Watson and Tressel Training Site
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The Watson and Tressel Training Site (WATTS) was announced in the summer of 2007 when the Tressel and Watson Families presented the University with a $1 million donation. The donation was part of YSU's $43 million Centennial Capital Campaign. To donate to the WATTS project, contact Sam Eddy at (234) 855-5342 or sameddy1125@gmail.com.
The completion of this indoor facility is vital to the future success of Penguins football and the entire athletic department. In addition, the WATTS will serve as a community resource - providing a large, climate-protected venue for local youth organizations and high schools.
The indoor practice facility will provide the most critical ingredient to meet the challenges presented by the opportunity of playing nationally-recognized competition. The Penguins have enhanced their football schedules the past few years, playing Pittsburgh, Ohio State and Penn State.
When constructed, the seasonal facility will accommodate athletic team practices, intramural sports, campus-wide activities and special events benefiting students, faculty, staff and the community - especially during the fall, spring and harsh winter months. It will offer new and expanded opportunities to numerous groups.
Soccer, men's and women's track and field, baseball, softball and football would have the ability to practice in a safer, more comfortable environment. The facility would also provide a significantly prolonged practice season to meet the challenge of the elevated level of competition YSU seeks to embrace.
Utilization would benefit other campus constituencies as well. ROTC, intramurals and other student activities could now be engaged year round. Similarly, YSU can host numerous scholastic and community events that would equally benefit from the facility.
This project is seen as a public/private partnership in that the construction costs would be sought through private philanthropy. Once built, the operating costs would be absorbed by the University. Working together, we can continue to make YSU the center of the community and provide an environment that will aid in recruiting, retention and graduation of tomorrow's leaders.
Athletics News Releases
- Cafaro Family Donates $1 Million for YSU WATTS...July 6, 2010
- Department Recognizes Coach Tressel; WATTS Moving Forward...Feb. 8, 2009
- Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. Donates $750,000 to the WATTS Indoor Complex...Aug. 28, 2008
- Watsons, Tressels donate $1M to YSU Campaign for WATTS Center...July 19, 2007
WATTS in the News
- Work gets started on YSU’s WATTS Center - Vindicator; April 13, 2010
- WATTS roof to be traditional - Vindicator; Sept. 17, 2009
- $10M athletic-training center for YSU placed on fast track - Vindicator; July 5, 2009
- WATTS project to begin sooner - Vindicator; May 4, 2009
- Harry Meshel is anxious to get WATTS Center up- Vindicator; March 24, 2009
- YSU favors site for $10M sports facility - Vindicator; Feb. 20, 2009
- YSU plans indoor sports training facility - Vindicator; Feb. 18, 2009
- Jim Tressel was back in town Sunday, this time to help the Penguins fund the new WATTS center- Vindicator; Feb. 9, 2009
- DeBartolo Jr. gives $750,000 to YSU facility - Vindicator; Aug. 29, 2008
- Tressels, Watsons donate $1M for indoor field - Vindicator; July 10, 2007
- WKBN/WYFX TV Coverage of WATTS Announcement












