LEWISTON, Maine -- The Bates College Department of Athletics announced Friday four facility upgrades that will be completed by the start of the 2022–23 academic year.

"We've pleased to once again pursue significant facilities improvements over the summer that will improve the experience of our Bobcat athletes come fall, and also serve the fitness and wellness needs of the entire community," said Director of Athletics Jason Fein.

Russell Street Track Replacement

Starting in early May, Bates will install a new and vastly improved track surface at the Russell Street Track and Field.

The new surface, Mondo Sportflex Super X 720, is used worldwide in both competition and training venues, including at the Cube gymnasium in Nanjing, China, host of the 2023 World Athletics Indoor Championships. The surface carries World Athletics certification as well as two GreenGuard certificates for sustainability. Other Russell Street improvements will include a new steeplechase pit, new jumping lane marking boards, and other equipment and technology upgrades.

"This is a special time for our programs," men's cross country and track and field head coach Curtis Johnson said. "Our tracks are known for being 'fast', and I'm thankful we can continue to boast this for years to come. This Russell Street Track project will directly impact how we train, how competitively we perform, and the overall health and experience of our team and visiting teams. Lewiston-Auburn community members also use the track for exercise and fitness, so we are proud that updating our facility will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of our home community."

"We are so excited about getting this project underway this summer," women's cross country and track and field head coach Jennifer "Jay" Hartshorn said. "Seeing the mock ups of the facility has been thrilling for the staff and athletes. We can't wait to start our training there next fall."

Miller Sports Construction will install the new surface.

Campus Avenue Field Grandstand Installation

The fan experience at Campus Avenue Field, which supports the Bates field hockey program and provides multi-sport space in fall and spring, will be upgraded this summer with elevated five-row aluminum bleachers that can accommodate approximately 240 spectators and includes handicap accessible seating. The stands will also include a new filming platform.

Built in 2000, the home of Bates field hockey was remade in 2016 with an eight-head irrigation system and polypropylene GreenFields TX surface, the field surface chosen for the 2014 Field Hockey World Cup. It is the first of its kind in the U.S.

"Our team is extremely grateful to have the support of the college and our extended Bobcat family who have made these projects possible," field hockey head coach Dani Kogut said. "The addition of bleachers and branding to Campus Avenue Field will transform our already world-class surface into a top-notch, fan-friendly home facility."
 
The site work will be done by St. Laurent and Son of Lewiston. The stands will be provided and installed by A Plus Athletic Products Inc. 

Alumni Gym Locker Room Renovation

The field hockey team will be greeted this fall by a fully renovated locker room on the ground floor of Alumni Gym. This renovation includes new lockers, wet area improvements, and new branding and technology.

"The upgrades to the field hockey locker room provides the team with a sense of community and a place to call home with their teammates," Kogut said. "Both projects will be a source of inspiration and a reminder of our incredible Bates community for years to come."

Davis Fitness Center HVAC Improvements

Improving the experience of all members of the Bates community who use Davis Fitness Center, the facility's significant HVAC improvements will be completed by mid-summer. 

The improvement follows upgrades in 2021 that featured new performance racks, weights, selectorized machines, plate-loaded machines, and cardio equipment. A new equipment layout made the space more functional, comfortable and user-focused. A new floor and updated branding completed the new look.

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