Overview

Prior to the opening of the Sports Park, KSU students shared just one field for programming and recreation. Now, KSU Sports and Recreation boasts of having one of the finest recreation complexes available to students anywhere in the Southeast. Six synthetic fields are available 7 days a week for Intramural / Club sports or student programming. Open recreation space, walking trails and sand volleyball are also part of the offerings for our students all set with Kennesaw Mountain as the backdrop of this immaculate and impressive facility.

Fifth Third Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class, 10,200 seat facility that was completed in the spring of 2010 and has garnered national recognition as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics facilities in the country.

Fifth Third Stadium

Fifth Third Stadium opened on May 2, 2010 as part of Phase II of the KSU Sports and Entertainment Park. Through an innovative partnership with KSU Althetics, Fifth Third Bank, they became the official bank. The Stadium is the home of the Owls. Currently women’s soccer and lacrosse host their matches in the stadium. In 2015 Owl Football began. In addition, the stadium hosts a magnitude of events including professional sports, concerts, festivals and corporate functions.

For more information on concerts, festivals, and events please visit fifththirdbankstadium.com.

 

    • State of the art stadium featuring 8,300 permanent seats, 12 luxury suites, 12 VIP party decks and a floor capacity that can accommodate an additional 8,000 fans.
    • Flexible configurations allow concert scaling to be set for 4,000-16,000 patrons.
    • More than 100,000 square feet of Ultra Deck field cover in-house and 20,000 feet of Dura Deck.
    • End stage configurations for concerts.
    • Full service catering, 4 permanent concession bays and multiple kiosk locations.
    • Full service alcohol service available for approved events.
    • First class dressing areas, green room, locker rooms, production offices, interview rooms, and media suite.
    • Secure and private performer areas.
    • TV broadcast ready.
    • Powered for Buses and TV trucks.
    • 1,350 sq. foot Daktronics video board located at end stage.
    • 44 flat-screen TV monitors throughout the venue.
    • Show Power: 2,600 total amps.
      • Upstage Right (4) 400 amps.
      • Upstage Left (3) 200 amps.
      • Pitch Size: 81,000 SF (225 ft x 360 ft) (75 yds. x 120 yds).
The image shows an aerial view of the KSU Owl Nest, featuring two large artificial turf fields marked with "KSU" and the university's owl logo.

Owls Nest

The Owls Nest opened in October of 2009 as Phase I of the Park. The Owls Nest is devoted to student training/programming and is the hub for more than 330 intramural teams and 42 club teams. The facilities at the Owls Nest are reserved and managed for students through the Sports and Recreation Department.

If you have questions about how to get involved with Sports and Recreation club or intramural teams or wish to get information about booking the synthetic fields, please contact 470-578-3207.

 

  • Home of KSU Intramural and Club Sports

    3220 Busbee Drive
    Kennesaw, GA 30144

    Phone: 470-578-3207

    • Mon-Thurs: 11 AM – 10 PM
    • Fri: 11 AM – 6 PM
    • Saturday-Sunday: CLOSED 
    • Training facility includes weight room, multipurpose rooms, student meeting rooms and offices for sports and recreation department.
    • 1 club field that is lined for lacrosse.
    • 1 Intramural Field, 100 yards long by 40 yards wide, lined for Flag Football (white) and Soccer (black).
    • Indoor facility is the access control for the field – KSU ID is required to access fields.
    • Guests can be signed in for Intramural events only, guests are not allowed to participate.
    • Guest can be brought in with you, or left on list if arriving after you.
    • Field will be available for open use when not being used for Intramurals – KSU Students only.
    • The Owl’s Nest is an extension of KSU Campus – all standard KSU policies apply.
    • 72 spaces are available on site as well as guests are permitted to park at CCT lot across the street.
    • University Bus Shuttle (BOB) makes daily stops/trips to both the Owls Nest and Perch.
    • Please no parking in neighboring hotel or any other lot. You must park in a designated spot on site.
    • Please note that KSU is not responsible for loss of valuables from facility or left in vehicles.
    • Intramural Field is open for general student use whenever there are no Intramural Activities scheduled.
    • Plastic or rubber cleats are allowed, along with all other athletic footwear.
    • No food or gum allowed on field.
    • Water, sports drinks, and soda are allowed in sealed containers only.
    • No fast food cups, solo cups, etc.
    • Service animals (i.e. guide dogs) are the only pets allowed.
    • No Tobacco Use (including smokeless) on field or grounds.
    • This includes the sidewalks, parking lot and area surrounding.
    • No spitting on artificial surface for sanitary concerns.
    • All spectators must stay on building side of field and off of the artificial turf.
    • Only checked in players and officials are allowed on bench side of field.
    • A minimum of 6 active users are required to turn on the lights.
    • The users do not have to be in the same group, there just needs to be at least 6 users total actively using the field.
    • The lights will be set on a 2 hour timer, if the number of users drops below 6, the remaining participants can use the field until the lights turn off.
    • If more than 6 players remain on the field after 2 hours have passed, the timer can be reset for another 2 hours.
An aerial view of a large outdoor sports complex surrounded by trees and greenery. The complex includes multiple facilities such as a large green field and a smaller white rectangular area, with pathways, parking areas, and a nearby body of water.

The Perch

The Perch opened as Phase III of the Park in April 2012. Three synthetic fields provide more than 6 acres of continuous playing service that can be configured to host a variety of sports including football, lacrosse, soccer, field hockey, ultimate, softball and more. In addition, field 3, which stands alone, is fully lined for rugby and permanent rugby goals.

The Perch also includes four sand volleyball courts, a 9,000 square-foot amenities building and a .92 acre walk/jog trail. These facilities are utilized for student programs, 5ks, tournaments and special events many of which are planned by students and operated as fundraisers, raising money and awareness for a variety of philanthropic classes.

The Perch currently services more than 137,000 visitors annually. If you have questions on how to get involved with Sports and Recreation Department or wish to obtain information about booking the synthetic fields call 470-578-3207.

 

    • Open for Programmed Activities – Closed for Drop-In play.
    • 3 lighted synthetic fields (Each field = 400 ft x 205 ft).
    • 1 natural turf field (estimated open date in Fall 2014).
    • 4 sand volleyball courts (Total Area = 200 ft x 110 ft) (Each court = 60 ft X 30 ft).
    • 9,000-square-foot building featuring team rooms, concessions, training room, and officials room.
    • Green space and open spillways for picnics, frisbee, and relaxation.
    • NCAA-regulation – 400 meter track.
    • Parking is located on the south end of the complex off of Big Shanty Road. Parking is subject to change due to events going on.
    • The University Bus Shuttle (BOB) makes daily stops/trips out to the Perch.
    • Is open to students unless there is a scheduled event. If you are interested in booking the fields call 678-797-2913.
    • No pets, alcohol, tobacco, tailgating or grills.
    • All University policies and procedures must be observed at all times.
    • KSU reserves the right to delay, postpone, and cancel events due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
    • Games may begin no sooner than 30 minutes after opening of facility.
    • Games should be completed 30 minutes prior to closing.
    • Facility must be returned to the condition it was upon arrival. (e.g. trash removed to dumpster, temporary lines removed, tables and chairs returned to storage by stated closing time. Parking lot cleared of trash, etc…
    • On site verification, by the hosting organization event staff, must ensure all participants have signed KSU waiver to participate.
    • A KSU faculty or staff member from the hosting organization must be on site during all special event hours. (This includes set up and break down).
    • Facility requests must be made a minimum of 30 days in advance.
    • Schedule, Tournament bracket, rules and regulations must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the event to the KSU Sports and Recreation Park.
    • A meeting with the event organizers and KSU IRS staff must take place 3 weeks prior to the event.
    • Reservation requests must include date, times, and anticipated attendance.(KSU Sports and Entertainment Park can provide up to 4 tables, 10 chairs, corner flags, pylons, and scoreboard).
    • Any event could be subject to review by the KSU Campus Events Planning Committee.
    • All speed, agility and strength conditioning equipment are off limits at all times.
    • Any rental requests beyond normal operating hours will be reviewed; if approved and available, the cost of additional staff will be paid by the hosting organization.
    • Vehicular traffic is prohibited on fields at all times.
    • All posted policies must be followed: (No tobacco; No Pets; No spitting; No Gum etc...).
    • No food or drink on synthetic turf. Food and Drink are only allowed in designated areas.
    • Stakes, posts, signs, or any object may not be inserted into synthetic field.
    • Athletes, coaches and officials only allowed on synthetic turf.
    • Spectators must remain in designated spectator areas.
    • Only designated field paint can be used. (KSU Sports and Entertainment Park will provide one case of paint.
    • Diagrams with measurements of proposed field layout must be provided one week prior to event.
    • Games may begin no sooner than 30 minutes after opening of facility.
    • Games should be completed 30 minutes prior to closing.
    • Facility must be returned to the condition it was upon arrival. (e.g. trash removed to dumpster, temporary lines removed, tables and chairs returned to storage by stated closing time. Parking lot cleared of trash, etc…).
    • Any sporting event requires a CERTIFIED EMT on site during competition hours. (Contact information must be provided to KSU Sports and Recreation Park two weeks prior to event).
    • On site verification, by the hosting organization event staff, must ensure all participants have signed KSU waiver to participate.
    • A KSU faculty or staff member from the hosting organization must be on site during all special event hours. (This includes set up and break down).
    • Facility requests must be made a minimum of 30 days in advance.
    • A meeting with the event organizers and KSU Sports and Entertainment staff must take place 3 weeks prior to the event.
    • Reservation requests must include date, times, and anticipated attendance.
    • Any event could be subject to review by the KSU Campus Events Planning Committee.
    • Any rental requests beyond normal operating hours will be reviewed; if approved and available, the cost of additional staff will be paid by the hosting organization.
Photo of KSU miles of walking trails around the entire campus

Walking Trails

The Walking Trail opened in April of 2012 as part of Phase III of the Sports and Entertainment Park. The walking trail borders the lake and has two bridge features. The trail is open to the public during daylight hours and dogs are welcomed. Make the Walking Trail a part of your next 5K or the next stop for your daily adventure.

Whatever the choice COME PLAY at the Sports Park.

 

    • Monday-Sunday: Sunrise to Sunset.
    • The one mile walking trail opened in April of 2012 as part of Phase III of the Sports and Recreation. Park. The walking trail borders the lake and has two bridge features.
    • The trail is open to the public during daylight hours, and dogs are welcome.
    • Make the Walking Trail a part of your next 5K or the next stop for your daily adventure. Whatever the choice, COME PLAY at the Sports Park.
    • Located at the south end of the complex off of Big Shanty Road.
    • Parking is subject to change depending on the events taking place at the Sports and Entertainment Park.
    • There are no lights surrounding the walking trail. Please visit the park between sunrise and sunset.
    • Dogs are welcomed on the Walking Trail. Please be sure to have your furry friends on a leash while at the Park.
    • Please stay on designated trail.
    • Pick up after your pets! You will find bags and trash cans located along the trail.
    • Strollers are permitted.
    • Bikes are permitted.
    • Fishing and boating are NOT permitted in Norman Lake.
A photo of KSU Track with an aerial view of a large outdoor sports complex surrounded by trees and greenery.

Track Facility

The Kennesaw State Outdoor Track and Field Facility opened and hosted its first practice in January of 2012. The Track Facility includes a standard 400-meter track with eight lanes and is surfaced by Rekortan, an IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation) certified product on which many world records have been set. The surface is 15mm thick and is one of the top track surfaces in the country.

The Track Facility includes a water pit for steeplechase events and a separate throwing area for shot put competitions as well as high jump and pole vault areas at opposite ends of the track. A unique feature of the facility is the location of the of the long jump area, which is situated outside of the track. This placement offers fans a rare, closer viewing perspective during the triple jump and long jump competitions.

 

    • The Kennesaw State Outdoor Track and Field Facility opened and hosted its first practice in January of 2012.
    • The Track Facility includes a standard 400-meter track with eight lanes and is surfaced by Rekortan, an IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation) certified product on which many world records have been set. The surface is 15mm thick and is one of the top track surfaces in the country.
    • The Track Facility includes a water pit for steeplechase events and a separate throwing area for shot put competitions as well as high jump and pole vault areas at opposite ends of the track.
    • A unique feature of the facility is the location of the of the long jump area, which is situated outside of the track. This placement offers fans a rare, closer viewing perspective during the triple jump and long jump competitions.