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Dear Cal Lutheran Community,
In Southern California, we are well aware that rain and water play vital roles in our individual, community, and environmental health and well-being. While we are grateful for the much needed moisture brought by recent precipitation patterns (atmospheric rivers aside), the weather has presented challenges for some of our outdoor projects. In today’s note, I’ll share a few updates on several of those projects.
In mid-November, our facilities team began the Rolland Stadium turf replacement project, expecting it to be completed by Jan. 15, 2024. The storms that battered the region in the winter and spring months caused numerous delays and obstacles. Sadly, our women’s lacrosse team was highly affected. Unable to use the stadium, the players and coaches ended up relying on regional venues for home contests. This made it difficult for Cal Lutheran friends and family to attend and offer the kind of support that bolsters play. I stand with many others who feel very badly that the team was impacted in this way.
Though it comes late in the spring semester, the drier weather pattern of late provides the necessary window to finally advance the project. Thanks to the incredible efforts from our facilities staff, athletes, coaches, and athletic director, the work is planned to continue on April 3, 2024, at full-throttle. The latest reports show the work being completed by April 19, just in time for late spring events, including Commencement on May 10.
While the turf project was at a standstill for much of the winter and spring, the softball stadium project reached a significant milestone this month. On March 1, the facility unveiled its spacious new dugouts. Other enhancements are also now complete: a home-team meeting space, enclosed storage, “in-dugout” team bathrooms, and a refurbished and laser-leveled infield.
Although not construction projects, I am delighted to announce two exciting partnerships with professional soccer teams. Via a new agreement, Angel City Football Club (ACFC) will continue to use Cal Lutheran as its practice site for at least two years. Along with the revenue this agreement generates, there are co-branding opportunities, internships, chalk talks and more that will make this relationship a true partnership, not just a business deal. Additionally, MLS-affiliate Ventura County Football Club (VCFC) has signed an agreement with Cal Lutheran to play approximately 10 games at Rolland Stadium. This agreement also provides for on-going marketing opportunities as VCFC will show games on a major streaming platform.
There is a great opportunity coming up next month for students and members of the community who are interested in the business side of sports. On April 17, Cal Lutheran will host a Business of Sports event, featuring an in-depth discussion with CLU’s director of sports management program Mark Orlando and ACFC executives. Students will also moderate a Q&A session with ACFC players who will be available to sign autographs. I invite all of you to consider attending this free event from 5:45 to 7:30 pm in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center. You can register online.
Lastly, the first phase of the Native American Heritage Space near the Student Union was completed in November, with guidance from a local Chumash leader. The initial phase brought in large paver elements (made from local rocks) and the future phase will add built-in seating and spaces for adjacent artwork. Selected for its secluded, peaceful, and shaded environment, the overall space will be a comfortable one for individual and group reflection, programming, and more.
I want to express my gratitude to all those involved in these projects. From our dedicated facilities staff to our student volunteers, thank you for living into our values of generosity and service to neighbor.
Warm regards,
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