The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-17
PROPOSED GYMNASIUM FIELD

rne weather's misbehaving These are OF
considerable moment First, there Is tho
postponoment of dates of important ath-
letic events, sometimes their absolute cam
collation.; then the discomforts of attend
ance and the difficulties of participancy.
II IL such considerations that have stim-
ulated the already strong sentiment in IA
vor of systematic provision for such un-
pleasant contingencies.
Steps in this direction have been slowly
but firmly taken. Indoor athletic games,
which were ut first merely gymnasium fea.
lures, wrestling matches and exhibitions
of fcats Of strength, grew in proportion
until buildings specially adapted to run
ming ana hurdling races and jumping con-
tests had to be constructed Then when
the bicycle asserted itself as the leader OF
oil outdoor sport velodromes and cycle
race tracks with other names and all un-
der shelter were put into use In many or
the large cities and then big indoor meets,
that so deeply engage the public interest,
came into vogue.
At the present time, so great has grown
the scope of indoor athletics, almost any
outdoor game may be played beneath
roof The experiment of indoor football,
tried Thanksgiving day at the Coliseum,
Chicago, fully established its feasibility,
and it Is probable that there will be good
deal Of gridiron practice In various parts
Of tho country during the winter months
Chicago, by the way, Is far in the lead
In this matter Of indoor athletic games. 1t
was there that tho game Of baseball was
fret played successfully under cover, and
there will be located the great gymnasium
and covered athletic field planned by the
authorities of the University of Chicago.
This building will be the largest Of Its
kind in tho world.
The athletic field, GOO by 400 feet in ex-
tent, will be covered by building unique
in architecture and especially adapted to
this purpose. From framework Of iron
and steel will spring immense arches, sup
porting a removable glass roof. In the
summer months during pleasant weather
this roof will be open to such an extent
that the field will practically be an out OF
door one. In winter 1t will be completely
incloscd and properly heated and ventilat-
ed. Ranging around this immense IN
closure will be an amphitheater with
seating capacity for not less than 26, 600
people. Within this vast building there
will be room for any modern sport. Be-
meath its protecting roof, secure from the
can work into shape and enter on the
spring baseball season in perfect form,
and whenever the weather Is unpropitious
| for an outdoor contest the rooters and all
Others from grand stand or bleacheries,
can betake themselves to this magnificent
sheltered field and In comfort watch the
| game go on. And the players need not
cramp their work In any particular, for
| the vertical measurement Of the inclosure
! will be In proportion to its horizontal d.
mensions 1t will probably bo something
more than $50 feet from floor TO roof. Base
ball experts generally agree that the ex-
treme height to which a ball Is driven Is
$50 feet Whom tho building is completed,
tho most ambitious slugger will be unable
20 send the ball against the roof.
The structure Is designed to meet oil
emergencies. 1t will bo almost as light
as day and provided with the most ap-
proved yentilating devices. The great
height and dimensions Of the building
will render IL proof against atmospheric
yitiation, and on reasonably fair and tenn
perato days tho larger part Of the roof can
be quickly removed
Another famous covered athletic inclo-
sure Is at Haverford Pa, tie famous crick-
citing center. Here large cricket shed,
the only one of Its kind In America, Is
used for daily practice. Tho shed Is an
immense frame structure with gable
roof and skyliRhts. Not only does the size
of the shed allow two batters and several
bowlers 20 practice Mt the same time, but
1t also gives an opportunity for practice In
wicket keeping and allows free hitting
without ondangcring those at the bowl.
ors' end Of tho shed. IL Is owing TO the
facilities for winter practice that Haver.
ford has been able to put In the field each
spring team Of the same class as those OF
the best local clubs and that she has been
able 10 win the championship In intercol'
legiato cricket 90 many times during the
past few years.
Ihcrc H. another outdoor sport that ha:
been BROUGHT Indoors to large extent