Norwich athletics is planning new upgrades to historic Sabine Field in the next few years, according to Norwich staff.
Upgrades include new grandstands, which will run from one 25 yard line to the other 25 yard line; a three-lane recreational track and lights.
“Right now we are not making any upgrades yet, but the plan for Sabine Field is to totally renovate the facility,” said Athletic Director Anthony Mariano. “We would tear down the stands and press box, tear up the field completely, add a new artificial turf field [so] that we could participate in not only football but men’s and women’s soccer, lacrosse and rugby.”
The field will undergo many other changes as well.
NU football head coach Shawn Macintyre said, “To the east side of (Sabine Field), there will be a medal of honor area that will tie into Plumley Amory. The tank, anchor, and propeller will be centrally located on the northwest end and in addition (to that) a new maintenance garage (will be built).”
“Sabine Field will have a lot of use by a lot of different teams,” McIntyre said. “The whole community is going to benefit, obviously Norwich athletics is going to benefit greatly, and ROTC will be able to work out in these areas.”
Orwin Etkins, a 19-year-old sophomore computer science major from Miramar, Fla., said, “I feel it would be great for all sports teams, especially for our football team. A turf field feels great and we may even play better.”
“I am excited about the possibly of night games, the atmosphere will be different and new to Norwich football,” Etkins said. “I think the newly renovated field will bring a lot of attention to Norwich University.”
Shanoui Gunn, an 18-year-old freshman computer security major from Clifton, N.J., said, “This new project is great, I really like the idea. The rugby pitch is so far away, and possibly playing on the new field could make more people come to our games.”
The addition of a rubber track is also an excellent idea because running constantly on dirt is not safe, it cause shin splints and ankle problems, and there are too many rocks, Gunn said.
“The athletics will benefit the most, and the field won’t be muddy like in last year ECFC (Eastern Colligate Football Conference) Championship game,” said Jason Hill, a 20-year-old junior business management major from Canajoharie, N.Y.
“The new atmosphere will make us (athletes) feel better. You look good, you feel good, and you play good,” Etkins said.
Money needs to be raised to get this project started.
“Right now we are in the process of trying to raise money for this particular facility and a lot will depend on how quickly we can raise that money,” Mariano said.
“Our development office, which does all of the fundraising on campus, is going out with a plan as we speak to try to approach individuals who have an interest in football and Norwich athletics to see if they would be willing to donate money towards this project,” he said.
According to Mariano, the cost of the project will be between $5 million and $5.5 million.
“It is a combined effort in the development office to reach out alumni and others who have a strong interest in the project,” Mariano said.
“Our facilities represent our school, so if prospective students comes to Norwich and love the facilities there is a better chance of them staying,” Gunn said.
“It will look very nice, and help us get better athletes here; I know when I was on recruiting trips I definitely took the athletic facilities into my final decision,” Hill said.
“When it is completed it will be a tremendous addition to the university and certainly its athletic facilities, it will be a very impressive facility, and a great attraction for prospective students,” Mariano said.
There is no timeline yet of when this project will be started or completed.