FACILITIES & DIRECTIONS

SEELYE INDOOR CENTER

The Donald "J" Seelye Athletic Center, which began construction in the winter of 2001, officially opened its doors to Western Michigan University athletic programs on January 13, 2003.

The WMU women’s soccer team was the first to take advantage of the state-of-the-art facility with an early-morning workout.

The $25 million facility was officially opened in the fall of 2003 with a dedication ceremony that featured both university and community leaders. All Bronco programs in need of the turf bay now have access and have the ability to escape from the frigid winter temperatures in Michigan.

Bronco athletic squads will train on a newly installed 80x60-yard field covered with FieldTurf. The surface was redone in May of 2013, a project which combined with new FieldTurf in Waldo Stadium, cost $1.3 million.

The field which multiple teams practice on, has had new graphics added in the spring of 2016 to reflect the championshp success had by the football team, baseball team, softball team and the men's and women's soccer team.

The Seelye Center also houses several luxury suites for home Bronco football games, which also double as offices for selected members of the Bronco coaching staff. The facility includes an equipment room, training room and severl locker rooms.

The Varsity "W" Club Room provides a plentiful space for special events, including press conferences and weekly coach luncheons.

DIRECTIONS

From I-94: At exit #74, turn north onto US-131, go 2.7 miles, see continued directions from US-131 below.
From US-131: Exit #36A (Stadium Drive East) and proceed 2.5 miles. After crossing Oliver Street (in between basketball arena and softball field), the second right will be the entrance (Lot 7) to the Seelye Center. The Seelye Center is the building located at the east end of the football stadium.
From M-43 North of Kalamazoo: Turn left off M-43 (Gull Road) in Kalamazoo on to Riverview Drive; go under the railroad overpass and bear right onto Michigan Avenue for 0.4 miles; it then becomes Kalamazoo Avenue. Continue until it becomes Stadium Drive. The Donald Seelye Athletic Center will be on your left right before the football stadium.

EBERT FIELD

The Western Michigan University softball program plays all of its home games at Ebert Field, conveniently located on campus in near proximity to all of the WMU athletic facilities.

The complex features everything needed to enjoy a collegiate softball game: stadium-style seating for up to 400 fans behind the first base line and in the outfield, a press box and concessions stand.

The latest renovations occurred in the summer of 2000 and 2001, improving access to the field and creating more room to park for both baseball and softball. A new fence surrounding the complex was built and wind screens were installed on the outfield fence to help combat the windy conditions associated with the park.

Also included in the improvements was a change that will more than likely increase offensive production at the park.

With only five home runs hit by any program in 12 seasons (prior to 2001), Ebert Field had deservedly gained the reputation of a “pitcher’s field.” The entire fenceline has been moved in. Straight-away center is now 220’ and both corners measure out at 200’. Left field did have the shortest fence at 219’, while center was 225’ and right was 226’.

Prior to the most recent work on the complex, both the home and visitor dugouts were remodeled and a new scoreboard was installed. The complex also contains a pair of batting cages as well as a bullpen and storage area.

The field is named after former WMU coach and professor Fran Ebert. A recent selection to the WMU Athletic Hall of Fame, Ebert began the softball program at Western Michigan in 1976 and went on to compile an overall record of 270-116-1 in 10 seasons.

Ebert led the Broncos to a pair of AIAW College World Series appearances and one trip to the NCAA College World Series (1982). In 2000, Ebert was one of three individuals inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame at the national convention. In 1985, Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to name the school’s diamond in her honor and it was dedicated on June 29 of that year.

DIRECTIONS
From 131, take Stadium Drive East to Oliver Street. Turn right on Oliver and enter parking lot on immediate left.