Concordia University, St. Paul's Sea Foam Stadium Tops $8 Million in Financial Gifts for New Construction

ST. PAUL, MN (06/29/2009)(readMedia)-- As Concordia University, St. Paul sprints toward completion of the Sea Foam Stadium construction project, the University also crossed the finish line on Phase 1 of its fundraising goal for the project. While the first swath of SprinTurf® , the artificial playing surface of the football/soccer field was being laid down, the University also received the welcome news that the stadium project has received a $2 million gift from an anonymous donor.

With an earlier $5.5 million gift from CSP alumnus Phil Fandrei and Sea Foam Sales, gifts to the stadium project now top $8 million, completing the University's Phase 1 goal. The first phase of construction includes the 8-lane track and athletic field, bleachers, concourse area, press box and inflatable dome.

"Sea Foam Stadium will be a blessing to the campus and local community in many ways," said Concordia University president Dr. Robert Holst. "Obviously, it will enhance our intercollegiate and intramural athletic programs, but it also will provide a resource for curriculum development in the areas of health, physical fitness and human wellness. I hope that it boosts school spirit and campus pride for all students, and I want it to provide new opportunities for Concordia to be an active presence in the community, especially for neighborhood youth."

Construction is on schedule, with plans for the University to host its first home football game against Winona State on Sept. 19. Student-athletes eagerly anticipate their first season of competition in a new stadium. Golden Bears football, cross-country and track and field athletes did not previously have an on-campus home field, making it difficult for both players and spectators. The new stadium brings all the teams back to campus.

"When the idea of playing our games on-campus first came about we were all excited, but now that it's a reality, we are all really pumped up to get on the field," said Hayden Vavra, a junior Biology/Pre-med major from Cambridge, Minn., and a running back for Golden Bears football. "So many guys on the team have been on-campus this summer, and we are really working hard as a team. There isn't a guy on the team that isn't ecstatic about opening up against Winona State in a brand new facility."

Photos of this week's turf installation, details of the project and more are available on the Athletics website. To arrange an interview or request photos, please contact Jill Johnson, Concordia Public Relations, at 651-641-8755 or jjohnson@csp.edu, or Josh Deer, Sports Information Director at 651-641-8893 or jdeer@csp.edu.

About Concordia University, St. Paul: Concordia University, St. Paul is a comprehensive, private university of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and one of 10 schools that comprise the Concordia University System. Established in 1893, Concordia offers more than 40 liberal arts majors, including business administration, education, fine arts, science and church professions. Concordia is a regional leader in accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, criminal justice and Christian outreach. Concordia is the only private university in Minnesota to offer NCAA Division II athletics for men and women. On the web: www.csp.edu.

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