McNeese State officials recently broke ground for an $8.25 million expansion and renovation of the Jack Doland Field House, which Athletics Director Tommy McClelland called the heart of the school’s athletics program.

The facility, built in 1965 and last renovated in 1975, will nearly double in size as a result of the project, which will include expanded weight and locker rooms, additional team meeting rooms, conference rooms and offices, a media room, an academic resource center, an expanded ticket office, an indoor club room, a Hall of Fame lobby, and an outdoor seating area.

The targeted completion date is March 2011.

“During the past 40 years, the current athletic field house has remained virtually unchanged despite continual growth of the university's athletic programs and the number of student-athletes and staff it serves,” said President Robert Hebert. “A modern field house will enhance the environment of our student-athletes and would assist the athletics department in recruitment.”

The facility is named for Jack Doland, a former Louisiana state senator and McNeese president from 1980 to 1986. Doland played and coached football at the institution.