Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/30/13
From Press Release
Longtime Saint Joseph’s University landmark Finnesey Field will be renamed Sweeney Field this fall upon completion of an extensive expansion project.
The venue, which has served as the home of Hawk Athletic teams for more than 80-years, will significantly increase the seating capacity for SJU’s varsity lacrosse and soccer programs. The new name recognizes the contributions of Sean S. Sweeney ’94 (MBA), a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and the lead benefactor to the renovation project.
“It’s a great honor to have my name permanently associated with Saint Joseph’s University,” remarked Sweeney, who spent more than three decades with Philadelphia Insurance Companies, rising to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. “I have always believed that participation in athletics promotes discipline as well as personal health and professional success.
“I am excited to be able to play a role in supporting the University’s commitment to developing the entire person.”
The current expansion includes the addition of 1,200 permanent seats to the hillside nearest to the University’s iconic Barbelin Hall as well as the addition of 1,100 portable seats on the opposite side of the field, increasing total seating capacity to 3,000. In addition, the facility will include a new state of the art press box and enhanced sound system.
“The center of our campus since Saint Joseph’s first relocated to Wynnefield in the 1920s, the expansion of Sweeney Field will significantly enhance the gameday experience for our student-athletes, fans and friends,” stated Don DiJulia, Director of Athletics. “We are grateful to Sean for his support of Hawk Athletics.”
Currently the home of SJU men’s and women’s varsity soccer and lacrosse teams, Sweeney Field has also served as the home venue for Hawk baseball, field hockey, football and softball, in addition to peripheral usage by the men’s and women’s track teams, along with countless club, intramural and recreational activities.
Finnesey Field had been named after the late James T. Finnesey. A native of Wyncote, Pa., parishioner at the Gesu and president of a local auto manufacturer, he was a member of the Saint Joseph’s Foundation Committee which was established in 1922 to raise support for the College’s relocation to Philadelphia’s Wynnefield neighborhood.
Sweeney Field will be blessed in conjunction with Hawktoberfest on October 12, while a formal dedication will be held in Spring 2014.
