Chadron State College unveils Sports Complex

In addition to unveiling conceptual drawings, CSC officials continued to voice their support for the Sports Complex’s second phase – construction of a competition space for the college’s track and field team. The entire project is estimated to cost $11.1 million.

“We have alumni and friends, campaign leadership members, senior staff and many others who are working diligently to make this project a reality,” said CSC President Randy Rhine. “We are also grateful to the State of Nebraska for providing a revenue bond channel to secure partial funding for this project and to the private donors who are helping to push us toward our goal.”

In addition to Rhine, Athletic Director Joel Smith, head football coach Jay Long, and head track and field coach Brad Gamble spoke at Wednesday’s press conference.

The renovation and construction at Beebe Stadium is timely. In 2014, engineers alerted CSC officials that the structural integrity of the central stands were failing. In addition to safety issues, other challenges for the stadium include poor drainage, deteriorating field conditions and inadequate amenities for spectators and game personnel.

“Given the news from the engineers, Chadron State decided to seize the moment and do a complete rebuild of the south side structure and center grandstand,” Rhine said. “This project is more than a once in a generation opportunity for Chadron State.”

According to Smith, the project calls for the demolition of the existing south side stadium which will be replaced by a concourse and two-story pavilion that will house game officials, coaches, media and fans, a central grandstand, and a new field turf surface.

“This is the first comprehensive renovation of the stadium since it was built in 1929,” Smith said. “For nearly 90 years, Elliott Field at Don Beebe Stadium has taken on a life of its own during Saturdays in the fall. That sense of community is only going to improve because this rebuild will provide fundamental and essential improvements to the stadium.”

Smith said the improvements increase accessibility to the stadium and expand seating for spectators. Additionally, the concourse level underneath the two-story pavilion will have modern concessions, bathrooms and ticket areas. The concourse also provides access to the second level by a stairway and elevator.

The Con Marshall Press Box will be updated to accommodate media, game officials and coaching staffs. A hospitality center will also be built to provide a gathering space for boosters, alumni and supporters of CSC.

Finally, the natural grass of Elliott Field will be replaced by a modern, synthetic field turf.

“As a former player and current coach, I can’t tell you how proud I am of Chadron State and its alumni and supporters,” Long said. “Words cannot begin to express our football coaches, football players and athletic department’s thanks and gratitude to the college and Foundation for their ongoing efforts to make this project a reality.”

In preparation of the 2018 season, fundraising and construction timelines will be tight. The stadium’s demolition will begin the Monday following the Eagles’ final home game in mid-November. CSC is expected to open the stadium at the beginning of the 2018 season, provided the remaining funding can be secured.

“There will be events surrounding each home game to pay tribute to the thousands of student-athletes, cheerleaders, band members and others who have fond memories of Elliott Field,” Rhine said.

While Wednesday’s press conference focused on the football stadium’s construction and renovation, CSC is still focused on constructing an outdoor track.

“Chadron State is the only RMAC school without a track and that’s a pretty big hurdle to get over,” Gamble said. “From recruiting to practice and team continuity, not having an outdoor facility of our own is challenging. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish without one, but the future is only brighter as the Sports Complex Initiative comes together.”

Chadron State Foundation CEO Connie Rasmussen commented after the press conference that the Foundation is thankful to those who have already contributed to the Sports Complex.

“Seventy-eight percent of the funding required has been secured and we’ll be relying on former Eagles and supporters to push us to the finish line,” she said.

To contribute to the Sports Complex, visit https://chadroneagles.com/sportscomplex or call the Foundation at 308-432-6366.