Western Kentucky University's athletic department began renovation and additions to L.T. Smith Stadium in June 2006, and as a part of that project, construction on the new track and field complex is now underway.

The track complex will be situated directly across from the football stadium underneath the recently-constructed water tower. At a projected cost of $2.5 million, the complex will house an eight-lane track with Defargo synthetic surfacing, dual D-zones for high jump and pole vault, four long and triple jump runways, one hammer/discus cage, two additional discus circles, two javelin runways, and three shot put areas.

"It is a beautiful sight to see progress being made on our new track facility," says head coach Dr. Curtiss Long. "The Charles M. Ruter track complex will be one of the best facilities around, on par with the best in the nation."

Construction began on June 25 with grading and fill work, and the project is scheduled to be completed before Christmas.