New Stadium to Bolster UB Sports Programs, Attract Sports Competitions to Western New York

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The $22 million stadium being constructed on the State University of New York at Buffalo North (Amherst) Campus to house track-and-field events for the 1993 World University Games is a world-class facility that will be used for collegiate, as well as international sporting events, once the games are over.

"The new stadium will be a quadruple asset for us," said William R. Greiner, interim president of the University at Buffalo.

"It will, of course, be a key venue for the events that UB will host during the World University Games, and, therefore, a landmark in our University's history.

"It will also be an invaluable legacy for track-and-field and soccer at UB, as well as the cornerstone of our football program's advancement to Division I-AA in September 1993.

"In addition," Greiner noted, "it will be a lasting resource that UB can offer to athletic programs throughout the Western New York community.

"And, finally, the new stadium will complete our magnificent constellation of athletic facilities, the indoor part of which already exists in the adjacent Alumni Arena. This total package will serve as a significant draw in our efforts to bring major national and international competitions to our area after the World University Games," Greiner added. "The possibilities are very exciting."

M. Robert Koren, chair of the University at Buffalo Council, said "special appreciation should be accorded to Gov. Cuomo and members of the State Legislature, particularly members of the Western New York delegation, for their support of the project.

"It is particularly rewarding that, given the state's financial climate, they realized the importance of the stadium facility for the World University Games, the University and Western New York."

Construction of the stadium, which will have 18,000 permanent seats under the design plan, will be financed through the sale of bonds by the New York State Dormitory Authority.

The stadium, located east of Alumni Arena and adjacent to Millersport Highway, will be the third largest sports complex in Western New York after Rich Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills, and Pilot Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons.

It will consist of an eight-lane 400-meter track-and-field facility with a natural turf infield. A service level, locker rooms, administrative offices and meeting rooms will be located under the main deck of the stadium. Also included will be training facilities for student athletes featuring equipment for physical conditioning, treatment of athletic injuries and rehabilitation.

Nelson E. Townsend, director of athletics at UB, described the new stadium as "the truly final piece of the puzzle completing UB's plans to upgrade our football program to Division I-AA and one we're ecstatic to have in place."

Townsend noted, "The stadium also will bolster our fund-raising efforts for athletic scholarships. With the stadium, there is tangible evidence that, in two short years, we will be playing Division I-AA football."

Noting that it also will be the site for NCAA Division I competition in other sports, he added: "The stadium adds to the overall upgrade of our intercollegiate athletics program to Division I, in addition to backing our claim of being the most comprehensive intercollegiate athletic program in Western New York."

Townsend said he was pleased that, contrary to earlier plans, a decision was made not to demolish the existing stadium on the North Campus and construct a new stadium on the same site.

With completion of the new stadium in 1993, he noted, the existing stadium will provide the University with an opportunity to better meet the needs of student recreational and intramural programs, as well as expand programs in those areas.

The stadium was designed by Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, Inc. Sports Facilities Group (HOK Sports) of Kansas City, Mo. The group also designed Pilot Field in downtown Buffalo. Construction will be managed by Lehrer McGovern Bovis, Inc.