MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State University Board of Trustees announced today the approval of a $15 million indoor practice facility for athletics. 
 
"Serving as critical practice space for football, softball, baseball, and soccer during inclement weather, it will immediately impact the competitive experience of Ball State's student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Beth Goetz.
 
"Today, we take another step onward in our commitment to the pursuit of excellence," Director of Athletics Goetz said. "The generosity and belief shown by these individuals aids our efforts to create life-long success of student-athletes and this building will unquestionably serve as a source of pride for Ball State and the community. We appreciate the leadership of President Mearns and the Board of Trustees, in supporting our efforts to remain a top destination in the Mid-American Conference."
 
This indoor space will also provide additional opportunities for the entire campus and broader community, including the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band. 
 
The board's approval was made possible by the generous leadership gifts committed by John ('71) and June Scheumann, Dan ('94) and Heather Towriss, Larry Owens ('66), Craig ('86) and Teneen Dobbs, and Ken ('69) and Peggy Briner. 
 
"As an alum and former football student-athlete, I've been a passionate supporter of the Ball State Athletics Department since my time on campus, and I'm honored that my family and I can be part of this tremendous project," said John Scheumann, a former Ball State football standout and a long-time supporter of the University. "The indoor practice facility will bring a new dimension to the University. It is critical for the success of the football program, and will have a lasting effect on student-athletes from many sports now and in the future."
 
The 84,000 square-foot facility will feature a field-turf surface measuring 360' x 160' and regulation-sized competition field with a ceiling height of 65'. Retractable netting, batting cages, and storage also will provide the necessary amenities for teams to conduct training. The facility will be conveniently located adjacent to the Fisher Training Complex on the current footprint of the grass practice fields.
 
"I am profoundly grateful to our generous benefactors for their philanthropic investment in this important project," said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns.  
 
About 90% of the anticipated total cost of the privately financed building has been committed. Fundraising for the remaining costs is underway. Pending necessary State approvals, the University will select an Architect and Construction Manager. Once selected, the design and construction process is expected to take about 24 months with the opening in the Summer 2021.
 
"This is a big day in the history of Ball State football and Ball State University," said Head Coach Mike Neu. "I am grateful to the University leadership that recognized the need for this project and for their work to accomplish it. Our program can't thank John, Dan, Larry, Craig, Ken — and their spouses — enough for displaying the 'True Cardinal' ideals and acts of Beneficence that we talk about inside our locker room and for their generous contributions."
 
To learn how to make a gift in support of this project, visit https://connect.bsu.edu/Give-CVC or call the Cardinal Varsity Club at (765) 285-8120.