in not only the turf but new spectator bleachers and a press box. 

The next step in the project is the permitting process which will take an estimated 2-4 months. Once that is complete, the construction will begin in Spring 2024. 

The new field is expected to be finished by Summer 2024. 

Director of Athletics at EC, Rhonda Faunce released the following statement. 

"The building of the field will ultimately provide a better quality of experience for our students whether they are athletes or not. It will bring a great deal of energy and activity to campus because it allows many of our outdoor teams to practice and play on-site. Additionally, student recruitment will be further enhanced by the turf field, with the addition of camps and clinics put on by our athletic programs, along with increased intramural initiatives for all students. This is a win for the entire EC community." 

Elmira College also announced the new turf field will allow the College to reinstate both intercollegiate men's and women's lacrosse programs. They are expected to start in Spring 2025.