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Early work begins on $4.3M YSU sports facility
Photo
The site of a new YSU sports complex viewed from the DeBartolo Stadium Club atop Stambaugh Stadium with the soccer field/track to the right and softball field to the left.
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
Site preparation has begun on a new $4.3 million sports complex in a once-blighted North Side neighborhood across from Stambaugh Stadium.
“This complex will not only serve thousands of students participating in athletics, intramurals and club sports, it also will greatly enhance the appearance of a major gateway to the campus,” said Gene Grilli, vice president for administration and finance at Youngstown State University.
The project, first conceived about five years ago, includes a new soccer field surrounded by an eight-lane all-weather track, as well as a softball field.
In addition, it includes lighting for the fields, stands, restrooms, walkways and fencing.
The women’s soccer team, which currently plays at Stambaugh Stadium, and the women’s softball team, which currently plays in Canfield, will use the new fields.
Students participating in university intramural and club sports also will use the complex. In addition, the university anticipates that community groups will use the facilities for tournaments and other events.
The complex, funded through university bonds and private donations, should be complete by next summer.