Completed for the 2008-09 academic year, the NIU 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," NIU head track and field coach Connie Teaberry said.
The large footprint 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 sist 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.
