The existing, circa-1950s football/ track facility for Kentwood Public Schools was located at the middle school, some distance from the high school. To accommodate its athletic program and expand the campus setting, the district set out to create a high school complex that would support football, track, soccer, marching bands and physical education.
The stadium was configured on a 25-acre parcel filled with such obstacles as large detention basins, underground utilities, overhead voltage wires and a sloping terrain. Major event areas were strategically raised, and the site was stepped along its natural grade line.
An infill synthetic turf was selected to make the new stadium a multipuporse venue. To that end, the field also was designed with a flat surface for football and soccer teams. The nine-lane, multilayer polyurethane track system supports dual and triangular track meets, as well as local walkers and joggers.
Site access is controlled through home and visitor ticket booths that house ample concessions stands and rest-room facilities, and the elevated plaza offers a gathering space that can accommodate outdoor grilling. The home and visitor team rooms are located opposite the entry plaza to separate the players from other game-time activities.
Michael G. Morrison, S.J. Stadium Creighton University
