The American Sports Builders Association announced this week that the Northland College Ponzio Stadium has been named as one of the best single field facilities in country.
The ASBA recognizes and promotes excellence in sports facility design and construction throughout the United States and will vote on the top facility in December at its annual conference.
Some 600 people attended the grand opening of the stadium last September and men’s and women’s soccer and men and women’s lacrosse played on the field this past year. The stadium has also hosted community flag football games, youth soccer camps and games, regional high school contests and scrimmages, and campus intramurals.
Rettler Corporation, from Stevens Point, Wis., provided project site design and construction management services as part of the multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the stadium. Artificial turf extends the playing season and incorporates features that fit with the College’s mission of sustainability, like zero storm water discharge.
Rettler assembled a team that included local and regional architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers: McCabe Construction, Nasi Construction, Pieper Electric, Down to Earth Landscapes, Ashland Construction, A to Z Plumbing & Heating, Todd’s Redi-Mix, Forslund’s Building Supply, HT Glass, Sherwin Williams, Superior Drywall, SAS+Associates, Barr Engineering, Muermann Engineering and River Valley Architects.
The project included installation of synthetic turf and a multi-use athletic field accommodating soccer, football, and lacrosse. The facility includes a new masonry press box with suites and restroom and concession facilities below, grandstand seating for 1,100 spectators, a new score board, a lighting system, a masonry overhead entry feature and decorative pavement details throughout the facility.
“This has been a special addition for the campus and community,” said Northland College President Michael Miller. “We’re honored to have our vision and the work of Rettler Corporation and local and regional partners recognized in this way.”