Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse
Construction of MMU Fieldhouse to Begin Spring 2019
On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, Mount Marty University announced plans to construct a new fieldhouse on the university’s campus in Yankton, South Dakota. Construction of the fieldhouse is slated to begin in the spring of 2019.
The $15 million, 100,000 square foot fieldhouse, which is scheduled for completion in July of 2020, promises to be a showpiece on the MMU campus as well as a hotbed of activity for community and collegiate events. The facility will offer a host of elements including a 74,000 square foot event space with a 200-meter, eight-lane track as well as a 7,500 square foot weight training and fitness facility which will be open to both the MMU and Yankton community members through a proposed partnership with GreatLIFE.
Chris Kassin, Athletic Director for MMU, says the new facility will benefit every student, “We want students to choose Mount Marty because they know they can succeed here. To do that, we need to offer top-of-the-line facilities,” explains Kassin. “This field house will offer students, and the larger community, access to first-rate fitness space and opportunities for indoor recreation in any season,” Kassin adds that specialized features such as an eight-lane track will provide opportunities to bring large athletic events to town. “The full eight-lane track will make MMU a great candidate to host a variety of regional and conference events.”
MMU President Marcus Long says the new facility will fulfill some critical needs for the growing campus including much-needed room for students and activities. “Mount Marty is committed to improving health and well-being on campus and throughout the region. And we see the fieldhouse as an important part of that effort. Whether through intramural sports, a large regional event, or a family working to get healthy, MMU is excited to provide this facility for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and our neighbors in the area.”
Yankton’s Mayor, and MMU alumnus, Nathan Johnson agrees. He sees the project as a step forward for Yankton. “The fieldhouse project marks a significant advancement not just for Mount Marty University but for the Yankton community. The many events it will hold will create recreational and quality of life opportunities for our residents; not to mention the visitors it will draw who will eat in our restaurants, stay in our hotels and shop in our stores. This is a great day for Mount Marty University and for all of Yankton.”
Fundraising for the fieldhouse project is ongoing. Inquiries for all levels of gifts, including naming opportunities, can be made by contacting MMU Athletic Director, Chris Kassin at 605-670-9698 or Vice President for Advancement, Barb Rezac at 605-668-1292 or simply donate online using our easy and secure online donation form.
What are the main features of this project?
The new 100,000 square foot fieldhouse at Mount Marty University will include a 74,000 square feet event space with a 200-meter, eight-lane track as well as a 7,500 square foot weight training and fitness facility which will be open to both the MMU and Yankton community members through a proposed partnership with GreatLIFE. There will also be almost 3,000 feet dedicated to Avera Sports and Coach Rozy Total Training for Elevated Performance.
When will construction begin, and what is the timeline for completion?
Construction of the fieldhouse is set to begin in April 2019. The project is estimated to take approximately 15 months, with a tentative completion date of July 2020. A groundbreaking and naming ceremony will be held this spring.
How will this fieldhouse impact Lancer Athletics and MMU’s student life?
The fieldhouse will provide MMU with much needed space for student activities, recreation and athletic practices and events. It will also offer athletes top of the line features and first-rate training facilities. However, the fieldhouse will be more than an athletic facility. It will be a place for people to come together through intramural sports, a large regional event, or a family working to get healthy. It is our hope that this facility will be 100,000 square feet for our community to grow.
What will the fieldhouse be used for?
Potential uses for the fieldhouse are as follows: indoor collegiate track meets; collegiate baseball and softball scrimmages; cheer and dance and marching band competitions; competitive club sports events; high school and middle school events; youth sporting events; indoor winter tournaments for off-season sports; multiple sports camps, boat, camper, home shows.
How will this fieldhouse impact the Yankton community?
While MMU already generates a significant economic impact on the city of Yankton — about $15 million per year — institutional growth at MMU could mean economic growth for the community. It is estimated that the fieldhouse could provide another $2 million per year through visitors coming to Yankton for events, additional spending by growing number of enrolled students at Mount Marty, and the additional faculty and staff needed to accommodate that growth.
What is the cost of the project and how can I contribute?
The cost of construction for the fieldhouse is $15 million. Fundraising for this project and future campus improvements are ongoing. Inquiries, including naming opportunities for all levels of gifts, can be made by contacting MMU Athletic Director Chris Kassin at 605-670-9698, or Vice President for Advancement Barb Rezac at 605-668-1292.