When visitors pass through RIT's main entrance, one of their first impressions of the campus is the outdoor athletic fields. And that view is getting a facelift.
 
The first phase of the multimillion-dollar project included the relocation of the outdoor track to a new area with an upgraded synthetic running surface. Construction on the baseball and softball fields has also recently been completed with upgrades to all-weather artificial turf.
 
With the baseball and softball teams scheduled to start the home portions of their schedules in the coming weeks, including the baseball home opener on Wednesday (Mar.16) vs. St. John Fisher, fans will be welcomed back for the first time in two seasons to watch the Tigers compete. However, many amenities, including bleacher seating, are still scheduled to be installed in the coming months and will not be available right off the bat. Fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs to enjoy the venue throughout the season.
 
Next up: the installation of a state-of-the-art artificial turf field as well as the construction of a full stadium complex featuring locker rooms, training facilities, concessions, a press box, and premium suites. The stadium will be home to men's and women's lacrosse as well as men's and women's soccer.
 
A grand concourse will also flow between the stadium and the Gordon Field House, which will benefit athletics but also other major events, including commencement ceremonies.
 
"These facilities will be seen as a new entry point for campus and will create great exposure for RIT Athletics," said Jacqueline Nicholson, executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "When you come on campus, you will soon see four new athletic facilities—a true focal point for Tiger spirit."
 
RIT has two Division I teams—men's hockey and women's hockey—and 22 Division III teams that compete in the Liberty League. In addition, thousands of students participate in club and intramural sports.