With the help of financial support from alumni, fans and friends, Central College is in the process of implementing upgrades to the college’s A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex.

Workers recently finished installing the new FieldTurf artificial turf at Ron and Joyce Schipper, and new goalposts are also being installed to the football-only field. A new, expanded Daktronics video screen is also being installed at Schipper Stadium, replacing the original stadium videoboard. Installation of the new video screen will begin in July, with completion expected ahead of the football opener for the Dutch on September 7th against Illinois Wesleyan University. 

Also included in the comprehensive upgrade plan is the reconstruction of Central’s tennis courts. This is the first time the courts have been completely replaced since the facility was built over 40 years ago. The six tennis courts will be surrounded by new fencing, which will be shorter on the west sides to allow for improved viewing for competitors, teammates, and coaches. The tennis courts can also be converted to 12 pickleball courts as local interest in that sport continues to rise. Vice President of Athletics Eric Van Kley says that fundraising efforts for project is on going, and adds that they have nearly met their goal for these upgrades.

“Our goal for this project is a little over $2.5 million for our outdoor projects, and right now I think we’re at about $1.8 or $1.9 million in a little less than a year as far as for those projects. So, fundraising continues on all of that and I think an investment into these projects is really an investment in the Pella community.”

Hear more about the facility upgrades from Eric Van Kley on Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page.