Furman University, which over the years has claimed a number of Southern Conference titles in track and cross country and hosted a pair of NCAA national cross country championships, announced in April of 2007 the planned construction of a new $2.5 million track house and a new track complex.  The new two-story, 6,000-square-foot track house will be situated off Cherrydale Lane atop the hill overlooking the track and will be equipped with locker rooms, coaches’ offices, a reception area and a warm-up area for athletes.  Attached to the track house will be a new 2,000-square-foot laboratory for the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training faculty. 

The university also plans to renovate the Irwin Belk Complex for Track & Field.  The renovations will add bleacher seating for 1,500, a new press box, lights and parking. “This will help us do things we couldn’t do before,” said Gene Mullin, the Paladins’ veteran cross country and track and field head coach.

The brainchild of former Paladin runner Chris Borch ’78, the Blue Shoes Mile held annually through the Furman Paladin Club and related fund-raising efforts have already secured over $2 million for athletic track and cross country scholarships and developed the plans for the new track complex.  Funding for this project is being generated through private gifts, donations and the sale of bleacher seats.   “I hope someday,” said Borch, “we’ll be able to build a facility where athletes, coaches, parents, students and members of the community come together to celebrate the ‘life lessons’ our great sport of track and field has given me and many others.”

Name Your Seat
The initial phase of the Furman Track and Field House project, to construct bleacher seating for 1,500 spectators and guests, has begun, and plans for bleacher seating are well under way.  The bleachers will be built along the west side of the track and will be flanked by a plaza overlooking the track.  Start and finish line visibility from these seats is premium. 

This is your opportunity to select and name your seat in the new track and field stands.  Each seat that you purchase will be named with a plaque inscribed according to your designation and attached to the seat at project completion.  Seat selection opportunities will depend on seat availability.  You may also purchase and name a seat in someone else’s honor, and the Paladin Club will send an acknowledgment of your gift to whomever you specify. 

For a limited time, you can purchase a bleacher seat at a pre-construction price.  Individual seats are now available at $1,000 each.  Be a part of Furman track and field history and get your seat now.  “This first step to have permanent seats at the track is very exciting,” said Coach Mullin. “I believe we will have larger crowds who will spend more time at our meets with the addition of comfortable seating.”

View a list of those who have already purchased a seat.

Click here for a printable “Name Your Seat” Order Form.