Completed for the 2008-09 academic year, the new Northern Illinois Soccer and Track & Field Complex was designed from the ground up with a focus on space, versatility and efficiency.
Track and Field
"The entire facility is one of the top-rated complexes in Illinois," head track and field coach Connie Teaberry said.
The large foot print of the facility allowed designers to include several features not possible in a more contained area.
The eight-lane track is made with a state-of-the-art material that is conducive to both training and competition, and includes an eight-lane straightaway. Thanks to a "sandwich system" that layers two synthetic materials, the new track surface is nearly impermeable to damage from rain and snow.
"The surface doesn't allow water to seep through, which makes it more durable for the long-term," Teaberry said.
For field athletes, the complex provides the space needed to compete at the highest levels.
"We have two huge d-zones that give us the space we need to run field and track events simultaneously, which is great for meet management," Teaberry noted.
The north zone houses the high jump area, which nets the approval of Teaberry, a former Olympian in the event. Opposite the high jump will be an area for the pole vault, while the west side of the track is home to three jump pits.
"With three pits, we can have two long jumps or triple jumps going at the same time," Teaberry said. "It's another factor that will help reduce the length of competitions."
The premier agent in reducing the length of meets is the separate throws area, which sits just south of the track. The complex's two shot put rings, hammer/discus ring and javelin runway don't interfere with any running events.
Soccer
The interior of the track is the new competition home of Northern Illinois men's and women's soccer.
The turf was built to the specification of Fifa 2-Star Certified field, meaning it is the highest quality artificial soccer surface available today.
With all the advantages of grass, the surface will also allow for a consistency that grass does not guarantee.
Other Features
The new track and field/soccer complex rearranged the set-up for not only competitors, but also spectators. Fans can find an entrance on the northwest side of the complex, with nearly unlimited parking available in the Convocation Center lot. A set of bleachers lines the east side of the field, giving spectators a clear line of sight for the action on the pitch, or on the track.
