Ferris State University students will soon be able to watch the football games from the comfort of their residence hall rooms as the school plans an innovative living center attached to the Bulldog’s Top Taggart Field.
Ferris State President Bill Pink said the new residence hall is part of an effort to update student living spaces. The state-of-the-art facility will wrap around the stadium just beyond the north end zone.
“This will be a state-of-the-art facility with all the modern conveniences students today are looking for, with the added benefit of being attached to an entertainment complex that will host events throughout the year. These students will truly have the best seat in the house,” said Pink. “It’s across the street from the Student Recreation Center, near both of our dining halls, and a short walk from our health center. And if a student is more interested in esports, the Center for Virtual Learning and its innovative Esports Arena is right next door.”
Pink said the new residence hall will be the first in a planned series of upgrades and replacements to campus living spaces and athletic facilities. He said the university is in the early stages of developing a capital campaign for an expansion and renovation to the facilities in and around Top Taggart Field and potentially other sports facilities.
The new residence hall is planned to be the first of two new living spaces that would replace existing facilities. The university plans to cover the cost of construction by issuing bonds. Groundbreaking could take place early next year.
The $38 million project is designed to have space for about 300 beds in rooms spread out over four stories, many with an up-close view of the football field. First floor community spaces open out to the stadium – within range of a long field goal.
The project, which has not yet been named, will be the university’s first new residence hall since North Hall opened in 2017.
