Northland College announced the addition of men’s and women’s lacrosse along with the construction of a multi-million dollar lacrosse and soccer stadium. Stadium construction will begin July 2015 and is slated for completion by the end of the year.

The College is currently recruiting lacrosse coaches and players and will be on the NCAA Division III schedule next spring.

“We are thrilled to add such a vibrant, fast-paced sport to our roster,” said Athletic Director Kim Falkenhagen. “It’s an exciting time to be an athlete, booster and a spectator at Northland.”

Designed by Rettler Corporation in Stevens Point, Wis., the stadium amenities include: 1,000-seat grandstand, concession area, Wi-Fi, lighting system, press box and restrooms. The existing soccer field will be upgraded to artificial turf for an extended playing season and will incorporate features that maintain the campus’ zero storm water discharge project.

Additional donors have gifted funds for the first three years of lacrosse.

“Northland will be the furthest north NCAA school with lacrosse which is great for the sport in this region — it will help raise awareness of lacrosse and bring in more fans and spectators,” said Sam Litman, who has been coaching lacrosse for the last 11 years at University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Lacrosse is the fastest-growing NCAA sport, according to U.S. Lacrosse, that produces an annual participation report. In fact, the number of lacrosse players has grown 194 percent since 2001 when they first started collecting data.

“This is a proud moment for Northland and for our athletes and fans,” said Northland College President Michael A. Miller. “Personally, I can’t wait to sit with fans and watch games from the grandstand.”