Mercer unveils stadium plans at groundbreaking

Macon, GA – Mercer University unveiled plans for its new seat football and lacrosse complex during a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday.

Mercer disbanded its football program in 1941, but will restart it in 2013 on the FCS level in the non-scholarship Pioneer Football League.

Several hundred faculty, staff, students, trustees and community members attended the ceremonial groundbreaking, which was held adjacent to the construction site. Excavation work began about six weeks ago and the facility is expected to be completed next fall.

Mercer president William D. Underwood unveiled renderings of the complex, showing the initial phase that includes the field house, the playing surface, seating, a press box, and plazas on both sides of the field.

The field house will include a sports medicine clinic, which will be part of Mercer's school of medicine. In addition, there will be football and lacrosse coaches' offices, team meeting rooms, a student lounge, locker rooms, a weight room and a training room.

"This facility is a beautiful and well-thought out design that has taken into consideration both our present needs and potential future needs. This will truly place Mercer football at the forefront in our recruiting and branding efforts," Mercer head football coach Bobby Lamb said.