The Bethany Lutheran College athletic fields will take on a new look with the construction of a new artificial turf soccer field during the summer of 2019. Preliminary site work began on May 6, 2019. Work is expected to continue throughout the summer.

Robert W. Carlstrom Company of Mankato is managing the $3 million project for the College. Other companies involved include:

FieldTurf Corporation will install the artificial turf playing surface. FieldTurf has more than 20,000 installations worldwide, including 6,500 in North America.
BLK Electric (Mankato) is the electrical contractor responsible for relocation of electrical utilities.
Holtmeier Construction (Mankato) is providing excavation services.
Musco Lighting will fit the field with new, state-of-the-art lighting.
Seating & Athletic Facility Enterprises LLC is installing new bleachers.
American Fence will put up new perimeter fencing.

In addition to the field construction, site improvements on the athletic complex will also take place. A storm water retention pond will be constructed near the intersection of Division and Mulberry Streets, and a new parking lot will occupy the corner of Marsh and Division Streets.

During the construction process, the immediate area near the campus can expect occasional street closures, and a regular stream of trucks will be hauling dirt in and out of the construction site. Carlstrom and the sub-contractors are working with an aggressive timeline to complete the work by September 30, 2019.

Bethany Director of Athletics Don Westphal spoke about the project’s impact for the College, “The addition of a turf field to our campus will pay immediate dividends this fall. A turfed athletic field is another element in a long line of physical plant enhancements that indicate Bethany’s commitment to enrich the collegiate experience of our student body.”

And Westphal remarked the impact of the new field will extend beyond the athletic program.

“Beyond our Viking soccer teams and other varsity sports, a turf surface will enhance our intramural program and be utilized by numerous students.”

Renee Tatge is Bethany’s Coordinator of Student Activities and Intramurals. She explained some of the benefits for both Bethany students and the College.

“Besides being a great workout and social opportunity for students, participation in intramural sports is linked to higher GPAs and overall student satisfaction. At Bethany, approximately one out of every two students participate in IMs, so I am excited about the extra space the new turf field will afford the IM Department to serve our students.”