Athletic Facilities Construction Updates

Work continues on two athletic facilities construction projects this spring. Earthmoving is under way at the football field (above). Originally built as the Knox Bowl, it will be re-named the Knosher Bowl upon completion, expected in August 2008. At the same time, remodeling is progressing at the Memorial Gymnasium.

Dirt makes second cross-campus trek

The dirt that created the four-sided earthen berm around the Knox Bowl in 1962 originally came from the excavation of the Ford Center for the Fine Arts (below left), across the street from the Knox Bowl. This year, some of that dirt has been moved again. The Knosher Bowl project includes opening up the north side of the field -- the dirt from that section of the berm was trucked two blocks to serve as fill on a vacant lot owned by the College (below right).

Photograph courtesy Peoria Journal Star

Out with the old, in with the better

Updates at Memorial Gymnasium will retain the "historic feel" of the facility built in 1951, while improving the experience for both players and fans. As of early April, old bleachers had been removed, and the walls repainted (below).