Houghton College announces the grand opening and dedication ceremony for the new $23 million Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex that will take place on Saturday, October 4, during the college’s homecoming and family weekend. The dedication ceremony is free and open to the public.
“We are so excited to see the Field House and phase III parts of the complex coming together,” said Harold “Skip” Lord, director of athletics at Houghton College. “All of us are looking forward to the official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony at homecoming where we will be able to celebrate with the campus, valued alumni, and surrounding community,”
The Kerr-Pegula Athletic Complex has been made possible, in part, by the initial $12 million gift given to Houghton College in November 2011 by Houghton alumna Kim (Kerr ’91) Pegula and her husband Terry Pegula, owners of the Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans hockey teams, and the newly announced potential owner of the Buffalo Bills.
The dedication ceremony will begin at 12:45 p.m. at the new 115,000 square-foot Kerr-Pegula Field House. Other events throughout the day will include a family fun fair, athletic competitions, an art show, and various other events. The night will end with a live music performance by award-winning Christian rock group, Tenth Avenue North.
The entire $23 million project included the construction of both a new baseball and softball stadium, resurfacing of Burke Field (a multi-sport competition field), and the construction of the field house that will enable the college and region to host year-round athletic competitions.
The field house features an eight lane, 200-meter regulation size track, five tennis courts, cardio fitness center, weight lifting room, MVP conference room, commercial kitchen and concessions, locker-room facilities, and office space. The facility also has the ability to host major concerts and events with a maximum capacity of more than 6,000 people.
“There is no question that the Pegulas’ generosity, and that of so many others, will enable us to better fulfill both our college and department missions. We are forever thankful that God has provided in this wonderful way,” commented Lord.
