SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Le Moyne College announced a $45 million expansion that is set to be completed over the course of the next five years, the school and state officials announced Tuesday.
Assemblywoman Pam Hunter (D-Syracuse ) announced that the state of New York would be awarding a $12 million grant to the school, which will be paid out to Le Moyne over the next two years. This money will be used for the first phase of the project, which includes a brand new track and field facility as well as outdoor tennis courts.
The remaining $33 million must be provided by Le Moyne, which Beretta said will be raised through a combination of fundraising and philanthropy from alumni.
Le Moyne athletic director Bob Beretta said Wednesday this project is crucial to the growth of the college.
“[This project] is going to impact the community, not just our student athletes,” said Beretta.
The track and field facility and tennis courts will be open to the campus community, meaning all Le Moyne students and faculty are welcome to use them. There are also plans for a new student fitness center and swimming pool.
While the project is not entirely athletic-based, Beretta said there are big changes coming to Le Moyne Athletics.
“It’s going to impact every single one of our student-athletes,” said Beretta. “Our locker room space is cramped, we can’t grow our rosters to help the enrollment side… anything we can do to enhance their lives in some small way excites me.”
Beretta said plans include a new strength and conditioning facility for student athletes, as well as expanded locker room areas. Team lounges and video rooms will also be built to enable teams to scout more effectively.
The project also opens up the possibility for Le Moyne track and tennis teams to host regular season events, something the teams were unable to do in the past. The tennis teams were forced to host two matches apiece this past season at various Elevate Fitness locations.
Beretta, a former student-athlete, said that in order to compete for championships, you need to invest in the future.
“I envision a championship product,” said Beretta. “I think our program will compete for NEC Championships regularly… I think in year one we showed that this program belongs at this level.”
Le Moyne will be entering its second season in Division I this fall. The timeline for the tennis courts and track facility are undetermined at this time.
