Alumni, student athletes and dignitaries break through the ceremonial ribbon at the ceremony opening SUNY Fredonia's outdoor track and field facility.
The State University of New York at Fredonia officially opened its newly upgraded outdoor track and field facility on April 25, hosting its first home meet in nearly two decades.
Prior to the meet, university leaders, student-athletes, coaches, alumni and invited guests gathered at the facility for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included remarks from campus and state representatives, as well as Fredonia students and athletics leadership.
“These enhancements create a premier venue for student-athletes,” said President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. “I extend my sincere gratitude to all who helped make this remarkable facility a reality.”
The nearly $12 million project, funded through the State University of New York Construction Fund as part of systemwide capital investment, includes an eight-lane all-weather track, jumping and throwing venues, a synthetic turf infield, stadium lighting, a press box and seating for approximately 500 spectators.
Senior student-athlete Cara Pellechia spoke about the significance of the new facility from a student perspective. “This facility is incredibly meaningful to us. It’s not just a place where we practice or compete,” Pellechia said. “It’s where we grow together, challenge each other and celebrate each other. This is where relationships are built, and some of our closest friendships are formed.”
Pellechia added that the investment reflects confidence in the program’s future. “It shows that people believe in what we’re doing,” she said. “We’re proud of this space and excited for everything ahead.”
EXTRA: results from women's track and field meet
EXTRA: results from men's track and field meet
“This facility represents a meaningful investment in our students and creates new opportunities for our programs,” said Interim Co-Director of Athletics and Recreation Patrick Gondek. “It allows our track and field and cross-country teams to compete and host events on campus, while also providing a high-quality space for training, recreation and the broader campus community.”
Gondek also announced during the ceremony that Fredonia has been selected to host the 2027 and 2028 SUNYAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the new facility.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting, as track and field alumni ran through the ribbon held by dignitaries that included former Fredonia Track and Field Coach Jim Ulrich, the architect of 36 SUNYAC track championships.
Head Coach Tom Wilson said the return of home meets restores an important part of the program’s identity.
“Being able to compete at home again is something our student athletes have been looking forward to for a long time,” Coach Wilson said. “It gives them a chance to perform in front of their campus community and brings new energy to the program.”
The previous outdoor track and field facility, part of a 1970s campus plan, had not hosted a meet in years because it lacked many of the features required for modern competition. The upgraded complex is expected to enhance recruiting efforts and provide a dedicated space for training and events.
Use of the facility will be managed by the university to support athletics, campus programming, and scheduled events. The enclosed design, similar to other outdoor campus athletics venues, helps maintain the quality of the surface and ensures a safe environment for competition and training.
