Penguin News
Watson and Tressel Training Site (WATTS)
by YSU Sports Informatation
Saturday, Aug 18, 2018 9:48 pm
The concept was originally announced in the summer of 2007 when the Tressel and Watson Families presented the University with a $1 million donation.
Through hard work by many, the facility opened for use in the fall of 2011.
This indoor facility is vital to the future success of the YSU athletic department. The WATTS will provide the most critical ingredient to meet the challenges presented by the opportunity of playing nationally-recognized competition.
Located to the east of Stambaugh Stadium and the YSU Tennis Courts, the WATTS features a full-length Shaw Sportexe PowerBlade HP+ synthetic turf system football field, a 300-meter state-of-the-art mondo track surface, two long-jump pits, a high-jump pit, four batting cages, protective netting, a training room and locker rooms.
The seasonal facility will accommodate athletic team practices, intramural sports, campus-wide activities and special events benefiting students, faculty, staff and the community throughout the year.
Soccer, men’s and women’s track and field, baseball, golf, softball and football have the ability to practice in a safer, more comfortable environment. The facility also provides a significantly prolonged practice season to meet the challenge of the elevated level of competition YSU seeks to embrace.
In addition, the WATTS has served as a community resource - providing a large, climate-protected venue for local youth organizations and high schools. Area track and field teams utilize the facility for practices. During the winter months, the WATTS is open to the public in the evening.
The Horizon League Indoor Track and Field Championships have been held in the facility in each of the past two years.
In the spring of 2012, a lounge for the track and field program was created. Dressing rooms for the men’s and women’s golf teams are on the mezzanine next to a state-of-the-art putting surface.
This $14-million project was seen as a public/private partnership in that the construction costs would be sought through private philanthropy.
Event Parking
Public parking will be in the M-90 lot on Elm Street just north of the WATTS. Spectators can walk down Elm Street over the bridge and enter the facility. Parking is $5. Handicap parking is available on a limited basis in the F-82 lot near the main entrance. Approximately 15 spaces are available on a first-come, first-served bases. Team bus parking will be along the serive road just north of Stambaugh Stadium.
