Sept. 1, 2004
Queens, NY (September 1, 2004) - 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.
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.
