Attractive urban sport complex coming soon
The Southern University System Foundation recently broke ground to launch the construction of a new urban sport complex located on the Baton Rouge campus. The project will transform the east side of AW Mumford Stadium into JaguarPARK, an attractive addition to the campus that will enhance the SU soccer and football practice fields. JaguarPARK will boast a lighted NCAA regulation soccer game field and football practice field, a soccer field-house, and coaching observation tower, along with javelin and discus runways. The two-phase project is being paid for by private donations, Southern University System Foundation executive director Alfred E. Harrell III, said.
Phase I, which is expected to be completed before school starts this fall, includes the resurfacing of the practice football field, the installation of a new soccer field, drainage and irrigation systems, stadium lights and a surrounding fence with (40) connecting brick columns. The second phase will begin shortly after the completion of the football and soccer seasons in January, and will mostly include the building of a soccer field-house, concession stand, bleachers, a coaching observation tower and a equipment storage facility for football and field sports.
JaguarPARK will include NCAA regulation soccer game field and football practice field.
Southern University interim athletic director Roman Banks is excited about the new campus additions and believes this project is a positive step for the University. “Though we have been going through some tough times recently, you can see the work that is being done to move us in the right direction. We are thankful to the Southern University Foundation for funding this project,” said Banks.
Head Women’s soccer coach Courtnie Prather is ready to move into her new home. “When you have a place you can call your own and that’s where you train and you show up everyday and its your soccer goals and its your lines on the field, you take a little bit more ownership”, said Prather.
