ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Ithaca College announced plans to build a new outdoor track and field facility Monday.

The eight lane, 400-meter running track will be built on the west side of campus and include runways for jumping events, while a small field by Emerson Hall will be repurposed for throwing events, according to the college.

The new track will be build to NCAA standards, which will allow Ithaca College to host home outdoor meets again, something the school has not done for almost 10 years.

“We are very blessed to already have the premier indoor track and field venue in the region with the Athletics and Events Center, and to add this outdoor track to our facilities is a testament to the commitment the college makes to our student-athletes and our program as a whole,” said Stargell Williams, men’s track and field coach.

The project will cost about $4 million. It will be financed by donors and institutional capital funds.

“This is an important capital investment to improve the quality of campus facilities for both intercollegiate competition and recreation,” said La Jerne Terry Cornish, Ithaca College President. “We are so grateful to our donors for recognizing the value this provides to our IC community, serving as a significant recruitment tool to attract the most gifted student-athletes and helping maintain the championship caliber of our track and field program.”

Construction will start in April, and is expected to be finished in September.

“It will allow us to attract more 5-star prospective student-athletes, showcase their talents on campus, and match the level of excellence of our current campus facilities,” said Jennifer Potter, women’s track and field coach.

When finished, the facility will be available to be used by college athletes and the public.