Work Commences on Major Improvements to Anschutz Pavilion
June 29, 2011
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
Anschutz Pavilion, Kansas Athletics’ indoor practice and competition venue, is undergoing an extensive renovation that will include new practice and competition surfaces for the Ray Evans Field and the Bill Easton Track, a new scoreboard and sound system and a fresh coat of paint. The work began May 18 and will be completed by early September.
The new six-lane track (eight lanes on the sprint straightaway) will replace the existing track, which is the original track installed when Anschutz was built in 1984. The existing 231-meter oval will be converted into a 200-meter track, the current standard for indoor facilities. Other improvements include new, reconfigured jump pits, and a new pole vault box and runway, all of which will improve spectator viewing.
The track surface, a Beynon BSS 2000, includes a Hobart topping in all training and competition areas that will provide durability, stain resistance and longevity. The track’s most recent upgrade was a resurfacing in 1999.
Contractors will install a 70,300-square- foot AstroTurf Gameday Grass Puregrass system. They will inlay a four-color Jayhawk logo, as well as all lines, yard markers, numbers and sidelines, into the turf. An antimicrobial coating has been applied to the turf to assist in maintaining a healthy environment. The existing A12 convertible AstroTurf system was installed in 1999.
The new Daktronics results board contains an active area of nearly 18 feet high and 16 feet wide. Daktronics will also install a new state-of-the-art sound system.
Anschutz Sports Pavilion was officially dedicated on October 27, 1984, a day highlighted by the KU football team’s upset of second-ranked Oklahoma. Nearly 60 donors turned the idea of an indoor practice facility into a reality with donations totaling nearly $3.5 million. Fred Anschutz, a native of Russell, Kan., attended KU in the 1930’s and was the major contributor to the project.
The venue hosts several track meets each year and serves as a practice venue for several other KU teams.
