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The steel bleachers and brick portions of the grandstand tower high in the air on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus. Brick is being laid for the elevator and stairway portion of the grandstands, and about half the bleachers are going in.
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Iron workers with Fowler and Hammer General Contractors work to assemble the framework for the bleachers of the new stadium Tuesday at UW-La Crosse. PETER THOMSON photo |
The bleachers are not directly centered on the field on purpose, said Joe Baker, UW-L athletic director. There is more seating near the south end, so people will have a good view of the finish line at track meets, he said.
Workers are about a week ahead of schedule on a timeline that will have the complex ready for the WIAA state track meet in June 2009, Baker said.
The goal is for the track and field to be completely finished before winter is here, said Baker. Taking a look around at the progress being made, that is likely to happen, he added.
The field is completely finished and appears to be working. With recent rains, the layers that create the base of the field: asphalt, plastic fiber, sand and ground rubber, covered with a grass-like plastic fiber, appear to be draining well.
The yard lines are marked on the green artificial turf, as well as “Eagles” and “La Crosse” in big, maroon letters.
Baker said he’s looking forward to using the new field, which won’t need the mowing and repainting that real grass does. And the field will stay in good shape from one game to the next, even on rainy days.
The track has two layers of rubberized surface poured over an asphalt base. It needs one more layer, Baker said.
Mike Devine, a consultant overseeing the installation of the track and field, said proper drainage is a priority.
“I look at this as a designer and a taxpayer,” said Devine. “I don’t want this track to break down in five years. I want it to last forever ... with normal maintenance.”
Light poles surround the intramural and soccer fields. And grass is sprouting on the soccer and practice fields. Field event areas for long jump, shotput and discus throw are in place.
“We’ve maximized space and tried to fit everything in,” said Baker.
