A lot of people may not know, but the track surrounding the football field at Clark Atlanta University's Panther Stadium football field is a very historic one.

It was the track that had been at Atlanta's Olympic Stadium (now Georgia State Stadium) for the 1996 Summer Olympics.  Michael Johnson shattered two world records in memorable, gold medal performances in the 400-meter and 200-meter dash.   After the Olympics, the track was donated to Clark Atlanta University by the Atlanta Olympic Committee and moved to Panther Stadium.

But years of use has necessitated the need for a new track at the stadium, said CAU Athletic Director J. Lin Dawson.

As the new school year begins, it's part of his list of facility priorities for CAU Athletics.

"Many of our facilities were top-notch when they were erected," Dawson said.  "However, the years of practice, competition and Mother Time have eroded some of our facilities.

"One of the mandates from President Dr. Ronald A. Johnson was to raise the athletic program to regional and national prominence," Dawson said. "And one way to do that is to attract corporate and alumni partners who are willing to invest in athletics."

While a huge new video board is ready to light up Panther Stadium this fall, Dawson said the track surrounding it is on pace to be restored no later than January.  New weights have arrived for a new weight room in Panther Stadium that will be completed this fall once new flooring arrives.  Also, upcoming will be improvements to the men's locker room at the stadium. A new netting system/backstop is being worked on for Lady Panthers Softball Field. 

"And we are looking to do a new lighting system for Epps Gymnasium," Dawson said.  "We're also looking at a video board for the gym, along with refurbishing the Epps lobby."

This year's upgrades will build upon the work done last year around the CAU athletic facilities where the tennis court was resurfaced, basketball goal units in Epps Gymnasium were replaced, men's and women's locker rooms were spruced up and a team room now has new furniture and audio/visual equipment. (shown are before and after pics of CAU tennis courts and CAU men's basketball locker room projects) 


















Dawson credited people internally such as CAU Chief Financial Officer Lucille Mauge', alumni such as Lowell Dickinson, and corporate partner Steve Ewing of Wade Ford.  He also said assistant baseball coach Alex Hickman (who designed the cityscape mural on the Epps Gymnasium floor) was integral in helping him to visualize what some of the changes to athletic facilities should look like and enhance the fan experience.

"Those are the kinds of things we're trying to do," Dawson said.  "When we're done, we'll be the shining star of the Atlanta University Center."