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Birdsong Field Opens
Inaugural game held Sept. 1 at new synthetic turf field; George and Sue Birdsong, other supporters recognized
By Stephanie Smaglo | September 1, 2015
It was a picture-perfect day Sept. 1 as the Virginia Wesleyan College Field Hockey Team took on St. Mary’s College in the first-ever game played on Birdsong Field. The new state-of-the-art synthetic turf venue supports field hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse and soccer, and intramural sports.
A special tribute took place before the game to recognize the Board of Trustees and donors who have helped make this project a reality. In attendance were George and Sue Birdsong, Board Chair Gary Bonnewell ’79, Board member Tassos Paphites ’79 and his wife, Dolores, and former Board member Bill Shelhorse ’70.
Ceremonial first shots were taken at center field by George and Sue Birdsong, President Scott D. Miller, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Joanne Renn, Head Field Hockey Coach Christina Restivo, and team captains Asiah Allen '17 and Sam Jackson '16. Allen and Jackson presented the Birdsongs with a keepsake field hockey stick as a token of appreciation.
The field is named in honor of George and Sue Birdsong and Birdsong Corporation, who in January 2014 made a $1 million challenge gift to be put toward its construction. The lead gift came at a time when VWC was immersed in a strategic planning process that is now setting the direction for the future of the College.
“The turf field will make a statement in terms of both function and form for Virginia Wesleyan,” said George Birdsong following the field’s official groundbreaking ceremony in April 2015. “In addition to its many benefits for current and future athletes, it will be an attractive visual addition to campus that is part of our broader strategic goals for creating an inspiring sense of place.”
The facility features a prominent entryway with ticketing, concessions and restrooms; an electronic scoreboard; field lighting; aluminum fencing and landscaping; a new parking lot; and surrounding green space for picnicking and tailgating. Potential for expansion exists for the future, with plans for a press box and permanent bleachers.
An official dedication ceremony will be held at Birdsong Field on Saturday, October 24 at 11 a.m.
For more information or to further support this project, contact Mita Vail, Vice President for College Advancement at mvail@vwu.edu or at 757.455.3205.