University of Mary Breaks Ground on Marauders Athletics Complex, Ushering in a New Era for Scholar-Athletes and Fans

New Complex to Bring Home-Field Advantage Back to Campus, Elevate Scholar-Athlete Experience, and Strengthen Community Ties

BISMARCK, ND — Joined by students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, community members, and its founders and sponsors, the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, the University of Mary marked a historic moment with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Marauders Athletics Complex on Friday, April 11. Sister Nicole Kunze, prioress of Annunciation Monastery, had the ceremonial honor of breaking ground with the golden shovel. This transformative project will bring football, soccer, softball, and track & field competition back to campus, providing a true home-field advantage for Marauders scholar-athletes while fostering school spirit and community engagement.

This milestone signals the beginning of the largest campus transformation in school history, a vision made possible through the generosity of donors, alumni, and friends of the University of Mary. Construction will commence on Monday, April 28, with hopes to complete construction in time for the Fall 2027 NCAA Division II season.

A Vision for the Future

The Marauders Athletics Complex is a key component of Phase II of the University of Mary’s ambitious $272-million Vision 2030 Capital Campaign. A total investment of $45 million will go toward the complex, of which a majority will be located east of the current fieldhouse along Highway 1804.

“We’re all excited this long-awaited day has arrived,” said University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea. “Today we can confidently say that our patience, perseverance, and the incredible generosity of our benefactors have brought us to this point. Our donors, alumni, and the Bismarck-Mandan community have worked hard throughout their lives and sought meaningful ways to invest in something lasting and purposeful—this project is that opportunity. For this, we are blessed and forever grateful to all.”

Executive Vice President Jerome Richter echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the university’s commitment to responsible stewardship. “Donors continue to step forward because they believe in what we are doing and the amazing servant leaders we are graduating into society. They see that we are authentic in who we say we are and that we are being diligent in making the most of every dollar entrusted to us. This project is a testament to their trust.”

A Homecoming for Marauders Athletics

For decades, University of Mary’s football, soccer, softball, and track & field teams have competed at venues across Bismarck. Now, with the construction of the Marauders Athletics Complex, these programs will finally return to campus, bringing an electric game-day atmosphere to the university.

“This project is about much more than buildings—it’s about elevating the scholar-athlete experience and reinforcing our commitment to Greatness through Virtue,” said director of Intercollegiate Athletics Marcus Wagner. “We are excited that these new facilities will help propel our scholar-athletes, our programs, and our entire university to the upper echelon of NCAA Division II athletics.”

The Research and Performance Center: A Dynamic Hub of Competition and Learning

At the heart of the complex is the Research and Performance Center (RPC), an innovative and multi-purpose facility that redefines the intersection of academics and athletics. On its east side, the RPC, a premier space dedicated to strength and conditioning, sports medicine, and nutrition. On the west side, it will serve as the grandstand for Marauders football, with seating for approximately 2,500 fans.

Yet, the RPC’s ingenuity goes beyond game day. From Monday through Friday, its upper level will function as classroom space for students in the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, where future healthcare professionals will learn in a hands-on environment alongside scholar-athletes. But when the weekend arrives, the space will undergo a dramatic transformation—reimagined into premium suites for fans, offering unparalleled views and an exclusive game-day experience. This seamless shift from lecture hall to luxury seating encapsulates the University of Mary’s commitment to innovation, stewardship, and maximizing resources.

“This facility embodies our mission, combining academics with athletics in a way that serves both scholars and athletes at the highest level,” said Dr. Mary Dockter, dean of the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences. “It’s a powerful example of how the University of Mary integrates education with real-world application.”

The Multipurpose Sports Dome: A Year-Round Game-Changer

Also central to the new complex is the Multipurpose Sports Dome, a massive inflatable structure that will serve as the home venue for both soccer and softball. Spanning an impressive 275 feet by 400 feet with a towering height of 85 feet at its peak, it will be the largest facility of its kind in North Dakota.

Designed for year-round use, the dome will be a vital resource not only for University of Mary scholar-athletes but also for the broader Bismarck-Mandan community. Local youth sports organizations, club teams, and regional tournaments will have rental access to this elite space, reinforcing the university’s mission of service beyond campus borders. The facility’s versatility will also help mitigate challenges posed by North Dakota’s unpredictable weather, ensuring that teams can train and compete at the highest level regardless of the season.

A Testament to Generosity and Stewardship

The groundbreaking ceremony was not just a celebration of progress but also a heartfelt expression of gratitude toward alumni and benefactors who made this vision possible.

“There are many universities trying to reimagine athletic facilities, but we’re doing it in a uniquely University of Mary way,” said Wagner. “We’re aiming for a best-in-class complex that enhances the scholar-athlete experience and integrates seamlessly with our mission and values. We’ve taken the traditional mold and completely broken it open to create something truly special—something that will benefit our scholar-athletes, our students, and the greater community 365 days a year.”

With ongoing fundraising efforts and numerous naming opportunities still available, the university invites donors, alumni, and friends to be a part of this transformational journey by going to their Giving Webpage. To view renderings of the Marauders Athletics Complex, visit umary.edu/AthleticsComplex.