ST. JOSEPH – Ground has been broken for a nearly $7 million renovation project at Spratt Memorial Stadium.
More than 200 people gathered in the stadium concourse Wednesday morning as part of a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the renovation that is expected to be complete by the spring of 2016. Demolition began immediately following the ceremony with the removal of the asphalt track around the current field.
Speaking at the ceremony were Missouri Western State University President Dr. Robert A. Vartabedian; MWSU Director of Athletics Kurt McGuffin; Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Missouri Western State University Foundation Jerry Pickman; President of the Gold Coat Club Zack Workman; Head Soccer Coach Chad Edwards; Head Football Coach Jerry Partridge; student governor Lionel Attawia and Student Government Association President Ida Haefner.
The contract for the project was awarded to E.L. Crawford of St. Joseph. The project includes the demolition and replacement of the current concourse, concessions area, restrooms, Stadium Club and press box; repairs and improvements to the home grandstand seating area; removal of the old track and relocation of the field closer to the home stands; relocation of the visitors’ side grandstands to be closer to the field; and new field turf to replace the current playing surface. All the field improvments and new seating on the home grandstands is expected to be complete in time for the 2015 fall sports’ seasons. The other construction should be complete by the spring of 2016.
Spratt Memorial Stadium hosts Missouri Western’s football team and women’s soccer team. It opened in 1979, and is named in honor of avid Griffon supporter Elliot “Bub” Spratt.
— MWSU Sports Information —