Virginia Wesleyan College held a dedication ceremony Oct. 24 for its new $2.9 million synthetic turf field, which officially opened Sept. 1.

Birdsong field is named in honor of George and Sue Birdsong and Birdsong Corporation, who in January 2014 made a $1 million challenge gift to be put toward its construction.

The field supports field hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse and soccer and intramural sports.

“It is the hope and aspiration of our corporate Birdsong team and family that this new field will inspire those who use it,” said George Birdsong, who also recognized the contributions and commitment of Virginia Wesleyan Board member Tassos Paphites, his wife, Dolores, and former Board member Bill Shelhorse.

As a token of appreciation, Virginia Wesleyan College President Scott D. Miller and Chair of the Board of Trustees Gary Bonnewell presented the Birdsongs and Birdsong Corp. with an original drawing of Birdsong Field by artist Robbie Garrity, mother of 2013 graduate Kelli Garrity.

Miller also recognized the Board of Trustees and many donors who helped make this project a reality, including Trustees Dale Foley and John Trinder, as well as Billy and Fann Greer, Dean Pappas, and Dale and Teresa Fletcher.

“We have come together to celebrate our student-athletes, this wonderful Virginia Wesleyan campus, this exciting new venue, Birdsong Field, and the benefits it will bring to our students and this college,” Miller said. “We are here to celebrate the dedication and support of those of you in this audience whose considerable investments of time and financial resources have made Birdsong Field a reality.”

The new field features a prominent entryway with ticketing, concessions and restrooms; an electronic scoreboard; field lighting; aluminum fencing and landscaping; a new parking lot; and surrounding green space for picnicking and tailgating. Potential for expansion exists for the future, with plans for a press box and permanent bleachers.

Following the dedication, the Virginia Wesleyan College field hockey team beat Eastern Mennonite University, 2-0.