For a span of some 25 years the coaches and athletes trekked across the city, searching for places to practice. But thanks to the installation of a training track and various pits and throwing areas, Seattle Pacific University's track & field program now has a home.

In the fall of 1997, the Wallace Field facility was completed and opened for use by the varsity team, intramural participants and the public. It is located on the east side of Brougham Pavilion, the Falcons' indoor athletic facility.

“This facility's impact is profound,” said Dr. Ken Foreman, the former Seattle Pacific University head coach who led the design of the new facility. “For one, the whole spirit of the team has improved. No more time is wasted going back and forth to various sites every day. As a team, they now have a home, and that helps morale immeasurably. What it’s done for coaching is significant; we are no longer limited to a shared space with other teams and sports, and we can tailor the workout to our athletes' specific needs each day.”

Wallace Field, a $295,000 project, features an all-weather rubberized track, including a full four-lane, 200-meter competition curve. For field events, there are all-weather approaches for the long jump, high jump, pole vault and javelin, plus caged concrete throwing circles for the shot and discus. The infield has two softball/flag football fields.

A portion of the funding for the project was paid for by a $2 million challenge gift from the Murdock Charitable Trust, and through private donations to Seattle Pacific University. The Murdock gift was also used to construct a soccer stadium for the Falcons in 1997.

Construction by Southwest Recreation Surfaces began in July of 1997. Before the improvements, the site had included a shot/discus throwing area and an all-weather 60-meter straightaway. Full workouts were held at community and neighboring school facilities. Not since 1975, at nearby Queen Anne Bowl, had the track & field team been able to conduct the majority of its training on or near the campus.