Story by Mike Nolting, MetroNews
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University officials have selected the Med Fields on the Health Sciences Campus as the future home of the Pride Practice Field and facility for the Mountaineer Marching Band.
“The convenient location next to the Health Sciences Center PRT Station, which was not previously available due to potential development plans, addresses transportation concerns related to an off-campus site as well as potential pedestrian safety issues associated with crossing Monongahela Boulevard to reach the former Hawley Field location,” said Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini/Falbo Family Dean of the College of Creative Arts in a Monday news release.
University officials have been searching for an on-campus location since the announcement was made in October that the facility would be built at Mylan Park.
Jackson expressed understanding of the frustration felt by band members due to the nearly five-year pause between the announcement of an on-campus facility and the plan to move forward.
The University Planning Committee has approved the land use, and an architect is working on the design of a field that will have the same amenities originally included in the first and future phases of the project.
The new site already has lighting and ample parking, and the finished design will have a turf field, storage facility, and shelter.
All past donations will be used to fund the turf field, which will still be known as Don Wilcox Field, as well as other needs that will enable the band to practice at its new on-campus home. Future donations to support the project are also welcome.
No donations from the foundation or the university were allocated to Mylan Park for the project, WVU said.