NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Christopher Newport University Athletics will enter a new era this Fall with the completion of the highly anticipated Jennings Family Stadium. The new turf facility will serve as the home for Captains Field Hockey and Lacrosse.

Since the conclusion of competition during the 2018-19 athletic campaign, Captains Turf Field underwent dramatic construction on a state-of-the-art upgrade for Christopher Newport University athletics. This fall, the Captains will open the 2019-20 year with a re-oriented facility adjacent to TowneBank Stadium. Accounting for a decrease in sun interference, the new turf field will have a north-south orientation with a 40% increase in field dimensions.

"Jennings Family Stadium is a tremendous addition to our campus and I am so thankful for Bruce, Laurie, their family and all of our leadership donors who stepped forward to make this stadium a reality," said Director of Athletics Kyle McMullin. "Our field hockey, women's lacrosse, and men's lacrosse programs have competed at a championship level for years and we are thrilled that they now have a facility that enhances the experience of our student-athletes and will allow our young women and young men to continue their pursuit of excellence."

The stadium is named in honor of the Jennings family, longtime supporters of Christopher Newport athletic and academic programs.

Bruce and Laurie Jennings and their family are woven into the life of Christopher Newport. Their daughter Kylene was a four-year member of the women's lacrosse team and graduated in 2008.

In 2013 Bruce Jennings was appointed to the University's highest governing body, the Board of Visitors and chairs the Finance and Audit Committee.

In 2015, Bruce and Laurie Jennings established the University's first endowed professorship.  Created in memory of Bruce Jennings' parents and bearing their names, this professorship supports the Dean of the Luter School of Business.

The multi-purpose field is 130 yards long by 85 yards wide featuring Shaw Sports Artificial Turf. The 1.75" length Spike Zone turf system with a half-inch shock pad was installed by Whiting-Turner (Baltimore) and the new grandstands will accommodate up to 1,000 spectators. A climate-controlled enclosed press box will provide media and event staff with the first ever permanent covering during inclement weather.

The facility serves as the home of the Christopher Newport field hockey program as well as the men's and women's lacrosse teams. The surface will also be used as the practice facility for a number of outdoor sports, an alternate venue for soccer, and a competition space for intramural activities.

Many other donors have contributed generously to the new facility and all will be recognized at a dedication ceremony scheduled for October 26, 2019.

Below is a photo gallery of the construction this summer with photos taken periodically during construction by University photographer Benjamin Leistensnider.