GALESBURG, ILLINOIS (March 30, 2026) — Knox College is set to upgrade the T Fleming Fieldhouse by renewing its indoor surface, ensuring the facility meets the needs of today's students and campus community. Originally installed in 1991 as the first of its kind in the area, the surface's renewal reflects long-term stewardship of one of Knox's most heavily used spaces and prepares it for the next generation of Prairie Fire athletes.
This project will also benefit the entire Knox community, as the Fieldhouse currently supports a wide range of daily activities. The space supports walking, running, various athletic practices, and College organizations, such as the badminton, tennis, and ultimate frisbee clubs. Intramural competitions, such as futsal, also use the Fieldhouse. From daily fitness routines to organized competition, the Fieldhouse provides a year-round safe indoor environment for staying active. Similar to the Prats Field lighting project, which was completed in Fall 2025, the T Fleming Fieldhouse surface renewal was selected for its broad campus impact.
"This project is really about serving the entire Knox community," said Justin Newell, vice president and director of athletics.
"The Fieldhouse isn't just a track facility — it's a space used every day by fitness walkers, runners, club sports, intramurals, and classes. Renewing the surface allows us to continue meeting the needs of everyone who uses the space, from faculty getting in a quick lap before classes to varsity athletes training for competition."
The upgrades will modernize the surface, creating a better user experience, especially as Knox College prepares to host the Midwest Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships in February of 2027. Renovations to the facility begin June 8 and are expected to last approximately ten weeks.
"The new surface in our field house means a fresh start and a major step forward for the track program," said Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Mark Nelson.
"For me, it represents an opportunity — hosting home indoor meets, safer training conditions, and a place where I can push my athletes to improve every day without worrying about injuries or limitations from the old surface. For the track program, the new surface shows growth and commitment from Knox College. It reflects that our school is investing in our success and believes in what we can achieve. It can help attract more athletes, improve performance, and build a stronger team culture. Overall, it sets a higher standard and gives us the tools to compete at a higher level while taking pride in where we train."
The modernized T Fleming Fieldhouse will include a six-lane oval track, sprint straightaway, track railing, and courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball, all designed for year-round use.
NCAA-compliant event spaces and custom Prairie Fire branding will celebrate school pride. Whether hosting conference championships or pickup games, the Fieldhouse remains a central hub for student-athletes, coaches, and the broader Knox community, supporting practices, meets, events, and classes.
Beynon Sports, which installed the original surface in 1991, is managing the project. Beynon is a recognized leader in the installation of running tracks and court surfacing, and their involvement ensures continuity and expertise in the care of one of Knox's most heavily-used athletics facilities.
