Williams Education Fund Celebrates Major Improvements to Anschutz Pavillion
Oct. 14, 2011
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Anschutz Pavilion, Kansas Athletics’ indoor practice and competition venue, underwent an extensive renovation that includes 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 was completed by September 15.
The Ray Evans Field and Bill Easton Track was dedicated October 14 with more than 100 Williams Education Fund members paying homage to the newly renovated complex. Athletic Director Dr. Sheahon Zenger also attended the event and made sure to thank everyone for their support on his first fundraising project.
The new six-lane track (eight lanes on the sprint straightaway) replaced the existing track, which was installed when Anschutz was built in 1984. The existing 231-meter oval was 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 installed a 70,300-square- foot AstroTurf Gameday Grass Puregrass system. They inlayed 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 also installed a new state-of-the-art sound system.
Anschutz 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.
