The Protect Our Turf Committee, Bismarck Community Bowl Authority, MDU Resources Group and community leaders broke ground today to officially commemorate the renovation project at the Community Bowl, the home of University of Mary football, men's and women's soccer and men's and women's track and field. This groundbreaking starts the construction phase of the project and brings to a close the planning and fundraising.
With a ceremonial scoop of dirt, participants not only pitched a pinch of soil but started a project that will improve the facility's student-athlete and spectator experiences and enhance the entire community. The project includes locker room renovations and additions, new storage, a scoreboard, a spectator center facility and a new track. Construction is projected to last about 18 months. U-Mary Athletic Director
Roger Thomas represented the Marauders at the groundbreaking ceremony.
In addition to the Marauders, the public facility is also the home field of Bismarck, Century and St. Mary's Central High School
"MDU Resources is honored to play such an important role in this community facility," said Terry Hildestad, president and CEO of MDU Resources. "Bismarck is a great home to our company and employees, and this is a unique opportunity to contribute back to the community in a way that will serve the student athletes, the community and central and western North Dakota well into the future."
MDU Resources was the lead donor contributing $2 million for the naming rights to the Bowl for 10 years. The company also has an option to retain the naming rights after year 10 for another $1 million. The City of Bismarck and Bismarck Public Schools each contributed $1.5 million to support the project.
Other major contributors to the Bowl included U-Mary, which pledged $500,000, and Scheel's, which put forth $250,000 for the Scheel's Student Athlete Pavilion. A number of businesses also contributed $100,000 to $150,000 to rent the suites for a 5-year period. The Friends of the Bowl Campaign saw donations from $100 to $50,000. All $1,000+ contributors are recognized online at www.ProtectOurTurf.com and will be recognized on the Friends of the Bowl Wall at the facility.
Protect Our Turf Chairman Todd Steinwand said, "This renovation represents an amazing public-private partnership. Our community pulled together to make this happen and our kids are the benefactors. When we started this campaign, $8 million seemed like a number that was almost out of reach. We had a core group of people who really helped us raise the private sector funds to move forward and I want to express my sincere thanks. To see construction begin today and know that we have reached our goal is a real tribute to our community."
"Two years ago, this dream began in the conference room of the Chamber of Commerce. It took countless volunteer hours, a commitment from a core group of people and the support of the community to make today a reality," said Jim Haussler, chairman of the Community Bowl Authority. "I also want to extend a word of thanks to all the partners of the Bowl Authority. Everyone came to the table and contributed in some way. This is true show of community spirit."
Northwest Contracting was selected as the general contractor for the project. Demolition of the existing press box is underway and construction on the locker rooms and storage facility will commence soon. The spectator center facility will be complete in the spring or summer of 2013. The track will be the last part of the renovation, waiting until after the 2013 state track meet to begin.
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