GRAYSON, Ky. — First, Kentucky Christian University started building a football program.

Now the school is building the program a new home.

KCU celebrated its first football season last fall and will now move forward with a stadium complex after a groundbreaking ceremony held Wednesday on the $1 million project that features a 9,600-square foot field house that includes a weight room, athletic training room, and locker room for football and soccer.

“It was a huge day for what we’re trying to get built here,” said football coach Dane Damron.

“There’s been a lot of people who hear me talk about the football program we’re going to have and read articles about it, but nobody’s seen anything and almost everybody today is a visual person. To see those nine shovels go in the ground was really something special.”

Support facilities for equipment storage and laundry preparation have been included.

Construction is schedule to start Nov. 1 of this fall.

Damron said he wants to build a regional program that focuses on players from the Tri-State area.

“It’s a great step in the right direction for our university. This is for the Tri-State. We’re going to recruit Eastern Kentucky, Southeastern Ohio and West Virginia. That’s who we’re going to try and build this program with,” said Damron.

“It’s important that we go to Coal Grove and Ironton and Rock Hill and all of Lawrence and Scioto counties. We’re going to try and make a living going in those areas.”

The Knights open the 2007 season Aug. 30 against the University of Virginia-Wise.