Bowdoin College launches multi-million-dollar sports facility revamp
Bowdoin College plans an $8 million renovation of historic Whittier Field, and Magee-Samuelson Track, named partially in honor of Olympic champion, Maine native and 1979 graduate Joan Benoit Samuelson.
The initial $4.5-million phase of the project, approved in March by the college’s board of trustees, is scheduled to begin in early May 2017, according to a release from the college.
Phase 1 plans call for replacing the existing grass field with artificial turf and adding lights, seating and a new press box, along with an expansion of the current six-lane track to the eight lanes required to host championship track meets. Bleachers that were added over the years to the perimeter of the structure also would be removed.
The college, which began planning for the project in the summer of 2016, is working to complete this first phase by mid-September to enable the football team to use the facility for the 2017-18 season, rather than waiting another year for the improvements.
Phase 2 plans await approval
Plans for a second $3.5-million phase call for construction of a one-story support building that will house locker, training and equipment rooms and public restrooms. Bowdoin trustees are expected to review and vote on the second phase of the project when they meet in May. If approved, this phase of the project is expected to be completed by fall 2018.
The total $8.0 million cost for both phases of the project will be funded entirely through private donations from several individuals.
The college will continue ongoing fundraising efforts through the remainder of the project, which will maintain the historic Hubbard Grandstand as a focal point of one of the oldest college football and track sites in the country.
“We are tremendously grateful to our donors, without whom this needed upgrade and renovation would not be possible,” said Bowdoin President Clayton Rose.
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