Saint Leo University Opens New Track, Locker Rooms

Saint Leo University celebrated a milestone in its athletics history on Thursday, January 22, with the grand opening of an eight-lane, 400-meter track and newly constructed locker rooms. The ribbon-cutting event brought together university leaders, coaches, student-athletes, and staff to celebrate the expansion of the athletics facilities and the broader vision for sports at Saint Leo University.

“These new athletic facilities reflect our commitment to investing in our students, enhancing campus life, and supporting Saint Leo’s growth,” said Dr. Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “By expanding and modernizing our athletics infrastructure, we are creating more opportunities for student success, enriching the student experience, and strengthening the competitiveness of our athletic programs for years to come.”

"The expansion of our athletic facilities is a game-changer, with our new track taking our programs to the next level," said Marcal Lazenby, vice president of athletics and wellness. "We are expanding our ability to train, compete, and recruit at a higher level, while giving student-athletes an even greater sense of pride in being a Saint Leo Lion."

The completion of the new eight-lane track marks an important step in the phased relaunch of Saint Leo University’s men’s and women’s track and field programs. The teams welcomed 42 student-athletes in fall 2025, with enrollment expected to grow to approximately 60 by fall 2026. By 2027, at least 80 student-athletes are anticipated to be competing in sprint, distance, and field events, including long jump, high jump, throwing events, javelin, and steeplechase.

As Saint Leo’s first official track, the facility allows the university to host future high school and collegiate meets, positioning the campus as a regional hub for track and field competitions. While the track is not currently available for outside rental, it is open to the Saint Leo community and local residents when not in use by the teams.

Saint Leo University also unveiled state-of-the-art men’s and women’s locker rooms on the north side of the Marion Bowman Activities Center. The three locker rooms serve approximately 120 student-athletes, primarily supporting the university’s soccer programs, and provide dedicated spaces for team strategy, preparation, and camaraderie.

The Department of Athletics is conducting a locker room naming campaign inviting alumni, parents, and community members to support the new facilities. The campaign offers opportunities to name the three new rooms and individual lockers within them. Sponsored lockers will feature personalized recognition plaques. Visit your.saintleo.edu/lockers for more details.