Posted
December 19, 2024
Big things are happening at Br. James Everett, C.S.C. Stadium! This winter, 87,000 square feet of athletic turf is being replaced with a high-quality, sustainable, and visually stunning surface, made possible by the incredible generosity of Mike Joyce ’70 and Joyce Buick GMC.
From football, soccer, rugby, and lacrosse to physical education, strength training, summer camps, CYO games, and community leagues, the new Joyce Buick GMC Field will be a place where athletes of all ages work hard, dream big, and embrace the spirit of excellence that defines being an Eagle.
The St. Edward athletic field has been the cherished site of countless formative moments for young athletes. Each year, thousands of people gather at Br. James Everett, C.S.C. Stadium for games, practices, and camps as expert coaches teach the values of teamwork, discipline, and grit through the medium of athletic competition. Now, thanks to the support of Mike Joyce ’70 and Joyce Buick GMC, the field is undergoing a state-of-the-art transformation!
For so many of us, the best memories were made right here—learning teamwork, perseverance, and what it means to work hard. Helping with the field replacement was my way of giving back to a place that’s given me so much.
- Mike Joyce ’70
“We are so grateful to Mike Joyce and Joyce Buick GMC for their incredible support of St. Edward Athletics,” said President KC McKenna ’00. “This project is more than about having a partner, it’s about having the right partner. Joyce Buick has been the right partner for years and we’re grateful for their continued support.”
The turf replacement is being led by The Motz Group, which brings innovation and sustainability to the forefront. The project incorporates a Zero Waste Initiative by repurposing materials typically destined for landfills, achieving an impressive 95% waste reduction. Approximately 90% of the existing infill will be repurposed into the new field and topped with new infill to maximize performance and playability.
Additionally, the new field turf will feature GAME ON, a cutting-edge technology developed by the turf manufacturer. This technology integrates logos, lines, and numbers into a seamless design, reducing field seams and enhancing both durability and performance. By combining Zero Waste and GAME ON, St. Edward is not only replacing a field but also delivering a high-quality, sustainable, and visually-striking playing surface for the community.
A new feature this year for lacrosse players and fans will be the installation of 480 linear feet of Lacrosse Ball Safety Netting System. Lacrosse netting systems are designed to protect athletes, coaches, and spectators by providing a netting barrier to prevent balls from leaving the designated playing areas. The system will utilize newly installed ground sleeves, allowing poles and netting to be installed for semi-permanent use, which can be removed when the season concludes.
“Replacing this field is about more than upgrading facilities,” Joyce said. “It’s about providing a safe, reliable, and top-tier space for athletes and students to play, practice, and compete. This field will be the backdrop for victories, memories, and lessons that last a lifetime. I’m honored to invest in something that benefits today’s students and the generations to come—a lasting contribution to the community and its future.”
With this project, St. Edward is delivering not just a field but a sustainable, high-performance space that reflects the same values of excellence, leadership, and community that define being an Eagle.
The Joyce family at the 2019 May Recognition Dinner (from left to right): Sean, Kate, Mike, Dan, and Alison.
Mike and his wife Kate have been steadfast supporters of St. Edward, contributing through their involvement with the Holy Cross Society, the Wings Auction, and the school’s last two capital campaigns. In 2019, Mike was recognized with the Bronze Eagle Award, which honors an esteemed alumnus whose dedication to St. Edward not only soars above but also serves as a beacon for others.