A chill autumn breeze lingers in the air and a layer of frost coats Munn Field. The sound of brass and drums fills the space as the Spartan Marching Band takes formation. Behind the music stands a new restroom and storage facility that marches toward comfort, convenience and community for Spartans on campus.
Years in the Making
For nearly a decade, the Spartan Marching Band practiced on Munn Field without direct access to restrooms or storage. Students' only option was to walk to a nearby residence hall or IM West to use the bathroom.
This fall, the Munn Field Storage and Restroom Facility officially opened, marking the completion of a $750,000 fast-tracked project. Born out of campus collaboration, support from executive leadership and a student-focused vision, the building is designed to meet the needs of the Spartan Marching Band, Recreational Sports and club sports programs.
The 816-square-foot facility features two restrooms, a storage room, a covered open-air space and a water fountain, all designed to match the architectural aesthetics of Munn Ice Area. The building also includes remote access control, insulated walls, fireproofing and waterproofing for year-round use.
Dr. David Thornton, director of the Spartan Marching Band and associate director of Bands, shares, “We’re very grateful and super excited to have the facility. It serves a lot of students and has elevated the entire experience of being out there.”
Support From Leadership Speaks Volumes
The project was a joint effort between the College of Music, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF), and the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services’ (RHS) Recreational Sports and Fitness Services and Planning and Projects Office (PPO), with funding and leadership support from across campus, including Executive Vice President for Administration Vennie Gore and Associate Vice President for RHS Patricia Martinez.
According to Kenneth Bertolini, former project and construction manager with PPO, collaboration was key to the project’s success. Typically, a project of this scale might take up to two years to move from design to completion. This one only took eight months, from initial sketches in January 2025 to completion in August.
“This building contributes to the health and wellness of the students using it. It shows we value their experience and the contribution they make to the greater campus and that leadership, from the top down, is supportive of what we’re doing,” says Ross Winter, associate director of programs. “I’m thankful we had the support from upper administration and they saw the need and value. The student experience is paramount to all of that.”
Power of Spartan Will
From concept to completion, the Munn Field Storage and Restroom Facility stands as proof that when Spartans come together, even relatively small projects can leave a lasting mark.
“I’m proud to be able to look out the window from 1855 and see a beautiful building I played a small part in bringing to reality,” says Bertiloni. “It was a pleasure to be part of that team with Andrew Linebaugh from IPF, who did a beautiful job orchestrating the work.”
For generations of students who will rehearse, perform and build friendships on this field, the new building stands as a proud reflection of MSU’s commitment to its people.
Learn more about the Spartan Marching Band.
Author: Olivia Williams, communication assistant