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April 04, 2006
Klas Field opens to new groups
Roughly a year-and-a-half after the opening of Klas Field, the facility is at last being used to its full potential by students, athletes, and members of the community. Its uses vary beyond just the athletic department. Classes, Hamline clubs, and outside groups are now being given space and time.
Recently, an outside rugby group, the St. Paul Saints and even the Methodist Church have rented out time to use Klas Field. However, students should not worry that the presence of outside groups will limit their access to the building and field. Similarly, athletes need not be concerned that their practice times will be reduced.
“Klas Field is prioritized like this: it goes to classes, then it goes to athletic teams, clubs, and then outside rentals that would be charged a fee. First of all it is academic an piece, second an athletic, third Hamline clubs, fourth outside rentals,” said Athletic Director Dan O’Brien.
Thus far the reaction by renters has been positive. “Outside groups love it. They say it is one of the nicest facilities around. More and more people have been calling to try to get in. We haven’t had injuries or any complaints. It has been nothing but positive,” said O’Brien.
Hamline athletes, of course, are also enjoying the space. “As far as internally, Klas Field creates a great situation. Our baseball team and track team has been out there. We have been able to help out lacrosse, soccer and Ultimate Frisbee. It is really a great space for our athletes. It is a real benefit for us.”
One of the foremost contributing factors in Klas Field’s success is this year’s addition of the outdoor light system. Last year the facility could only stay open until around 6 p.m. “With the lights we can go to 10 p.m., which gives about an extra 30 hours a week in the facility,” said O’Brien.
O’Brien feels that there is some difficulty in finding the right balance, between classes, athletes and outside groups. Yet with priorities in sight, things should continue to work seamlessly.
“I think having Klas Field gives us a win-win situation. It is good for Hamline in the sense that it gets exposure for the campus, while bringing in a little revenue,” said O’Brien.
Posted by dwright at April 4, 2006 01:35 PM
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