When students at Holy Names Catholic High School return to class on Tuesday they’ll notice a substantial change at the rear of the building – a brand new $1.8 million dollar track and turf field.

Crews from Worldwide Turf Canada of Barrie, Ontario have spent the summer constructing the multi-purpose turf field and 400-metre six-lane track and on Tuesday, the school’s football team practiced on it for the first time.

“Stepping onto it with cleats for the first time was incredible,” senior quarterback Jake Heydon told The Windsor Star.

Besides the track and field, the new facility includes bleachers, a press box, a brand new scoreboard and LED lighting for night games.

Director of Education Terry Lyons said the field will enhance the student experience for the Knights.

“In addition to our STEM academy that opened last year, this new sports facility will demonstrate our commitment to creating both an academic and an athletic powerhouse for our students at Holy Names,” he said.

WECDSB Digital Media Coordinator Paul DiMarco visited the site on numerous occasions during the build and created a video that chronicles the construction project.