LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Athletics officially unveiled its recent renovations to the track & field facility at Cushing Field Complex during a special ribbon cutting event on Friday, August 27. 
 
"We are thrilled to be able to unveil this state-of-the-art facility upgrade for our men's and women's track and field programs," said Director of Athletics Peter Casey. "We continually strive to enrich the student-athlete experience here at UMass Lowell and being able to provide this enhanced track surface and throwing area, capable of hosting conference and regional championships, is just another great example of that."
 
The $1.4 million renovation included refinishing the eight-lane wide track with the Beynon BSS 300, a multi-layer system with a two component polyurethane surface. The project also extended the stadium's grandstand side straightaway at both ends so that the 100-meter dash can be run in either direction depending on wind conditions. Additionally, the jumping areas on both sides of the track were upgraded to allow the long jump and triple jump to be run simultaneously in either direction. Brand new hurdles for the track, as well as new netting, fencing, concrete and javelin runway for the throwing area completed the project.
 
Although the new complex already hosted the 2021 America East Outdoor Track and Field Championships in May, Friday's event was the first time alumni and friends of the program were able to experience the upgrades due to the pandemic. 
 
"We were so pleased to finally be able to host an alumni event," explained UMass Lowell Track & Field Head Coach Gary Gardner. "The turnout was outstanding and it was so enjoyable to see everyone in person."
 
In addition to the facility renovations, the River Hawks also unveiled the new Legacy Walk at the complex. The Legacy Walk is a brick campaign initiative started by former track & field coach George Davis to fundraise for the program.
 
"It's always good to get together with alumni and current athletes to celebrate achievements and honor those that have helped build the program to this point," commented Laura Callahan, Class of 1999.
 
Friday's event also included the presentation of rings to the men's and women's cross country teams, who swept the 2020 America East Championships. The night wrapped up on the track with a kids run and an alumni mile.