Tennessee Tech broke ground this week on its new $5.4 million track and field facility.
Senior Vice President for Planning and Finance Claire Stinson said construction recently began on the complex. Stinson said the new complex will include a competition track, multipurpose artificial-turf field, lighting, spectator seating, concessions and restrooms.
“Well, the initial timeline was that it would be ready to use June of ’27,” Stinson said, “My guess is it’s going to be closer to October to December of ’27.”
Stinson said weather conditions can impact construction schedules, particularly on projects involving extensive outdoor work. Before Tennessee Tech can host official collegiate meets on a new track, the facility must undergo NCAA construction inspections and American Sports Builders Association certification.
The project will provide a dedicated facility for track and field activities following the removal of the former running track at Tucker Stadium.
Tennessee Tech removed the track surrounding Overall Field as part of its extensive Tucker Stadium renovations. That redesign allowed the university to bring football spectators closer to the playing field, creating a more intimate atmosphere and improving the fan experience.
The university previously announced plans to relocate the track near its athletic training center. Stinson said the replacement complex is part of the broader effort to modernize athletic facilities while accommodating the changes made to the football stadium.
The project also carries a local connection. Cookeville native and Tennessee Tech trustee Tom Jones pledged $500,000 toward the new running track. Jones previously competed in track at Cookeville High School, using the university’s former track facility.
Stinson said the track complex is one of several construction projects underway across Tennessee Tech’s campus. Stinson said work began this summer on the Advanced Construction and Manufacturing Engineering Building, while plans for another athletics facility are approaching the bidding stage.
“We also have a tennis complex that I don’t think the construction has started yet, but that one has been designed and is close to being bid,” Stinson said.
Stinson said the university is also preparing to open the new J.J. Oakley residence hall and innovation center in fall 2027. The project will add another residential and academic facility for students as the university continues expanding and renovating its campus.
Stinson said extensive renovations and a small expansion are also underway at Johnson Hall, which houses Tennessee Tech’s College of Business. Stinson said the university expects to occupy the renovated building by the spring semester of 2028.
Stinson said construction has also started on renovations to the Bryan Fine Arts Building auditorium, although an anticipated completion date for that project is not known at this time.
Stinson said the university will also be moving forward with the privately funded tower in the circle in front of Volpe Library. Stinson said that project is being supported through private donations, adding another planned improvement to the campus landscape.