Mizzou receives significant donation for Audrey J. Walton Stadium upgrades
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COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Audrey J. Walton Track-Soccer Stadium is getting a transformational makeover.
Mizzou Athletics announced longtime donor Audrey J. Walton has gifted the department with a record-breaking donation to fund significant enhancements to the facility that bears her name. Walton's donation is the largest gift that MU has ever received to support Olympic sports and ranks as a top-ten gift in Mizzou Athletics history.
The donation is expected to fund a complete renovation to the stadium's outdoor track surface and subsurface and a new natural grass soccer field and subsurface, per a Mizzou Athletics press release. The department explained the upgrades will allow MU to host outdoor track and field competitions in the future. Walton's financial contribution is expected to fully fund the renovations.
"I've always believed in the power of college athletics to impact the next generation of Tigers, and I am especially proud to support programs that empower young women and men to compete and succeed," Walton said. "Building championship programs in the Southeastern Conference starts with a 'Will to Win.' I am honored to invest in that unwavering 'Will to Win' by supporting our track and field and women's soccer programs so they can compete at the highest level in the SEC. I greatly look forward to seeing the project completed for the betterment of Mizzou Athletics."
"Mrs. Walton's passion for Mizzou and her support of our student-athletes is truly remarkable," Mizzou Athletics Director Laird Veatch said. "I am incredibly grateful for the 25-year relationship I've had with Mrs. Walton and her family. She is one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever known. Her generosity has already left an indelible mark on our programs, and this gift ensures that future generations of Tigers will benefit from first-class facilities that bear her name."
Audrey J. Walton Stadium has been the home to Mizzou Soccer and Track & Field since it opened in 1996. Mizzou Athletics described this donation as 'transformational' for those two teams and each of those programs' head coaches expressed their gratitude for Walton's generosity.
"Mrs. Walton's support means so much to our team and the young women who represent Mizzou on the soccer field," head coach Stefanie Golan said. "This investment in our facilities will greatly enhance our team's home-field experience and will have a lasting impact on our program's ability to compete in the SEC."
"Audrey Walton's commitment to Mizzou Track and Field has been transformational over the years," head coach Brett Halter said. "Her belief in our student-athletes fuels their drive to achieve greatness, both on and off the track. We are deeply grateful for her vision and leadership."
Mizzou Athletics is expected to announce a timeline for the project at a later date.