Boston U. to Add Men's Lacrosse, Build New On-Campus Field ...

BOSTON -- Boston University announced today that it will add men's lacrosse as a varsity sport with play beginning in the 2014 season. The University also announced that it will construct a new all-purpose field, made possible by a $3 million gift from New Balance, that will house the field hockey team as well as recreation sports.

Boston U. will become America East's seventh member to sponsor men's lacrosse and join Albany, Binghamton, Hartford, UMBC, Stony Brook and Vermont in an already formidable league. Three different America East schools (Albany, UMBC, Stony Brook) have reached the NCAA quarterfinal round since 2007 and last season, the league placed second in conference RPI among the eight NCAA automatic qualifying conferences.

"Boston University's addition of men's lacrosse strengthens America East's status as one of the top men's lacrosse leagues in the country," said America East Commissioner Amy Huchthausen. "Additionally, New Balance Field will enhance the student-athlete experience for the entire conference and give the Terrier field hockey program an on-campus field for the first time in over a decade."

Ground breaking for New Balance Field will take place this summer with the facility scheduled to open in the fall of 2013. The 110,000 square-foot field will provide Boston U.'s field hockey team with an on-campus facility for the first time since 2000. Despite having to travel for practices and games, the Terriers have won four conference titles and made three NCAA appearances during that span.

The new field, with seating for 1,000, will be built above the current site of the Babcock Street parking lot at the corner of Babcock and Ashford Streets. The space beneath the field will provide approximately 350 parking spaces. In addition, the field will host a 500 square-foot press box. The total cost of the parking structure and the field is estimated to be $24 million.

?This is another giant step forward for our program, with strategic investments in programs that are vital to the continued development of our department and the enhanced national visibility of the BU Athletics? brand,? said Boston U. Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Mike Lynch. ?We are thrilled with this development and wish to thank all those who are helping to bring it to fruition."

Boston U. Athletic Communications contributed to this report.

Source: http://www.americaeast.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14000&ATCLID=205379630

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