Tents and tables go up on WLU’s Alumni Field ahead of fall term

There will be no soccer on Alumni Field this fall.

Wilfrid Laurier University has set up four big tents and several socially-distanced picnic tables instead.

“We want to make sure we have enough spaces for students to gather, to mingle, to recreate, in a safe environment,” said Laurier' Vice-President of Student Affairs, Ivan Joseph.

He says students can use the tables to meet up and hang out in between classes, outdoor classes could be held there, or even meetings.

“So you might see some picnic tables, move some picnic tables, gather, hang around, let students find a place where they don't always have to be inside if they want to mix and mingle,” said Joseph.

The university says it understands students may get tired and feel cooped-up in their rooms, especially as some pandemic visitation rules remain in place so this added open-air space should hopefully offer an escape and Alumni Field was a no-brainer choice.

“It's right in the centre of our campus, it's a place where people know, and hopefully as you drive by and walk by and you're saying 'where can I gather?', 'what can I do?', that's a place that will be a magnet to draw students to engage and do what Laurier is known for, that campus spirit and pride and sense of belonging,” Joseph said.

The school says the tents and tables are expected to stay as long as the weather allows.

As for the field itself, the school says it wants to update it anyway so there's no concern about added wear-and-tear.

Laurier says, for the upcoming academic year, the intramural programs will be moved to University Stadium on Seagram Drive.

Alumni Field is expected to return to its role as a sports facility in the fall of 2022.