First Market Stadium

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name =First Market Stadium


location = University of Richmond, VA 23173
broke_ground =
opened =
closed =
demolished =
owner = University of Richmond
operator = University of Richmond
surface = FieldTurf
construction_cost =
architect =
former_names = Soccer/Track Complex
tenants = Richmond Spiders
(soccer, women's lacrosse, track & field)
seating_capacity = 3,000+

First Market Stadium is a 3,000+-seat multi-purpose stadium at the University of Richmond. It is currently home to the Richmond Spiders men's and women's soccer, women's lacrosse, and men's and women's track and field teams. Known for many years simply as the Soccer/Track Complex, the facility was renamed First Market Stadium in 2001 in recognition of a major gift from First Market Bank. [http://richmondspiders.cstv.com/facilities/rich-facilities-soccer-track.html First Market Stadium/Fred Hardy Track] ] In 2002, the stadium's track was completely rebuilt, [ [http://richmondspiders.cstv.com/sports/c-track/spec-rel/092402aaa.html Track Renovations Complete] ] and in 2003 was named Fred Hardy Track in honor of the longtime Spider coach. The playing surface was upgraded to FieldTurf artificial turf in 2004. [ [http://richmondspiders.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081104aab.html New FieldTurf In First Market Stadium Unveiled] ]

Future Plans

The Spider football team has played its home games at University of Richmond Stadium, located approximately one mile from the campus, for over 75 years. As the stadium aged and demand grew for an on-campus facility, plans were proposed for expanding First Market Stadium in order to accommodate the football program. These plans are still under development, but they call for an expansion to approximately 9,000 seats and a projected opening date for football of 2010. In excess of $25 million has been committed to the project by the university and donors, including a $5 million gift from the Robins Foundation. [ [http://oncampus.richmond.edu/news/jan08/Robins.html Robins Foundation awards $8 million to University of Richmond for on-campus stadium and Westhampton Center] ] The facility is expected to continue to serve as the home of the soccer, lacrosse, and track and field programs along with the football program.

References

External links

* [http://richmondspiders.cstv.com/facilities/rich-facilities-soccer-track.html First Market Stadium]
* [http://richmondspiders.cstv.com/facilities/stadium-updates.html Updates on Expansion Plans]