DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – In a historic day for Bethune-Cookman Athletics, Athletic Director Reggie Theus led a groundbreaking ahead of construction of an on-campus football practice field behind the Athletic Training Center.

Bethune-Cookman football will open its 100th season as a program with a new turf field located directly behind the Athletic Training Center that currently houses offices for all football coaches and support staff, as well as a weight room and meeting rooms, among other program amenities.
 
Construction on the "John Bryan Practice Field" is set to begin in the coming weeks, with the space set to be completed prior to August, 2023. The field will be named in honor of John Bryan and his wife, who have been critical contributors to B-CU football for several years. 

"It's an exciting time," Theus said. "This would not get done if it was not for our administration. They have championed everything we're trying to do here. They have pushed forward, seeing the same vision that I see. They have given me the ability to step up. We have a long way to go, but this is a great start."

It is a great day in the city of Daytona Beach," Daytona Beach City Manager Deric Feacher said."Through all of the challenges that have taken place at my alma mater, we are standing. As an alum, I want to ensure that we are dedicated to making sure that Bethune-Cookman University not only stands, but thrives, and becomes the epicenter of academic excellence and athletic prowess here in Daytona Beach."

"I couldn't be more pleased to be a part of what I know is just the beginning of what our athletic department is going to produce in the future," University Interim President Lawrence Drake said. "We have made this field a priority. This field is a representation of our future. There are more buildings to be built and more land to be acquired. There are more athletes to be graduated from here. There are more athletes who will go on to do great things later and more people from Wildcat Nation to celebrate not only what we've done here today, but what we will continue to in the future."

 

This field is going to change the level of how the world sees B-CU," head football coach Raymond Woodie Jr. said. "This is all about the players. They deserve this. The program, the community, Wildcat Nation, they deserve this. We are really excited and thankful to have made it to this point. I appreciate all the hard work of administration that has gone into this. We are truly excited for what the future holds for this program and this university."

The Wildcats wrapped up their spring season at the Maroon and Gold Spring game, Saturday afternoon at Daytona Stadium.

A render and plans for the upcoming field can be viewed below. 







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