The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of Missouri Western State University’s Spratt Memorial Stadium at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 6. The ceremony is scheduled for the southeast end zone of the football field, near Baker Family Fitness Center. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the concourse at the top of the home grandstands.

Last week, the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors approved a contract with E.L. Crawford to renovate Spratt Stadium for $6,995,108. The project includes the demolition and replacement of the current concourse, concessions area, restrooms, Stadium Club and press box; repairs and improvements to the home grandstand seating area; removal of the old track and relocation of the field closer to the home stands; relocation of the visitors’ side grandstands to be closer to the field; and new field turf to replace the current playing surface.

Spratt Memorial Stadium hosts Missouri Western’s football team and women’s soccer team. It opened in 1979, and is named in honor of avid Griffon supporter Elliot “Bub” Spratt.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.