Gryphon Field House Opens
July 10, 2012 - Campus Bulletin
The University of Guelph’s new Gryphon Field House is open for business. The pre-engineered steel building houses an indoor track as well as facilities for track-and-field events.
The infield is made of artificial turf suitable for soccer, rugby, football, lacrosse, baseball and ultimate Frisbee.
Built for $9 million and measuring 300 by 185 feet, the building is part of U of G’s athletics master plan. Its construction was expedited last year when the University needed to replace the former Gryphon Dome. Work started last fall on a former soccer field directly north of the W.F. Mitchell Athletics Centre and south of Alumni Stadium.
The new field house is currently being used for summer camp programs and for varsity and intramural training. An official opening will take place in the fall.
The field house will also be used for the University’s 10th annual community breakfast Sept. 5. As in past years, president Alastair Summerlee will present recognition awards to staff and faculty.
“U of G now has one of the best outdoor and indoor athletics facilities in Canada,” said Tom Kendall, director of athletics.
“In addition to benefiting all of our sport teams, the field house helps the community, because we can use the facility for University and public events year-round and regardless of weather.”
The field house includes a reception area, washrooms, storage lockers and equipment storage areas. It’s currently insulated and heated, with an option to add air conditioning. The building is energy-efficient, says Bill Clausen, athletics facilities manager.
“For example, the building’s design maximizes natural lighting, so that if it’s sunny outside, we won’t have to turn the lights on.”
It’s a super structure. It will provide all kinds of opportunities for students and the community.”
Also under way as part of the University’s athletics master plan are construction of an eight-lane track and renovations to Alumni Stadium, funded primarily through private donations.
The University is also planning to build and renovate a student fitness and recreation complex. It will be funded through student fees approved in a 2010 referendum expected to generate about $75 million over 30 years.
Kendall says athletics is important in attracting and retaining students. “We recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle for student success. These changes will allow us to continue to be leaders in student support.”
