(Enclosed by Fourth and
Fifth Streets; Sassafras and Myrtle Streets)
A new era
in Gannon athletics began in May of 2000 when Gannon’s Board of Trustees
approved the conversion of the university’s practice field into an astro-turfed,
multipurpose athletic field capable of hosting games for football, baseball,
softball, soccer and lacrosse. One year later, the work has been completed
and Gannon’s outdoor sports finally have a home field advantage.
Gannon’s home opener against Tiffin
University on September 1 will mark the first time in school history that
Gannon has hosted a football game on-campus. The Golden Knights have played
at Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium since the program was revived in 1989.
Beyond hosting intercollegiate sports,
the facility will be widely used for intramural sports - an area in which
more than 70 percent of all Gannon students participate - and also will
be an asset to the community by accommodating various events and activities.
The 154,000-square-foot area, located
on the block between West Fourth and West Fifth streets and bordered by
Myrtle and Sassafras streets, includes five NCAA regulation fields (football,
soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse). All told, more than 400 student-athletes
and coaches will use the multipurpose facility.
AstroPlay turf was installed at the
new facility. Seating capacity is set at 2,500.
Prior to 2001 season, Gannon teams used
Erie's Veteran Memorial Stadium, Family First Sports Park, Scott Park,
and various other venues for home events.
Gannon now has a new home field located
on-campus. The Gannon Multipurpose Field will open on Saturday, September
1 when the Golden Knights host Tiffin University at 1 p.m. With a seating
capacity of 2,500 and excellent lighting, the new facility allows Golden
Knights fans to watch their team day or night. The facility has a modern
press box overlooking the field from the south side for all media and the
home coaching staff to use. It also has the ability for radio and television
broadcasts to be originated from the stadium.
An AstroPlay surface enables the facility
to be used by baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer, and softball teams.
Many other events can also be scheduled throughout the year at the new
facility.
Team locker rooms, concession stands,
and restrooms are located on the east side of the facility.
