Construction started on the soccer stadium addition to the Ritchie Center over a year ago, and the complex is finally nearing completion with only minor, mainly cosmetic, details left to finish.

The new complex is divided into three parts based on the use of the area.  The largest portion is the soccer stadium itself. 

Underneath the stadium stands is a strength and conditioning facility to  be used by student athletes. 

The third portion is outside the south entrance to the Ritchie Center and will be known as the Nagel Art Studios when it is complete.

The soccer stadium is essentially finished, said Stu Halsall, assistant vice chancellor of recreation and building operations. 

The soccer stadium will be complete after the addition of an external sound system and finishing of the landscape and hardscape, said Halsall.

He also said that these projects will be completed later this spring when the weather cooperates.  

The stadium will be used by men’s and women’s club and varsity soccer teams and can be rented.

Games were held in the stadium last fall.

The mens’ varsity soccer team won three, tied three and lost four of the games they played in the new facility. 

The womens’ varsity soccer team won seven and lost one of the games they played there.

Below the new soccer stadium is a strength and conditioning facility for student athletes. 

The entire Division of Athletics and Recreation portion of the new building is open and in use, according to Halsall.

The third portion of the building, the Nagel Art Studios, is an addition to the School of Art and Art History.

The space will provide a large painting studio as well as studio areas for drawing and foundation courses in art.

There will be a central gathering place for student activities and exhibitions.

The space is named after the same Ralph Nagel as Nagel Hall. Nagel is a member of the Board of Trustees.

He is also a painter himself.

This new space would be the equivalent of adding a new floor to the Shwayder Art Building, said M. E. Warlick, director of the School of Art and Art History.

“We envision that our painting and drawing programs will grow as a result of this impressive new building, and in the future, we may be able to offer more classes to non-majors,” said Warlick.

Once the painting and drawing programs have moved to the Nagel Art Studios, renovations are planned for the third floor of the Shwayer Art Building.

These new additions will allow students more opportunities to participate in digitally-oriented activities.

“I’m excited for the new space.  It’ll be nice to work in the clean open studios and it’ll be nice when the art department grows to open up more options for art majors,” said Sarah Black, an art student.

The dedication of the Nagel Art Studios was originally scheduled for March 16, but has been postponed due to continuing work. 

Classes may start in the new studios spring quarter.  If not, classes will start in fall 2010.