WESTFIELD STATE'S ALUMNI FIELD RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

BOSTON, MA - Four Massachusetts athletic fields, including Alumni Stadium at Westfield State, recently earned recognition as some of the best sports facilities in the country.

The American Sports Builders Association, a national athletic facility design organization, praised the following local stadiums at its annual awards programs. All four projects were designed by Boston landscape architecture firm Stantec Sports (formerly Gellar Sport).

- Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, outstanding multi-purpose turf;

- Harvard Stadum Field, outstanding multi-purpose turf;

- Westfield State College Alumni Stadium, outstanding outdoor track and field facility;

- Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, outstanding outdoor track and field facility.

Westfield State renovated an existing eight-lane NCAA running track. The track and field facility also features four jumping pits, two shot put throwing areas, and two throwing areas for the discus and hammer throw. In addition, a synthetic turf was added to the main playing field for better wear and tear during bad weather.

The Westfield State facility services college, community and high school events. Last month Westfield State hosted high school state playoff games in football, soccer and field hockey. The Western Mass. high school track and field championships will be held at the new facility next May.

"We are very proud of all our athletic facilities," said Westfield State athletics director Richard Lenfest. "The renovations to Alumni Field and the outdoor track facility are a huge addition to Westfield State College. Along with the Woodward Center (field house), our student-athletes have some of the finest venues to compete in New England."