The designing phase of the soccer complex is complete, and although the project is behind schedule, construction has begun. The estimated cost of the project is between $400,000 and $500,000 with the University paying only $60,000 of the total cost and the rest being donated, Mike Davis, assistant vice president for administration, said.

The complex is coming to Nicholls through a donation of contractor Mike Fesi, owner of Pipeline Construction and Maintenance Inc., in Houma. Fesi is donating the labor from his company to build the complex and is also donating some of the materials.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors granted the University’s request for an extension, making the deadline for completion of the complex March 31, 2009.

Davis said the University asked for the extension to be sure there would be enough time to complete the project, which is running behind schedule.

Fesi’s company has been busy with other business commitments, but Davis said this does not mean it will take that long to have the building completed.

“We definitely think we’ll be finished before March 31, 2009,” Davis said.

The complex will be located along Audubon Drive across from John L. Guidry stadium and feature locker rooms, a coach’s office, a meeting room, concession stand and a covered area for the team to practice on when the field is wet.

The track team will also benefit from the complex. The visitors’ locker room will be used for the track team during the off season.