Byrne & Jones installs a track, 3 synthetic fields at Missouri State

Byrne & Jones Sports installed a new track and three synthetic turf fields at Missouri State University, which is the school’s largest athletics and recreational improvement project to date. Byrne & Jones’ work is part of $24 million in new construction and improvements to the campus.

“Wet weather challenged the project in the spring and early summer, but Byrne & Jones was able to ramp up manpower quickly and optimize its productivity to take full advantage of dryer weather and deliver the project on time,” says Kyle Moats, Missouri State’s director of athletics. “The entire building team pulled together to ensure the students’ commitment to fund the project was rewarded with outstanding athletic facilities.”

Missouri State students approved of a fee to help pay for the improvements. It also gained financial support from Betty and Bobby Allison for which two new stadiums are named.

The improvements by Byrne & Jones included relocating the school’s track and building a new artificial turf football field closer to the west bleachers to improve the fan experience. A new NCAA-regulation, eight-lane track was also built as part of the new synthetic turf soccer field. The new track includes a steeple chase, long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault and a warm up running area. Byrne & Jones installed a shock pad to improve safety, play and the durability for a new field hockey surface installed by SportsTurf.

To create a stable sub-base that sheds water efficiently, Byrne & Jones imported 15,000 tons of rock delivered in 750 truckloads for the three fields.

Springfield, Mo.-based general contractor DeWitt and Associates, Inc., managed the overall improvements which included renovations to the Plaster Sports Complex to provide better seating and new concessions, restrooms, ticket windows and team facilities. Other improvements were made to the soccer stadium and recreational amenities on campus. Hastings + Chivetta Architects, Inc., was the architect for the improvements.