Fundraising efforts for new Marching 110 Practice Facility drive further toward the finish line as donations surpass $2 million

The Ohio University Marching 110 Practice Facility and Hurley Field are closer than ever to becoming a reality, as OHIO students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, friends and fans have rallied together throughout the past year to help breathe life into this transformational project.

As a result of such incredible, ongoing momentum across the Marching 110 community, the University’s fundraising campaign to provide the “Most Exciting Band in the Land” with a permanent campus home and practice facility has raised more than $2 million toward its $3 million goal as of early 2026.

“Thanks to the efforts and support of numerous individuals, the Marching 110 is close to having a permanent, purpose-built practice space for the first time in its storied history,” said Vice President for University Advancement and CEO of the Ohio University Foundation Greg Simmons. “This new facility will not only support the band’s continued excellence – it will also enhance its ability to innovate, perform and represent Ohio University at the highest levels.”

To celebrate “110 Day” on Jan. 10 (and with the Marching 110’s $3 million fundraising goal in sight ), supporters of the “Most Exciting Band in the Land” now have a unique opportunity to help OHIO close the gap, as the Marching 110 Alumni and Friends have launched a high-energy fundraising campaign inspired by the band’s unmistakable spirit – the “Funk” Challenge. 

As part of the challenge, participants are encouraged to bring their best “funk”— it could be through a reproduction of the Marching 110’s famous “Funk” dance, or it could be your best dance move, a yell or anything you feel showcases your Marching 110 pride and encourages your friends and fellow alumni to join in the challenge.

How to Participate:

1. Watch and/or share the “Funk” Challenge video overview 📺
2. Record your own “funk” moment showcasing your Marching 110 energy and spirit 🎥
3. Post it using #funkchallenge, be sure to tag @Ohio University and /or @Marching 110 and nominate three of your friends. 📱
4. If you’d like, you can also encourage others to donate (no gift is too small) to the Marching 110 Practice Facility by sharing the following link in your post: 
   https://giving.ohio.edu/110-field-spring-2024/?a=11646913 📣

Additional ways to give and make an impact

The “Funk” Challenge is a fun and memorable way to support the project; however, don’t forget there are many other ways to help give to the Marching 110’s new home. To explore other ways to make an impact, visit: ohio.edu/marching-110/band-practice-facility.

The vision for a dedicated practice facility emerged from years of growth, increasing demands on rehearsal space and the recognition that a band of the Marching 110’s caliber and more than 100 years of performance excellence deserves a permanent home worthy of its legacy.

Thanks to a transformational $1 million gift from Marching 110 alumni Shawn Hurley and Tracey (Hanna) Hurley and the ongoing support of OHIO President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, the project is now closer than ever to becoming a reality.

In celebration of “110 Day,” the Hurley family has committed an additional $200,000 in support of the new practice facility.

A state-of-the-art facility for the next century of performance excellence

The new Practice Facility will be a game-changing addition to the Marching 110 experience and a model facility for marching bands across the country. Located along South Shafer Street and adjacent to OHIO’s Chessa Soccer Field, the practice facility will include:

• A high-quality turf field designed for reliable rehearsals across all weather conditions
• A director’s tower, providing ideal vantage points for instruction and drill work
• Restroom facilities to support both band members and visitors

Additional amenities created specifically to enhance safety, efficiency and the day-to-day experiences of the Marching 110.