In September, Boston’s redevelopment board gave final approval to New Balance’s $500 million development plan for Brighton, which inspired reflection from the Boston University community, which is awaiting completion of the New Balance sports facility in West Campus. Athletes are excited by the field, but some members of the BU community said the money could be better spent.
“We’re the only team not able to have home games on campus for the past 11 years,” said Head Field Hockey Coach Sally Starr.
Boston University’s field hockey team has one of the nation’s best records, but they haven’t played a home game since 2001. In February, the BU Office athletics department announced plans for a field for field hockey paid for in part by a $3 million gift from Boston-based New Balance, the Boston based athletic shoe company. The field is planned for the corner of Babcock and Ashford and is scheduled to open next fall.
“We [the university] don’t raise the money; we have it or we borrow it,” said BU spokesman Colin Riley.
Athletic Director Mike Lynch said the athletic department plans to raise money to go towards the university’s already saved funds.
Lynch said the athletic department has already raised over $6 million, and the university will match whatever the department is able to fundraise. The field will be 110,000 square-feet with 350 parking spaces below. Lynch said the initial stadium will have 500 seats, but could be expanded to seat 1,000.
Madeleine Hackett, a junior and a member of the field hockey team said the field will be a great addition to the school.
“There will be a lot of time for other sports. It’s going to add to the entire West Campus, and BU as a whole,” Hackett said.
Despite the athletic community’s excitement over the new field, some students said the school should be spending the money in other areas.
“I hear people complaining about how money is spent on campus, and how much [money] goes to things that we [as students] want,” said Student Body President-Elect Dexter McCoy. “Students really want to see more money go towards student activities and improvement to things like CAS, versus building new infrastructure.”
Other students said they want spending that would benefit all, not just athletes.
“I’m not an athlete. I don’t think I’ve ever visited the gym on campus,” said Deena Siegel, a junior. “I live in South Campus, and it would be awesome if there was a dining option there for us.”
Emma Moehlenhoff, a sophomore, said she was concerned that the field is being built for a niche crowd.
“There are 16,000 students on campus. How many of those students are athletes? How many of those athletes are field hockey players?” Moehlenhoff said.
Riley said some students don’t have the ability to se things in the big picture.
Concerned students had the option to speak up when the plans came before the Boston University Community Task Force, which is composed of representatives from groups around the city. According to Riley, the Task Force meetings are public, and student input is taken into consideration.
McCoy thinks the field is a great opportunity, but also has reservations.
“Do I believe there are more pressing matters? Absolutely,” he said.
Kira Cole 