Construction of the Bill Alfond Field began in June 2004 after William '72 and Joan Alfond made a $1.35-million gift in the form of a fund-raising challenge. Enthusiasm for the project, evident in contributions to fulfill the Alfonds' challenge, was such that Colby was able to open the new synthetic turf field in the spring of 2005.
By providing Colby with a state-of-the-art facility, the Alfonds' gift helps the College remain competitive both athletically and in attracting applicants for admission. While NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) rules permit spring teams to practice as early as February 15, fields in Maine often aren't usable until mid-April. The synthetic surface can be plowed of snow so teams will be able to practice before natural fields are snow-free. The new facility permits early-season home lacrosse games in Waterville after many years in which games had to be moved to Lewiston or Brunswick until Colby's natural fields dried out.
The new synthetic turf field, measuring 240 feet by 360 feet, serves as the primary field for intercollegiate competition in field hockey, women's lacrosse, and men's lacrosse. Marked with a variety of permanent and changeable lines, the field also serves as a practice or back-up field for other intercollegiate sports as well as for club and intramural sports and for Waterville community sports organizations. Illuminated for night use, it includes a scoreboard, spectator seating, and restrooms, along with appropriate equipment to maintain the facility.
