Construction on MidAmerica Nazarene University’s (MNU) highly anticipated Copeland Athletic Complex is set to begin in October, with a groundbreaking celebration planned for September 20, 2023, at 10 a.m. The event will take place on the southeast end of MNU’s campus, near 143rd and Mur-Len, and the public is cordially invited to attend.
The state-of-the-art facility, spanning an impressive 11 acres, will be situated adjacent to Dixon Baseball Stadium, Williams Softball Field, Pioneer Soccer Field, and Cook Center, which houses Bell Family Arena. Boasting cutting-edge amenities, the complex promises to revolutionize the athletic experience for athletes and fans alike.
“This facility is part of our strategy to provide a superb experience for athletes and fans alike,” expressed Dr. David Spittal, president. “With student-athletes comprising half our student body, it is imperative that we offer them a home-field advantage. The new complex will enhance our entire campus and benefit the surrounding community.”
Anticipating the completion of the project, MNU Athletic Director Todd Garrett remarked, “This new complex will not only provide much-needed home fields for several sports but also provide the training and gathering spaces needed to further build, develop and educate student athletes to be catalysts for kingdom work in their respective communities.”
Garrett adds that plans include a 1,000-seat stadium with a state-of-the-art artificial turf field for football that is tick marked for additional sports such as soccer. It also includes an eight-lane track and enhancements to existing facilities.
The realization of the Copeland Athletic Complex was made possible through the multi-year Bright Futures Campaign for MNU, which received a generous $2 million incentive from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. Dr. Jon North, vice president for University Advancement, expressed his gratitude, stating, “With the momentum created by the Mabee Challenge grant, our dedicated donors and volunteers rallied together, raising an astounding $8 million in just one year. Our entire community, as well as visitors to MNU, will reap the benefits of this incredible new center, which brings football and track & field competition back to campus.”
Garrett expressed enthusiasm for the future of MNU athletics. “MNU has a rich history of competing with athletic excellence, employing nationally recognized coaches, producing countless All-Americans, competing in national tournaments and winning national championships. This complex is the conduit to the expansion of our presence in the Midwest and in the NAIA.”
Partners in the project are PGAV Architects and A.L. Huber General Contractor, both of whom were partners on the planning and construction of MNU’s Cunningham Center.
The Pioneer community eagerly looks forward to the completion of the Copeland Athletic Complex, which will further an exceptional athletic experience for student-athletes and the wider community. For more information and updates on the project, please visit www.mnu.edu/bright-futures.
