Kansas Wesleyan University’s plans for a new sports complex are progressing. The Salina Heritage Commission on Wednesday approved plans to demolish Glenn L. Martin Stadium.

Glenn L. Martin Stadium has been the home field for Kansas Wesleyan University since its official name dedication in 1940. KWU has played its home football and soccer games at Salina Stadium since 2006, when Martin Stadium was deemed unusable. Salina Sacred Heart High School currently uses the stadium.

The stadium will be demolished to make way for a new sports complex. According to the school, the complex, a $7.5 million endeavor, will include facilities for men’s and women’s soccer, football, men’s and women’s tennis, softball, men’s and women’s track and field, cheer, and dance. At this point, KWU has $3 million in commitments, including a $1 million lead gift and an anonymous $500,000 contribution. For completion, $2.4 million remains to be raised, and KWU is seeking a $1.2 million challenge grant. The University will also invest $1 million. Sacred Heart, who has a strong partnership with KWU, has also made a significant investment in the complex.

KWU plans to begin accept bids in the fall of 2013 (upon completion of Sacred Heart’s football season), followed by construction, beginning in January of 2014, and completion in time for opening for the opening football game on September 6, 2014.