Knox College is replacing the indoor surface at its T. Fleming Fieldhouse this summer — the first time the surface has been renewed since it was originally installed in 1991.
Renovations begin June 8 and are expected to take approximately 10 weeks. The project will affect one of the most heavily used spaces on campus, a facility that serves not just varsity athletes but walkers, runners, club sports, intramurals, and academic classes throughout the year.
When complete, the modernized fieldhouse will include a six-lane oval track, a sprint straightaway, track railing, and courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball. NCAA-compliant event spaces and custom Prairie Fire branding are also part of the renovation.
A space for the whole campus
The fieldhouse hosts a wide range of daily activity beyond varsity athletics — badminton, tennis, and ultimate frisbee clubs use the space, as does intramural futsal. Faculty and staff use it for fitness walks and runs. Knox Vice President and Director of Athletics Justin Newell said the breadth of that use drove the decision to prioritize the project.
“This project is really about serving the entire Knox community,” Newell said. “The Fieldhouse isn’t just a track facility — it’s a space used every day by fitness walkers, runners, club sports, intramurals, and classes.
“Renewing the surface allows us to continue meeting the needs of everyone who uses the space, from faculty getting in a quick lap before classes to varsity athletes training for competition.”
Knox compared the project to the Prats Field lighting upgrade completed in fall 2025, citing the broad campus impact as the deciding factor.
What it means for the track program
The renovation also positions Knox College to host the Midwest Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships in February 2027 — something the current aging surface would not support at a competitive level.
Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Mark Nelson said the new surface changes what his program can accomplish.
“For me, it represents an opportunity — hosting home indoor meets, safer training conditions, and a place where I can push my athletes to improve every day without worrying about injuries or limitations from the old surface,” Nelson said. “It can help attract more athletes, improve performance, and build a stronger team culture. Overall, it sets a higher standard and gives us the tools to compete at a higher level while taking pride in where we train.”
The contractor
Beynon Sports, which installed the original surface in 1991, is managing the renovation. The company is a recognized leader in running track and court surface installation.
