Athletic Upgrades on Horizon

Conceptual image of the new RiverHawks Special Events Center

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- Capital improvements and equipment purchases for some of Northeastern State University’s athletic venues have begun this summer, according to athletic director Jeff Konya.

“Several projects have been identified within the Athletic Department infrastructure and approval has been given by our administration for work to begin,” said Konya, “Nearly $1 million has been dedicated to these projects for the summer and fall.  As we move into the 2010-11 athletic year, we are genuinely excited about the impact these critical assets will mean to the athletic programs at Northeastern State.”

Doc Wadley Stadium/Gable Field will have a pair of projects completed by early fall. Paint will be applied underneath the west grandstands, or the home seating area, at Wadley Stadium. Also, columns will be erected to support the press box on the same side of the field. The press box, which is original construction from when the stadium was built in 1964, is a cantilever design. This will be the first stage for possibly replacing the press box among later projects.

Lighting will be added to the Northeastern State Soccer Complex. The addition of outdoor lighting presents an opportunity to better market a family-friendly, game day atmosphere for members of the Tahlequah community to attend matches this fall and in the future.

Earlier this summer, Northeastern State secured the purchase of a 4-panel, 10 millimeter, high definition video scoreboard. This features state-of-the-art technology, video components, cameras and control room equipment. Although the purchase was made to be included in the new Athletic Arena/Special Events Center, some of the elements may be added to Dobbins Field House as early as this winter.

Konya says other projects could be realized shortly as funding sources are solidified.

“The Athletics Master Plan has identified $15 million in projects moving forward,” he said. “Every sport has upgrades planned and we will continue to diligently strive to get adequate funding for each one.

“We expect to break ground on the new Arena/Special Events Center at some point in early 2011 with a possible completion date in 2012. All of the projects will have a lasting impact on Northeastern State University, as well as the community. I don’t think anyone can doubt our commitment to athletics if they take a good look at what we have planned.”