Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Announced for New Athletic Complex

March 25, 2012

PATCHOGUE, NY MARCH 26, 2012 St. Josephs College (SJC) is pleased to announce that a ceremonial ribbon cutting of its new athletic facility will take place on Friday, May 11 at noon. The new 24.8 acre outdoor sports facility will complement its already existing 48,250-square-foot indoor athletic facility, the John A. Danzi Athletic Center, located on the Colleges Long Island Campus in Patchogue, NY. A luncheon presentation for invited guests will take place immediately following the ceremony.

"St. Joseph's College is both delighted and grateful to have this wonderful new facility that will make a big difference in the development of our athletic programs and enhance the overall experience of all our students, said St. Josephs College President S. Elizabeth A. Hill, C.S.J., J.D. "I want to thank the many people who have helped make this dream a reality, especially John Danzi for his very generous support, and our many other donors and loyal friends. I am confident our student-athletes will make us all proud as they compete on these beautiful fields.

This premiere state-of-the-art outdoor facility will showcase the talents of Suffolk County athletes and support a wide array of intercollegiate athletic programs at the College. Features of the new complex include, but are not limited to, an illuminated 400 meter all-weather track with a synthetic multipurpose infield, illuminated baseball and softball fields with dugouts and illuminated tennis courts, a combined soccer/lacrosse field, 1,500 seat capacity bleachers with a press box and scoreboard and a facilities building with restrooms, lockers, offices, storage and a concession stand.

"The opening of this new complex is a major step forward for the entire athletic program.  This is a top quality facility. St. Josephs College can now go toe to toe with any Division III institution in our area. These facilities will have a major impact on our recruiting, and it will enhance our ability to provide quality recreation and intramural programs to the St. Josephs College community, said Don Lizak, director of athletics for the Long Island Campus of St. Josephs College. "Our student-athletes and coaches are forever grateful to John Danzi, and the St. Josephs College administration for their commitment to our programs.

In 2008, SJC purchased the parcel of property located in the Hamlet of East Patchogue, Town of Brookhaven, approximately one mile east of its Long Island Campus on the south side of Sunrise Highway between Phyllis Drive and Hospital Road. In 2010, the College broke ground and began construction on the $14 million project.

For more information or to request a tour of SJCs new athletic complex, please call Donna OConnors at 631.687.5126 or email [email protected].