MUNCIE, Ind. — The final 300-pound I-beam was put in place at Ball State University’s new football training facility Dec. 5. The milestone was marked with a "Topping Out" ceremony.

"This event symbolizes a crowning moment -- the near completion of our exciting new training facility as well as an even greater prospect for Ball State athletics as a whole with our higher commitment to NCAA Division I-A," said Head Football Coach Bill Lynch.

Members of the Ball State football team, coaches and staff gathered for the ceremony, along with significant contributors to the construction of the 28,000-square-foot facility located in the south end zone of the stadium.

Topping out ceremonies date back to pre-medieval times as a gesture of good luck and good health. The term "topping out" refers to the last major piece of steel needed for the building. At the stadium’s ceremony, in keeping with traditions, the beam was painted white and signed by participants.

The training facility is the second phase of the stadium renovation and expansion, a privately funded project designed to upgrade the Cardinals’ home venue and boost player recruitment.

The new facility will allow year-round training with state-of-the-art strength-training equipment for the football squad. Other features include meeting spaces and locker rooms.

"In addition, the new videotape resources will help us better prepare for competition and serve as an outstanding teaching tool for the football staff. We are very thankful to all those who have made this a reality," said Lynch.

The front face of the facility accommodates 3,092 additional stadium seats. Construction began in May and will be completed by late summer.

The initial phase of the stadium renovation included the addition of east side seating and an artificial turf practice field, which is also home to the school’s nationally ranked field hockey program. Future phases include a new press box, new stadium façade, west side renovation and seating expansion to 30,000 seats.

"The entire stadium project has been and continues to be the No. 1 priority for the athletics department," said Andrea Seger, director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "Through good marketing, low ticket prices and the support of the students and the Muncie community, football attendance has moved from an average of less than 5,000 in 1994 to more than 17,000 in 1999. We will work to increase the attendance at games as we continue to improve our stadium."

Project architect is Greg Jacoby, Ball State alumnus and a partner with Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Inc. of Indianapolis. General contractor is Shiel-Sexton Co. Inc. of Indianapolis.

The stadium project is funded entirely by private gifts through "Above and Beyond: The Campaign to Advance Ball State University."

For more information about the campaign, contact Ball State University Development at (765) 285-8261.

By Mary Barr, Communications Manager