April 16--April 25 figures to be a happy day for Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald. That's when NU officials are slated to break ground on the outdoor practice fields that make up part of the $260 million lakefront facility, which Fitzgerald has said will be a "game-changer" for recruiting.
A school official confirmed to the Tribune that construction will begin on the Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium, as it will be called, south of the current Lakeside Field.
There's still no timetable on construction of the building, which will be a boon to numerous NU teams and student groups. The school is still working to obtain the proper permits, and the job is expected to take 18-24 months.
tgreenstein@tribpub.com
