In the News: Greyhounds Celebrate Dedication Of Air Dome At Ridley Athletic Complex

By: Loyola Greyhounds at http://www.loyolagreyhounds.com

“For me, this Air Dome is just one more physical sign of how committed Loyola is to the success of our athletic programs,” said Donna M. Woodruff, Loyola’s assistant vice president and director of athletics. “On behalf of our coaches, our staff and our student-athletes, we are all so appreciative of what this facility means and for all of the efforts that have gone into making this a reality. The generosity and support of everyone in this room, as well as others who are not able to be here today, is so appreciated and will not be taken for granted.”

The dome, which is a temporary structure to provide indoor practice space for Loyola athletics during the winter months, was privately funded through philanthropy. The dome covers all of Lugano field, the practice turf at Ridley Athletic Complex, which is the home to Loyola men’s and women’s lacrosse and soccer.

Teams began practice inside the facility earlier this month, but Saturday’s event marked a celebration of the project’s completion.

“First and foremost, thank you to our donors for making this dream a reality,” said senior women’s lacrosse player, Olivia Blakeman, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee co-President speaking on behalf of Greyhounds student-athletes. “My teammates and I have already had the privilege of practicing in the Air Dome and the excitement we feel when we walk through the revolving door will never get old. But just as the excitement is everlasting, so are the positive effects. We hope that our successes on-and-off the field will show you how grateful we are.”

“The Air Dome gives Loyola student-athletes the opportunity to have an indoor practice option that is unique to our area,” said Charley Toomey, head coach of the Loyola men’s lacrosse team. “It has enhanced our already top-notch facilities and will continue to be a game-changer for recruiting, while helping to provide stability to our scheduling needs. Thank you to those who have financially invested in this facility and shared in our vision of delivering a premier experience to our student-athletes.”

To check out the original article: http://www.loyolagreyhounds.com/sports/m-lacros/spec-rel/012018aaa.html

To check out the promotional video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn2CUvLA39I&feature=youtu.be