LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell has announced plans for a 1.4-million dollar renovation to the outdoor track and field facility.  The project will effect both the track and the throwing areas and provide River Hawk athletes with one of the finest facilities in New England.

"This facility upgrade is another example of the continuing commitment to excellence by this University and UMass Lowell Athletics in an effort to provide the resources our student-athletes and staff need to be successful," said UMass Lowell Director of Athletics Peter Casey.  "The renovated complex will give our track & field program everything it needs to function efficiently and effectively on a daily basis.  This upgrade will showcase our program and be a key aspect as we continue to present this program to recruits and their families."

Although patching and repairs have been made over the years, the renovation project will be the first major upgrade in twenty-years and provide River Hawk athletes with a state of the art facility on which to train and compete.  The brand new track complex will play host to the America East Outdoor Track and Field Championships in May, 2021.  The renovation will provide UMass Lowell with a facility capable of attracting events such as the New England Championships, the IC4A / ECAC Championships as well as high school events.

"This shows the dedication and commitment the Athletic Department and this University has to the student-athlete and the athletic teams," said UMass Lowell Track and Field Head Coach Gary Gardner.  "It shows that they are invested in the young people as athletes and their future."

The eight-lane wide track surface, the Beynon BSS 300, is a multi-layer system with a two component polyurethane surface is described on the company's website as adding "a touch of performance and feel underfoot, especially for long distance runners."

"It's as good a surface as there is out there," according to Gardner.  "It's quick in competition and good to train on: it's softer than what we have now and it doesn't beat you up.  You can feel the difference the moment you walk on the track."

The project will include extending the grandstand side straightaway at both ends so that the 100-meter dash can be run in either direction depending on wind conditions.  The jumping areas on both sides of the track will also be upgraded.  This will allow the long jump and triple jump to be run simultaneously in either direction.  The project will include brand new hurdles as well.

The throwing area will be upgraded with new netting, fencing and concrete slab.  The runway for the javelin throw will be redone.

Work on the project is expected to begin in mid-May after the completion of the outdoor season.  Initially asphalt will be poured and then allowed to cure.  That can take as long as six weeks.  The renovations are expected to be completed in August with an unveiling and alumni race tentatively schedule for August 29th.

The UMass Lowell track and field teams compete this weekend at the Tufts Invitational on the Gantcher Center in Medford.