WHEELING, W.Va.---

Wheeling Jesuit University announced plans to renovate its main and upper athletic fields this summer.

The $2.2 million project will consist of new artificial turf, a new track surface, lighting on the upper field and more seating on the main field.

"Essentially we are going to tear out the two tennis courts and add more seating. That will put us up to about 3,000 seats," said WJU Athletic Director Danny Sancomb.

On Wednesday, the Cardinal Athletic Club announced its would donate $250,000 to the project and the university would name the field in memory of Wheeling-Charleston Diocese Bishop Bernard W. Schmitt, who died in 2011.

"The Cardinal Athletic Club was created to support WJU Athletics and we are excited to be a part of this project," said CAC President John Reasbeck.

Sancomb said the target date to start the project is sometime in the summer with an early fall completion. As for the upper field, he considered that to be Phase II. "We want to get our main field done first, and then focus on the second project. We need to get the money secured for that first to begin," said Sancomb.

Sancomb said that when the renovations are complete, the public will once again be permitted to use the track and the community would be able to use the field with permission.

"This is exciting. It is another great addition to the university and the Wheeling area," said Sancomb.