3 March 2005

New playing fields planned for the Longwood Lancers

Architectural Rendering (Click to Enlarge)

New fields for lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer will be constructed this summer at Longwood University on the site of the current rugby field at the Longwood Estate. The 13-acre, $5 million project replaces existing fields that did not meet NCAA Division requirements and will consist of a separate field for lacrosse and field hockey along with a soccer field. The adjacent fields will be situated on Johnston Drive across from the Longwood University golf course. Construction is expected to begin in early April and the fields should be ready for play by the beginning of the fall semester.

According to the design concept, the fields will be ten feet below street level to create a stadium setting with seating for 400 and additional ground space for 600. Fans will enter through a main entrance pavilion and landscaping will surround the fields with parking across the street. Other features include media/press boxes, restrooms, concession stands, team locker rooms, scoreboards, and lighting for night games.

The new athletic complex will have a grass field for men's and women's soccer and a turf field for field hockey and lacrosse. Longwood Athletic Director Rick Mazzuto stated, "In Division I field hockey, artificial turf is not an amenity. It's a requirement. This new facility will ensure that we meet Division I standards and regulations."

The new complex is being designed by VMDO Architects of Charlottesville, which specializes in design for K-12 public school systems and institutions of higher education. Some of their recent projects include the new Carl Smith Center at the University of Virginia and the Washington and Lee University Commons. VMDO is the youngest firm to receive the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Virginia Architecture Award, the most prestigious honor given by the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects.

As Longwood University continues its transition to NCAA Division I, the new athletic fields will

provide the Longwood Lancers with a three-sport facility that will be enjoyed by both fans and players. Rick Mazzuto, Longwood's director of athletics, is looking forward to fielding the competition in a beautiful new complex— "This will be a quality Division I athletics facility for the University. It will greatly enhance our opportunity to recruit outstanding young athletes and host premier intercollegiate competition."