Several Division I institutions recently announced plans for new and renovated athletics facilities, including a multipurpose events center at Central Michigan, a baseball training facility at High Point and a golf practice facility at Oregon State.

Central Michigan broke ground for the new CMU Events Center, featuring a spacious entryway, ticket center and bookstore. The adjacent arena will be renovated to improve seating, restrooms, lighting, sound systems and concessions. The facility will also feature a new practice facility, a stand-alone wrestling facility and a 6,000-square-foot addition to the Student Activity Center for additional fitness space. The facility is expected to be completed by 2010-11.

High Point’s plans for a new indoor baseball training facility received a boost when an anonymous donor committed $2 million toward the project. The 11,000-square-foot structure will include indoor batting and pitching cages, locker rooms for players and coaches, a player lounge, team conference room and trophy display area. Earth Field, home to High Point baseball, received upgrades recently as well, including a new infield, irrigation and scoreboard.

Oregon State cut the ribbon on the new Dennis Lee Archer Practice Facility this week. Don and Grace Archer donated the facility, a 4,000-square foot putting green with a bunker and five teeing areas at the entrance to Trysting Tree Golf Club.