By CHRIS AGBOLA, Assist. Editor
The volleyball team plays their first game at the Percefull Fieldhouse tomorrow at 7 PM against Arkansas Tech University. According to Brad Franz, the facility reopened on Monday after 5 months of rigorous work.
The Director of Athletics indicated that renovations was needed due to the bad floors, broken seats, worn-out windows and dysfunctional bleachers developed in the Fieldhouse over the course of 32 years since installments. “There are new floors, new and mobile bleachers, cut out for more sitting space and score board”, according to Franz. The colors for the bleachers are now the Northwestern traditional colors—red and black. Franz said that the windows were replaced with banners, which enhances the aesthetics of the Percefull Fieldhouse from its prior state. He also indicated that there is more room from the court to the stands for ease of movement for the Ranger fans.
“I commend the volleyball team their hard work and cooperation through the renovation process”, said Franz. According to the director, the main challenge has been the numerous games the team had to play on the road. However, “the community and the college has a great relationship so the Alva Recreational Center facility was the temporal practice venue for the volleyball team and even hosted a home game”, Franz said.
According to Franz, the renovations are all in compliance to the NCAA regulations for the colleges. He continued that Faculty, Staff and Students should look forward to a brighter atmosphere and more comfortable sitting during ranger games. Franz also indicated that the paneling in the facility was removed.
On maintaining the changes, Franz indicated that the Maintenance Department does an outstanding job in sustaining the college properties and he was confident that the new Percefull Fieldhouse would be no different.
Franz finally said “Its great to be back home and I look forward to the games over the weekend”.