Mount St. Mary’s University will celebrate the groundbreaking of its new $3.5 million athletic stadium and field during an on-campus ceremony October 20.

The groundbreaking will take place at 12:30 p.m., behind the Mount’s Knott Athletic and Recreation Convocation Complex. Later that afternoon at 4:00 p.m., the Mount’s men’s lacrosse team will take on the English National squad in an exhibition match.

The 1,000-seat facility will be named the "Waldron Family Stadium," in honor of Trustee Emeritus Eugene Waldron, C’64, and his family; while the all-purpose lacrosse and soccer field will be named the "Larry Horning Field," in honor of deceased alum Larry Horning, C’56.

"We are very fortunate and appreciative to have received these generous lead gifts from the Waldron and Horning families in support of this project," said Mount St. Mary’s University President Thomas H. Powell, Ed.D. "This athletic complex will not only enhance the facilities for our student-athletes, but it is our hope it will be used as a community resource in support of our many camps, clinics and community events."

More than $3.2 million has already been raised in support of the stadium-which will certainly benefit the growing sports of lacrosse and soccer.

In 2001, an estimated 250,000 men, women and children played lacrosse, with national participation increasing by 15-20 percent per year, and lacrosse is the official "Team Sport of Maryland." Additionally, the youth soccer association in Maryland alone has more than 60,000 registered players and 5,000 coaches.

The Mount has a strong tradition in lacrosse and soccer. The women’s lacrosse team has advanced to the NCAA tournament in each of the past two seasons, while the men’s lacrosse team earned the school’s first-ever bid to the NCAA tournament in 2003. The men’s soccer team has recorded more than 300 victories since its inaugural season in 1953, while the women’s team is in its 14th year this season.

The complex will include an all-weather synthetic "field turf," enhanced locker room and training facilities, restrooms and concession stand, parking and lighting. The stadium will become operational in the spring of 2006.

"This stadium will be a showcase for our Division I athletes," said Dr. Powell. "It will be a beautiful facility that will benefit the surrounding community and be a wonderful home for our future champions."

For more information on the groundbreaking ceremony or to make a contribution to the project, contact Frank DeLuca, vice president for university affairs, at 301-447-5772; or Mike Hardisky, assistant director of athletics, at 301-447-5227.