John Brown University has recently announced an exciting new project that will greatly enhance the sporting facilities available to students and faculty alike. The Champions Pavilion will serve as a hub for all activities related to the soccer field, providing a comfortable and convenient space for players and spectators. The building will include restroom facilities, a concession area with food trailer access and a large covered space that can be used for eating, and “a 6’ wide paved walkway that will provide better access for fans, especially those with limited mobility” added Julie Gumm, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of JBU and a member of the President’s Cabinet.
In addition, the pavilion will have a dedicated area for alumni players and donors. Lanya Carson, Director of Donor Engagement explains that the “The Champions Pavilion will include a plaque listing donors who give $250 or more by May 1, 2023. Additionally, the University established a matching program for larger gifts. For any player or supporter who gives $1,000 or more to the project, the University will match that gift dollar for dollar.” Also, former players will have the option to have their jersey number and the years they played displayed along the plaque listing. As of March 17, the project has collected a total of $175,325 in donations and pleges according to Lea Sutherland, Assistant Director of Advancement Services and Gift Processing.
The new pavilion is a testament to the University’s commitment to providing the best possible sporting facilities for its students and faculty. With its modern amenities and comfortable spaces, the pavilion is sure to become a hub of activity and excitement for all those involved in soccer at the University. Steve Beers, Vice President of Student Development and member of the President’s Cabinet, share his goals and expectations for this project saying, “The long term goals always start with providing opportunity for our soccer players to excel off the pitch. For discipleship to be a primary component of their experience and in the context of the pavilion, for the space where they practice and play, to be inviting and functional.” Sophomore Kendall Acuna and current member of the soccer team expressed his thoughts about the importance of Champions Pavilion. “This is something that supports not only athletes, it adds growth to the different sport divisions in the University.”
The John Brown University community looks forward to seeing the pavilion completed and in use, and is excited to see the impact it will have on the University’s soccer program. There is not an exact completion date for this project; however, President Dr. Charles Pollard shared: “Lord willing we will finish that up mid may, with the hope to have this started this spring and finished by early-middle August.” He also said that the Champions Pavilion will serve to “represent the success of the University’s soccer program.”
