Campus Connection

Walkers and runners will once again be able to workout on the track at UW-L. Beginning Monday, Aug. 3, the track at the newly constructed Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex will be open to the public on a regular basis. Gates to the track will be open from approximately 6 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays except when events are scheduled in the facility. Weekend hours will eventually be added. Runners and walkers should enter the southwest gate of the facility, located just off the small parking lot directly south of the grandstand. This is the only gate that will be open to access the area. Chris Schwarz, facility manager of the complex, says there has been a lot of interest in using the new 10-lane track since the WIAA?State High School?Track Meet was held in early June. But, the university won’t officially receive the keys to the facility until Saturday, Aug. 1. Schwarz calls the $16.6 million complex “one of the premier Division III facilities in the country.” The complex will be officially dedicated Saturday, Sept. 12, prior to the university’s first football game against Azusa Pacific University. Along with the university’s six home football games, numerous La Crosse Aquinas and La Crosse Central high school games are set for the stadium. The university’s women’s soccer team will hold its home matches on the newly constructed field east of the football field. The complex can also be rented for a variety of other indoor and outdoor events. A Web site on the facility will be launched soon. Inquiries can be referred to the facility office at 785.6540.