Scheduled for completion by fall 2015, "Birdsong Field" will provide a state-of-the art venue for athletic competitions and intramural sports
News Release | April 25, 2015
The ceremonial first shovel hit the ground April 25 as Virginia Wesleyan College officially celebrated the planned addition of a $2.9 million synthetic turf field at VWC’s Outdoor Athletic Complex. Scheduled for completion by fall 2015, “Birdsong Field” will provide a state-of-the art venue for athletic competitions, supporting more than 150 student-athletes playing NCAA Division III men’s and women’s lacrosse and field hockey at the College. Equally important, the entire student body will have access to the field for intramural sports.
The field is named in honor of George and Sue Birdsong and Birdsong Corporation, who in January 2014 made a $1 million challenge gift to be put toward its installation. The lead gift came at a time when VWC was immersed in a strategic planning process that is now setting the direction for the future of the College.
“The turf field will make a statement in terms of both function and form for Virginia Wesleyan,” said VWC Board of Trustees member George Birdsong. “In addition to its many benefits for current and future athletes, it will be an attractive visual addition to campus that is part of our broader strategic goals for creating an inspiring sense of place.”
The facility will feature a prominent entryway with ticketing, concessions and restrooms; an electronic scoreboard; field lighting; aluminum fencing and landscaping; a new parking lot; and surrounding green space for picnicking and tailgating. The potential for expansion to include a press box and permanent bleachers exists for the future.
The expedition of Birdsong Field has been a priority for VWC President Billy Greer, who will end his 23-year career as president when he retires on June 30.
“Our coaches and student-athletes perform at a high level, and the addition of this turf field will enhance their ability to compete even more successfully in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference,” said Greer. “We are indebted to the Birdsongs, our Board of Trustees and donors for providing tremendous leadership to the College and helping to make this important initiative a reality.”
Construction is scheduled to begin following commencement, and fundraising will continue for the remaining $300,000 needed to complete the project. For more information or to support this project, contact Mita Vail, Vice President for College Advancement at mvail@vwu.edu or at 757.455.3205.