Pictured in photo: Mark Huss, Simone Demirjian, Kara Demirjian-Huss, Janet Rayfield, Richard Demirjian, Mike Turk, Josh Whitman

JOINTHEIFUND.com

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman announced plans today for the construction of new soccer and track and field facilities on the UI campus. The new complex will be named Demirjian Park, in honor of a lead gift from the Demirjian family of Decatur, Ill. The project, which will be executed in phases with full completion scheduled for the spring of 2021, remains subject to approval by the UI Board of Trustees.

Demirjian Park will feature two new soccer fields, one for competition and one for practice, located directly east of the existing track and field complex, which will itself be renovated. The project's centerpiece will be Demirjian Park Stadium, located between the new soccer fields and the renovated track. The stadium will directly benefit more than 25 percent of the Fighting Illini student-athlete population by housing team facilities for women's soccer, men's track and field, and women's track and field. State-of-the-art amenities will include locker rooms, video and meeting rooms, lounge and study spaces, sports medicine and nutrition facilities, and coaches' offices. It will also contain spaces for visiting teams and officials.

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In addition, Demirjian Park will reshape the fan experience for spectators attending events in soccer and track and field. The stadium's innovative design will feature dual grandstands that provide excellent sightlines onto both the soccer and track venues. Fans will enjoy permanent restroom and concessions facilities; high connectivity and advanced use of technology, including LED lighting, a new video board and new sound system; and new parking, concourses and entry plazas.

Demirjian Park will allow Illinois to host Big Ten and NCAA championship competition in both soccer and track and field. It is expected to become a destination location for training and competition by elite and youth athletes from across the state and the Midwest, drawing participants, their families, and fans into the Champaign-Urbana communities.

To support the project, the Demirjian family, led by UI alumni Richard Demirjian (LAS, '88) and Kara Demirjian-Huss (ACES, '92), has provided a lead gift of $7 million. This is one of the largest single gifts in the history of Illinois Athletics and continues the Demirjian family's longstanding history of generous involvement with the Fighting Illini. Previously, the family has endowed scholarships and been active in premium seating at both Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center. Most notably, the Demirjians provided the lead gift for construction of the Demirjian Indoor Golf Practice Facility, which opened in 2007. The two facilities bearing the Demirjian name will be located directly across from each other on St. Mary's Road.

"We would like to thank Richard, Kara, and the entire Demirjian family for their ongoing support of Illinois Athletics," Whitman said. "Ten years ago, their family's generosity altered the course of Illinois golf with the creation of the Demirjian Golf Practice Facility, which has allowed our men's and women's golf programs to reach new heights. Now, through this most recent gift, their generosity will have similar impact on our soccer and track and field programs by delivering a first-in-class facility that meets the evolving needs and competitive expectations of the more than 120 student-athletes participating on these teams. For the first time, these sports will have a true home, where, in one location, they can pursue their full potential as students, athletes, and people, all while growing together as a team.

"In addition, spectators will enjoy an unparalleled fan experience, highlighted by the stadium's progressive design that will feature excellent sightlines, attractive walkways and greenspaces, convenient restrooms and concessions areas, extensive use of technology, and full accessibility. We are excited for athletes, families, and fans from across the state to experience Demirjian Park, which will be a wonderful example of the collaboration and innovation that are competitive strengths of the University of Illinois."

The Demirjian family includes Richard and Anne Demirjian, Kara Demirjian-Huss and Mark Huss, Simone Demirjian, and J. Gerald Demirjian. The Demirjians have long been leaders in business and local philanthropy. Richard is a member of DIA's campaign steering committee, and Kara serves on the University-wide campaign steering committee.   

"We believe in Josh Whitman's vision, recognize the opportunity and realize that the time is now to make a difference," Richard Demirjian said. "For us, this investment is about a holistic approach to student athletics—providing training, practice and study centers in one state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility. It's also about providing functional, efficient resources to create an interconnected environment and shared home that delivers success in Division I athletics and academics."

"This investment links two of our family's philanthropic pillars: education and economic development," said Kara Demirjian-Huss. "Not only will it have clear-cut benefits for these University soccer and track and field programs, but it also will provide facilities that can attract national events and regional training. We are excited to collaborate with the University on Demirjian Park to create a legacy and deliver the ideal experience to attract student-athletes and wow spectators. We foresee a strong economic impact for our region and applaud the University for their widespread vision and strong sense of University and community pride."

"On behalf of our student-athletes, I'd like to extend my gratitude to the Demirjian family," Illini track and field coach Mike Turk said. "Their vision for the future of Illinois track and field will inspire generations of Illini athletes, and have an immediate impact on our recruiting efforts with this cutting-edge facility. The objective of our program is to shape a positive, all-inclusive experience for our student athletes. This experience balances their academic and athletic goals along with their personal development and, ultimately, shapes individuals who will become positive contributors to society and leaders in the world. Demirjian Park is a key piece to the puzzle that we've been missing for decades. This gift will have a huge impact on our program and the student-athlete experience and serves as a shining example of service to others. It is so special for our program to finally have a home, and I cannot fully express my undying gratitude to the Demirjian family."

"The Illinois Soccer family—our staff, our alumni, our current and future student athletes –are incredibly and infinitely grateful, not just for the tremendous generosity of the Demirjian family, but for their belief, partnership and vision for the future of this program," said soccer coach Janet Rayfield. "This project will give us a place to tell our history, to pursue our present goals, to engage the regional community and to shape our program's future. The Demirjian family stands for, and has exemplified, the pursuit of excellence, setting high standards and holding strong family values, and we are excited to have those principles guiding this project and helping us build a facility that sets the standard not just in the Big Ten, but across the country. Our gratitude is immeasurable."

"For our athletic program to reach its full potential, we need people to share in our vision and to invest in the experience of our student-athletes," concluded Whitman. "Through their generosity, the Demirjian family has done exactly that. They have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to Illinois Athletics, and we could not be more grateful for their incredible support."

Construction of the new soccer fields will be completed in time for the 2019 season. Demirjian Park Stadium will be open for the 2021 track and field season, which will allow Illinois to host the 2021 Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Renovations to the track and accompanying field event venues will be performed as a separate project.

The Demirjian's gift contributes toward the $300 million fundraising goal for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, which is part of "With Illinois," the recently announced $2.25 billion University-wide fundraising campaign.