For the first time in Nicholls State University history, sports facilities at the university are receiving a combined total of about $1.6 million in improvements.

The much-needed upgrades to Guidry football stadium, Stopher basketball gymnasium, Chabert weight room, the softball field and Didier baseball field are coming mostly from donations secured by the university and its Department of Athletics.

“This is the first step toward bringing Nicholls athletics up to par with that of other NCAA Division I institutions,” university President Stephen Hulbert said. “I’m proud of how far we’ve come in only a year, and eager to see what more will come. It’s important that our student athletes have safe, quality facilities and be able to compete at the same level as those at our sister institutions.”

Last year Hulbert charged a Blue Ribbon committee with exploring possible funding sources for strengthening athletics programs at the university. The committee recommended seeking out corporate sponsorships and support from the community, alumni and current students. Much of the funding for the $1.6 million in improvements is attributed to these sources.

“Members of our community are coming together to demonstrate their belief in the value of Nicholls and athletics at the university level,” Dr. David Boudreaux, Nicholls vice president for institutional advancement, said. “With community support from donors and fans, our students can achieve their dreams of higher education and athletic achievement.”

Rob Bernardi, Nicholls athletics director, said he is especially pleased for the student athletes. “We have increased funding for athletics and we are making tremendous strides in improving our facilities. I am certain these overall improvements enhance our recruiting and ultimately make us more competitive.”

Improvements include a new synthetic surface for Guidry Stadium, valued at about $600,000, donated by General Sports Venue. Byron E. Talbot Construction Inc. of Thibodaux will prepare the field by installing a subsurface drainage system and grading the field in preparation for the AstroTurf, with funding provided by the Nicholls Foundation. Work will be completed in time for the Manning Passing Academy in July.

The Nicholls soccer field will get a new soccer complex, with the assistance of Mike Fesi, owner and president of Pipeline Construction and Maintenance Inc. of Houma. Fesi is donating the labor and much of the materials to construct a building to house coaches’ offices, locker facilities, meeting rooms and concessions. The project will cost an estimated $400,000 and work is expected to be complete in early fall.

Stopher Gymnasium received a new floor, paid for by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the existing flooring was damaged while housing hurricane evacuees, and chairback seats on the north and south sides, provided by private funding and the university. Stopher improvements cost about $250,000.

Donated labor and materials from Byron E. Talbot Construction Inc. and soil contributed by Ronald Adams Contractors have resulted in a newly leveled and raised baseball field. Private contributions provided a new sprinkler system, and International Boat Rentals Co. and private donors are providing new bleachers, for a combined total of $65,000 in renovations. In the fall, the baseball field will receive a new brick backstop and protective netting behind home plate. The $150,000 project will be funded by a combination of public and private funds.

The weight training facilities in Leonard J. Chabert Hall are receiving new equipment, valued at $150,000, sponsored by Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. Equipment should be in place this spring.

The Nicholls Softball Field received about $78,000 in improvements, including a new press box, speaker system, infield and a concession stand, provided by private donors.