Errington: State Budget Committee approves $15 million Ball State facility

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) announced today that the State Budget Committee has approved a $15 million project that will upgrade practice facilities for several of Ball State University’s athletic teams.

During today’s business meeting, Errington said the Budget Committee authorized Ball State to proceed with construction of a new indoor field practice facility that will be used primarily by the university’s football, soccer, softball, and baseball teams. The project will be financed through gift funds provided by donors.

“This indoor facility will provide a safe place for these teams to practice during inclement weather,” said Errington, who noted that Ball State is the only university in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) that doesn’t have a facility of this type.

“Right now, there is a high demand for practice space for these teams, and when it is raining or snowing, the teams must move practices into spaces that are shared with other users among the student population. Construction of the indoor facility will help reduce scheduling issues in places like the Field Sports Building and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

“A commitment toward providing the best possible university for its students includes improvements to both academic and athletic facilities,” Errington noted. “The practice facility approved in today’s meeting helps achieve some of Ball State’s long-term goals, and I am pleased to see the state move quickly on this request.”

Present plans call for construction of the new facility to start in July 2020 and be completed by May 2021.