In conjunction with MBU’s 50th anniversary and inaugural football season, the University broke ground today for a practice field and football facility. The new facility will include coaches’ offices and locker rooms. The artificial turf field and football complex will be located on a currently undeveloped part of the campus’ west side. Missouri Baptist University President Alton Lacey and additional representatives from Missouri Baptist University, Ittner Architects, Holland Construction Services and the Missouri Baptist University Trustee Board dedicated the new construction site. “We dedicate this construction to sportsmanship, skill, entertainment, learning and the God we serve,” said President Lacey during the dedication address.

A rendering of the Football Facilities set to open by the 2015 Football Season

MBU announced its intent to launch a football program in March 2013 shortly after hiring Burianek, who was most recently the special teams coordinator at McKendree University. MBU Football made their debut in a game against Southeast Missouri State, and will play their first home game this Saturday, Sept. 20 on CBC field. The football program is a member of Mid-States Football Association, which is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The project is set to be completed in conjunction with the University’s 50th anniversary.