A Warmer Welcome campaign launches
At Homecoming weekend, Messiah University announced A Warmer Welcome campaign to enhance the outdoor athletic facilities at the Starry Athletic Complex. The $5.5 million campaign is set to include a new concession and hospitality facility that will serve Messiah’s entire outdoor athletic complex, expanded and enhanced new seating for lacrosse and softball fans, and improved dugout areas for the baseball field.
The project will break ground in the fall of 2023, with an anticipated completion date in the spring or summer of 2024.
At the center of the project is the Stadium East Building that will be located between Anderson and Shoemaker Fields at the site where the flag court currently stands. The two-story build will feature a concession area, restrooms, a community space for indoor tailgating events and much-needed locker rooms for home and visiting teams. Dedicated spaces for game officials and athletic training staff will also be included. The building will be accessible on both levels, with entrances on the Anderson Field side as well as the field-level of Shoemaker Field.
At the lacrosse turf, additional seating and a press box will replace the current movable bleachers on the west side of the field. These permanent bleachers will be just a short walk down the path from the Stadium East Building with restrooms, concessions and tailgating space.
Also included in the project will be additional seating for the softball field and improved dugouts at the baseball field.
“In addition to Messiah cultivating a desire of lifelong learning, as an institution it also strives to set an example of hospitality and generosity of spirit. We so appreciate this mentality and how it has been done through various projects that are now completed. This new initiative will take this spirit to the other side of the covered bridge where all teams, both Messiah’s and visiting teams, and their families as well our students and fans will be able to experience Messiah’s warmer welcome,” said Bonnie ’90 and David Millary ’88, campaign co-chairs.
Why now?
As a University with 35 NCAA Division III championships, the caliber of our current facilities does not reflect the caliber of the remarkable accomplishments and success of Messiah Athletics and falls short of Messiah’s commitment to outstanding campus hospitality. Addressing this challenge and enhancing our athletic facilities and hospitality will greatly complement our ongoing efforts to promote institutional pride and spirit within our entire Falcon community—and to recruit student athletes to Messiah University during campus tours, summer camps and individual athlete visits.
“Messiah Athletics have been a significant part of our lives for over 20 years, as former student-athletes, mentors and parents of young athletes who love attending summer camps and cheering teams on. We feel these improvements will enhance Messiah’s continual commitment to excellence,” said campaign co-chairs Brent ’05 and Mindy Smith ’04, campaign co-chairs.
How you can help
Be a part of the Messiah team of alumni, parents and friends who are providing support for a welcoming atmosphere for our athletes, students, fans and campus visitors. Please consider helping us reach our $5.5 million goal to fund this much-needed project, which will ensure the continuation of the Messiah Athletics legacy of pursuing athletic excellence and developing Christian character.