Event: The University of Texas at Austin will celebrate the grand opening and dedication of the Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field. Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa and President Bill Powers will attend the ceremony.
When: Friday, Nov. 18, 3 p.m. Ceremony to be followed by scrimmages by the Texas women’s and men’s lacrosse teams.
Where: Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field, west of San Jacinto Boulevard and south of East 21st Street.
Background: Former chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents and university alumnus H. Scott Caven Jr. and his wife Vivien made the first significant gift to launch the renovation of Clark Field. Their desire to upgrade the field, make it accessible to more students and redevelop it to accommodate lacrosse club sports was done in memory of their son, Scotty Caven, a Plan II Honors student whose athletic passion was lacrosse, and in honor of the many Caven family members who have been involved with the university for more than 90 years. In recognition of the Cavens’ dedication and leadership, along with their steadfast support for the game of lacrosse, Clark Field has been renamed the Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field.
The other major commitment to the Clark Field renovation came from university alumni Gary and Sylvie Crum, who have long provided generous financial support of women’s athletics, the McCombs School, the Division of Recreational Sports and the Texas Exes, among other schools and divisions at the university. The Crums’ daughter, Clayton, is a co-captain of the women’s lacrosse team.
“The extraordinary vision and generosity demonstrated by the Cavens and Crums allowed this project to move forward quickly,” said President Bill Powers. “Thanks to them and other generous supporters, our students will be able to enjoy a first-class lacrosse and sports facility for years to come.”
The $4 million Clark Field renovation was made possible through $3 million in private gifts and $1 million from the Division of Recreational Sports. The renovated field will feature a synthetic turf playing surface, a refurbished track, new exercise stations and a new pedestrian bridge across Waller Creek.
Operated by the Division of Recreational Sports, the facility will continue to serve the dedicated cadre of students who enjoy jogging, walking and working out in this great outdoor space. As the last green space on campus, the Caven Lacrosse and Sports Center at Clark Field will provide students new recreational opportunities in an enriched outdoor setting.
