ITHACA, N.Y. -- Following the successful completion of a $4 million fundraising campaign, Cornell Athletics will move forward with Phase 2 of the Cornell Field Hockey Complex, which includes construction of a team clubhouse and indoor training facility slated for completion in summer 2027.
The Phase 2 fundraising effort was fueled by a broad, collaborative coalition of Cornell alumni and supporters, reflecting a shared belief in the power of athletics to shape leadership, community and opportunity. While women's athletics alumnae and advocates played a leading role in the campaign, the effort also benefited from meaningful support from donors who have historically invested in men's athletics, supported other areas of the university, or were making their first gift to athletics.
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Lead gifts from Marsha Dodson '75, Karin Bain Kukral '82, and Rebecca Quinn Morgan '60 made possible the construction of the indoor practice facility, completing the vision for a championship-caliber home for Cornell Field Hockey. Their leadership, along with the relentless work of a project advisory group and a project development committee (noted below), helped inspire a groundswell of participation that ultimately brought the project across the finish line.
In recognition of the importance of advancing equity and excellence across Cornell Athletics, the university has invested more than $20 million in the project, fully funding Phase 1 and the clubhouse. The new Marsha Dodson Field debuted in September 2025, when Cornell opened its new home with a victory over a nationally ranked Yale team.
Anchored by a first-in-class water-based turf field already in use, the complex is taking shape along Rufus Drive off Game Farm Road and will stand as one of the most comprehensive field hockey training and competition venues in the Ivy League and among the best in the nation.
What They're Saying
"This project reflects Cornell's deep commitment to student experience, equity, and excellence," said Ryan Lombardi, Vice President for Student and Campus Life at Cornell. "The completion of fundraising for Phase 2 is especially meaningful because it was driven by women who understand firsthand the power of sport to shape confidence, leadership, and community. This facility will foster growth and belonging across generations of student-athletes while strengthening the athletics campus's ability to support their success."
"This is a landmark moment for Cornell Athletics," said Dr.
Nicki Moore, the Meakem and Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education. "With the university's significant investment and the extraordinary generosity of our donors - several with no personal ties to the sport - we are delivering a facility that matches our values and competitive ambitions. This complex sets a new standard among our peers and underscores our aspiration to provide the very best opportunities for our student-athletes to pursue their ambitious goals. I have been especially inspired by our alumnae who stepped up in a very big way, demonstrating their commitment to lift up the next generation of women student-athletes and leaders."
"For our program, this is truly transformational and marks the culmination of a journey that began years ago," said Andy Smith, head coach of Cornell Field Hockey. "Having a dedicated facility, along with an indoor training center beside our competition field, changes everything — how we train, recover, prepare, recruit, and build our environment. The fact that so much of this support came from women investing in women makes it even more powerful. This facility will shape our program for generations, positioning Cornell as a premier destination for student-athletes who want to study, train, and compete at one of the best universities — and in one of the best facilities — in the world."
The Project
Phase 1 (Completed):
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FIH- and NCAA-compliant water-based, PFAS-free, recyclable turf field
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Lighting, sound and irrigation systems
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Multi-level press box and digital scoreboard
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Team dugouts, spectator seating and support building with restrooms and storage
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Site work began in May 2025, with the playing surface completed in Fall 2025.
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Cornell hosted its first competition on Marsha Dodson Field on September 26, 2025.
Phase 2 (Now Fully Funded):
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5,400-square-foot team clubhouse, featuring:
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Spacious locker room with drying space and premium sound
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Team lounge and meeting space overlooking the field
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Training and rehabilitation room
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Showers and equipment storage
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Coaching and recruiting suite with reception area, offices, and conference room
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10,080-square-foot indoor training turf facility, adjacent to the clubhouse, providing:
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Year-round, all-weather training
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Natural and overhead lighting
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Space for individual skill work, small-group development, full team practices, conditioning, and tactical play - rain, snow or shine
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Construction on the clubhouse and indoor training facility is expected to conclude in Summer 2027.
Donor Recognition
Cornell Athletics is grateful to the alumni and friends whose collective generosity made Phase 2 of the Cornell Field Hockey Complex possible. Donors include supporters of athletics and the broader university community.
Project Advisory Group Members
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Jo Broderick
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Anne Ferree
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Amy Crone
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Marian Mueller
Project Development Committee Members
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Marsha Dodson
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Patrick Ramsey
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Rich Booth
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Alex Hanson
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Cari Hills
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Karin Kukral
