Work on the Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium officially broke ground on Thursday after a year of costly delays.

Construction of the new University of Wisconsin – Superior stadium has been long awaited. According to a Northern News Now report, work was supposed to begin in the spring of 2023, but a difficult winter and increased price tag delayed the start of the project until this week.

The new stadium will primarily be used for the school’s soccer and lacrosse teams, and will be built with artificial turf so the teams are able to play longer into their seasons. It will also include a nine lane track designed for collegiate competition. Right now, some teams have been forced to play home games at Superior High School rather than on their own college field.

The final cost of the project is expected to top $7 million, which includes the $2 million increase that forced the school to postpone their original construction schedule. School officials, faculty, and students attended the groundbreaking event to celebrate the long-awaited start of construction.

Some of the extra funding for the stadium was provided by Cenovus Energy. According to a WDIO report, the university and Cenovus Energy agreed to a three-year, $450,000 deal for the purchase of a video board for the stadium and the creation of the Cenovus Energy Fan Zone. The funding will also be used to create the Cenovus Women in Leadership program.

The new stadium should be ready for use in September after a summer of construction work.