Concordia's Track And Turf Project Gets Underway
MOORHEAD, Minn. (4/25/24)---In partnership with The Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau and Oak Grove Lutheran School, Concordia Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson announced a $2.8 million outdoor facilities revitalization project to once again host Cobber track meets, provide future community athletic opportunities, and make Concordia the home for Grover track and field events.
Work to resurface the track and football playing surface inside Jake Christiansen Stadium is currently underway. The project includes installing lights for the track and football stadium located on the south end of the Concordia campus.
“This project is another step forward in providing quality facilities for our student-athletes,” Bergeson said. “We are also creating an environment that attracts students to our vibrant campus community.”
With a grant from FMCVB, Concordia has committed to hosting at least eight CVB-related events in the newly renovated facility over the course of the agreement. Planning for specific events will begin this summer.
“Visit Fargo-Moorhead is proud to partner with Concordia College as the school makes its facilities even more inviting and useful for its teams and fans, and for other potential users in our growing metro community,” Fargo-Moorhead Conventions & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Charley Johnson commented. “Our Staff and Board of Directors are happy to provide all kinds of assistance, including significant grants, to enhance destination development in Fargo, Moorhead & West Fargo.”
Oak Grove President Bob Otterson says he welcomes to invitation for the school to host its home track and field events at the college.
“Oak Grove and Concordia share connections across generations, faith, families and even facilities, as needed, Oak Grove President Bob Otterson said. “This project enriches the educational ecosystem in the Fargo-Moorhead market, and Oak Grove leaders are grateful that the school and our students' needs can be included in it.”
The track surface was last replaced in 2000 while the field turf playing surface on the football field was part of the Update the Jake campaign which was completed in 2010.
Both the track surface and the football turf installation will be completed by the end of the summer.
What they are saying about the track and turf project:
Football Head Coach Terry Horan:
“This gives our football team a first-class surface to train, practice, and compete on. The game field turf project at Jake Christiansen Stadium is a tremendous addition to our ongoing efforts to improve the facilities that Concordia student-athletes have at their disposal.”
Men’s Track & Field Head Coach Garrick Larson
“We’re excited to give our track and field athletes the experience of hosting a home meet. In the near future, we’ll see the MIAC Championship Meet return to Concordia. We also look forward to being able to partner with high school programs to host meets as well. Beyond meets, a high-quality home facility for training is a necessity for the Cobber student-athlete experience.”
Women’s Track & Field Head Coach Marv Roeske:
“The new track project is a special tribute to the past successes and athletes of Cobber Track and Field and the daily progress of the current student-athletes. It’s an exciting time for our current and future student-athletes as they train and compete in constant pursuit of track and field excellence.”