Where is Pacific Lutheran University located. How to reach PLU campus from different locations. What are the on-campus and off-campus athletic facilities at PLU. How to find parking at various PLU sports venues.
Pacific Lutheran University: A Comprehensive Guide to Campus Location and Directions
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is situated in a picturesque setting, offering students a prime location for academic pursuits and athletic endeavors. But where exactly is this esteemed institution located?
PLU is nestled in Parkland, Washington, approximately seven miles south of downtown Tacoma. This strategic location provides students with easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a serene campus environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
Reaching PLU: Step-by-Step Directions
For those traveling to PLU for the first time, here are detailed directions to help you navigate your way to campus:
- Take exit 127 off Interstate 5.
- Head east on Highway 512 for about two miles.
- Take the Parkland-Spanaway Exit.
- Turn right (south) onto Pacific Avenue.
- Continue on Pacific Avenue until you reach Garfield Street.
- Turn right onto Garfield Street, which will lead you directly to the campus.
Arriving from SeaTac Airport
If you’re flying into the area, follow these steps from SeaTac Airport:
- Exit the terminal area and follow signs for I-5 South / Tacoma.
- Take Interstate 5 south, passing through downtown Tacoma.
- Exit at 127 and follow the directions mentioned above.
On-Campus Athletic Facilities: A Tour of PLU’s Sports Venues
Pacific Lutheran University boasts an impressive array of on-campus athletic facilities, catering to various sports and fitness activities. Let’s explore these venues in detail:
Olson Auditorium and Names Family Court
Located on the main campus, Olson Auditorium is a multi-purpose facility that serves as the home for PLU’s volleyball and basketball teams. What makes this venue special?
- Seating capacity of 3,200
- Visitors and officials’ locker rooms
- 10,000-square foot Astroturf fieldhouse
Parking for Olson Auditorium is available in the adjacent lot (labeled RFV) or in the parking lot across from Memorial Gymnasium on 124th Street.
Swimming Pool and Swim Center
The Swim Center, housing an Olympic-style swimming pool, is the training ground for PLU’s swim teams. This state-of-the-art facility not only serves the university’s athletic programs but is also enjoyed by the broader PLU community.
Names Fitness Center
Covering 5,500 square feet, the Names Fitness Center is a testament to PLU’s commitment to student health and well-being. What features does this modern facility offer?
- Indoor jogging track
- State-of-the-art weight training equipment
- Advanced conditioning facilities
Tennis Courts
PLU’s tennis facilities consist of six outdoor courts located on the south side of 124th Street, directly across from the Swim Center and Olson Auditorium. These courts serve as the home base for both men’s and women’s tennis teams.
Specialized Sports Fields: Baseball, Softball, Soccer, and Track
PLU’s commitment to diverse athletic programs is evident in its range of specialized sports fields. Each of these facilities is designed to meet the specific needs of different sports:
Baseball Field
The PLU baseball field is an impressive Astroturf facility featuring:
- Two 70-foot batting cages
- Bleachers seating 300 spectators
- Outfield fences ranging from 320 to 385 feet
Parking for the baseball field is conveniently located in the tennis court parking lot.
Softball Field
In contrast to the baseball field, the softball field boasts a natural grass surface. Key features include:
- Bleacher seating for approximately 300 fans
- Outfield fences ranging from 195 to 210 feet
The field is situated on the south side of 124th street, west of the track. Visitors can park in the Olson Auditorium parking lot across from the field.
Soccer Field
PLU’s soccer teams benefit from a modern Astroturf field. While the portable bleachers accommodate about 200 spectators, the field’s location south of the softball field and west of the track offers ample space for additional viewers.
Track and Field
The track and field facility at PLU features a natural grass infield surrounded by an all-weather track. Some throwing events take place on the west side of the softball field, providing a comprehensive venue for track and field competitions.
Off-Campus Athletic Facilities: Sparks Stadium
While most of PLU’s athletic facilities are conveniently located on campus, the university’s football team calls Sparks Stadium their home. How does this off-campus venue compare to the on-campus facilities?
- Location: Approximately 10 miles east of PLU in Puyallup
- Seating capacity: 4,500
- Surface: Artificial turf
- Amenities: Locker rooms for visitors and officials
Visiting team buses and officials can take advantage of a fenced-off parking area on the visitor’s side of the complex. Fans attending games at Sparks Stadium can find parking on surrounding streets or in designated lots.
Navigating PLU’s Campus: Parking and Transportation Tips
Understanding parking options is crucial for visitors to PLU’s athletic facilities. Here’s a breakdown of parking availability for different venues:
- Olson Auditorium: Use the adjacent lot (RFV) or the lot near the tennis courts on 124th Street
- Swimming Pool: Same as Olson Auditorium
- Tennis Courts: Dedicated lot next to the courts
- Baseball Field: Use the tennis court parking lot
- Softball Field: Park in the Olson Auditorium lot across the street
- Soccer Field and Track: Utilize the Olson Auditorium parking lot
For large events or team transportation, buses can park in the back of the Olson parking lot closest to 10th Street.
PLU’s Athletic Facilities: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Pacific Lutheran University’s athletic facilities reflect the institution’s commitment to fostering a rich sports culture while embracing modern amenities. How do these facilities contribute to the overall student experience at PLU?
The diverse range of sports venues on campus allows students to engage in various athletic pursuits, from competitive team sports to individual fitness activities. This comprehensive approach to sports and wellness aligns with PLU’s holistic educational philosophy, promoting physical health alongside academic excellence.
Moreover, the quality of these facilities attracts talented athletes to PLU, enhancing the university’s competitive edge in collegiate sports. The modern amenities and well-maintained fields and courts provide optimal conditions for training and competition, supporting the development of student-athletes at all levels.
Community Impact: PLU’s Athletic Facilities as a Local Asset
Beyond serving the university community, how do PLU’s athletic facilities impact the broader Parkland area?
These sports venues often serve as gathering points for local events, fostering a sense of community beyond the campus boundaries. High school competitions, community sports leagues, and regional tournaments frequently utilize PLU’s facilities, strengthening the bond between the university and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Furthermore, the presence of high-quality athletic facilities enhances the overall appeal of the Parkland area, potentially attracting sports enthusiasts, businesses, and residents to the region. This symbiotic relationship between PLU and the local community underscores the university’s role as a valuable contributor to the area’s social and economic landscape.
Future Developments: PLU’s Vision for Athletic Excellence
As Pacific Lutheran University continues to evolve, what potential developments might we see in its athletic facilities?
While specific plans for future upgrades or expansions are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to expect that PLU will continue to invest in its sports infrastructure. Potential areas for development could include:
- Incorporation of more sustainable and eco-friendly technologies in existing facilities
- Expansion of indoor training areas to accommodate year-round practice in the Pacific Northwest climate
- Enhanced spectator amenities to improve the fan experience at sporting events
- Integration of cutting-edge sports science and performance analysis technologies
These potential improvements would not only benefit PLU’s student-athletes but also reinforce the university’s position as a leading institution in collegiate athletics.
In conclusion, Pacific Lutheran University’s strategic location and comprehensive athletic facilities create an environment where students can thrive both academically and athletically. From the centrally located Olson Auditorium to the off-campus Sparks Stadium, PLU offers a diverse range of sports venues that cater to various athletic pursuits and community needs. As the university continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to providing top-notch athletic facilities remains a cornerstone of the PLU experience, fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field.
Directions – Pacific Lutheran University Athletics
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Directions
| Directions to Campus |
Pacific Lutheran University is located seven miles south of downtown Tacoma, Wash.
Take exit 127 off Interstate 5 and go east on Highway 512. Continue on 512 for approximately two miles to Parkland-Spanaway Exit. Turn right (south) onto Pacific Avenue. Stay on Pacific Avenue until Garfield Street. Turn right onto Garfield. You will run right into campus.
From SeaTac Airport, exit terminal area and follow signs for I-5 South / Tacoma. Follow Interstate 5 south through downtown Tacoma to exit 127. Continue on 512 for approximately two miles to Parkland-Spanaway Exit. Turn right (south) onto Pacific Avenue. Stay on Pacific Avenue until Garfield Street. Turn right onto Garfield. You will run right into campus.
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| On-Campus Athletic Facilities |
Follow the above directions, and then take a left on Park Avenue. Take a right on 125th Street. When 125th Street comes to a dead end, take a right on Yakima Avenue South. Yakima Avenue South will turn left onto 124th Street.
Olson Auditorium/Names Family Court
Located on the main campus. Names Family Court is the home of the PLU volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball teams. Olson Auditorium has a seating capacity of 3,200 and has visitors and official’s locker rooms. Olson also features a 10,000-square foot Astroturf fieldhouse. Parking for Olson Auditorium is available in the lot adjacent to building 40 (labeled RFV) or in the parking lot next to the tennis courts across from Memorial Gymnasium on 124th Street. Buses can park in the back of the Olson parking lot closest to 10th Street.
Swimming Pool
Located on the main campus. The Swim Center is the home to the PLU swim teams. The PLU community enjoys an Olympic-style swimming pool. Parking – see Olson.
Names Fitness Center
Names Fitness Center is a 5,500-square-foot building which features an indoor jogging track and state-of-the-art weight training and conditioning facilities equipment.
Tennis Courts
Located on main campus. Six outdoor tennis courts are home to PLU men’s and women’s tennis teams. The courts are located on the south side of 124th Street directly across from the Swim Center/Olson Auditorium. Parking is available in the lot next to the courts.
Baseball Field
Located on main campus. The PLU baseball field is an Astroturf facility featuring a pair of 70′-batting cages. The bleachers seat 300. The outfield fences are 345 feet to left, 370 to left center, 385 to center, 355 to right center and 320 feet to right. Parking is available in the tennis court parking lot.
Softball Field
Located on main campus. The PLU softball field is a natural grass facility. The bleachers seat about 300. The outfield fences are 200 feet to left, 205 to left center, 210 to center, 200 to right center, and 195 feet to right. The field is on the south side of 124th street, west of the track.
Parking is available in the Olson Auditorium parking lot across from the field.
Soccer Field
Located on main campus. This Astroturf field is home to the men’s and women’s soccer teams. Portable bleachers seat about 200 spectators. The field is south of the softball field and west of the track. Parking is available in the Olson Auditorium parking lot across from the softball field.
Track and Field
Located on main campus. This natural grass field is surrounded by an all-weather track. Some throwing events occur on the west side of the softball field. Parking is available in the Olson Auditorium parking lot across from the softball field.
| Off-Campus Athletic Facilities |
Sparks Stadium
Sparks Stadium is the home of Lute football. Sparks is located approximately 10 miles east of the PLU campus in the city of Puyallup.
The stadium has an artificial surface and seats 4,500. The stadium has locker rooms for visitors and official’s. Visiting team buses and officials can park in a fenced off area on the visitor’s side of the complex. Fans can park on the surrounding streets or in specified lots. To get to Sparks stadium from Interstate 5, take exit 127 and go east on Highway 512 for eight to 10 miles. Once in Puyallup, take the Meridian Street exit and turn left onto Meridian. Follow Meridian to 7th Ave. SW turn left. Sparks is located on the corner of 7th Avenue and 5th Street. 601 7th Ave. SW, Puyallup, WA 98371. The Puyallup School District requests that fans not be allowed on the artificial turf of Sparks Stadium after football games.
American Lake
American Lake is the practice and home competition site for Pacific Lutheran women’s rowing. From southbound and northbound I-5 take the Thorne Lane exit (123). If you’re traveling southbound, turn right onto Thorne Lane, if northbound, turn left on Thorne Lane and go across the freeway.
At the Y in the road, stay left and proceed straight ahead to Harry Todd Park.
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Where Is Pacific Lutheran University?
Where Is Pacific Lutheran University?
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The map below shows where Pacific Lutheran University is located and can give you an idea of the surrounding cities and towns.
Is the campus close enough to home for your liking? Be sure you can enjoy the area around the campus, too.
Why Location Matters
You won’t spend all of your on campus when you attend the school. You should know if the area arround PLU is in a safe neighborhood and how close it is to other cities in the general area.
Pacific Lutheran University Location and Map
Located in Tacoma, Washington, Pacific Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. PLU is located in a safe and convenient suburb.
Location of Pacific Lutheran University
Contact details for PLU are given below.
| Contact Details | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 12180 Park Ave South, Tacoma, WA 98447-0003 |
| Phone: | 253-535-8145 |
| Website: | www.plu.edu/ |
| Facebook: | http://www.facebook.com/Pacific.Lutheran.University |
| Twitter: | http://twitter. com/PLUNEWS |
If you’re considering Pacific Lutheran University, here are some more schools you may be interested in knowing more about.
- Hartwick College
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- Luther College
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- Spelman College
View a list of the best schools in Washington.
Curious on how these schools stack up against PLU? Pit them head to head with College Combat, our free interactive tool that lets you compare colleges on the features that matter most to you!
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How much does it cost to study at Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma – UniPage
The information is for informational purposes only.
Check the prices and requirements on the official website of the educational institution.
About the University
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private non-profit Christian institution. PLU is located in Tacoma, USA. PLU conducts joint activities with the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). Sport affiliations and memberships: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
PLU works in several directions and invites students to study in undergraduate and graduate programs.
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Pacific Lutheran University Tuition
Pacific Lutheran University has a 4-1-4 academic year. It includes two long semesters and one short one in between. But for the convenience of calculation, the total cost of training is calculated for the year. The cost of studying at Pacific Lutheran University is the same for both local residents and international students. It starts from 25793 USD per year.
With the help of financial support programs, students can partially or fully cover the cost of education. Check the university website for up-to-date information on prices and available scholarships.
Extras
When choosing an educational institution, it is important to be aware of the additional costs: hostel rent, transportation, teaching materials, meals and personal expenses.
Pacific Lutheran University Programs
Applied ScienceSociology
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Engineering and TechnologyGeosciences
Program Website50,914USD/Year
MedicineKinesiology
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Nursing
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Psychology
Program Website50,914USD/Year
EducationEducation
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Computer Science and ITGeosciences
Program Website50,914USD/Year
HumanitiesChinese Studies
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Development and Social Justice
Program website50,950USD/Year
English
Program website50,914USD/Year
French
Program website50,914USD/Year
Gender, Sexuality, and Race Studies
Program website50,914USD/Year
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Journalism and mediaCommunication
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Political Science
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Social Science and ManagementChinese Studies
Program Website50,950USD/Year
Development and Social Justice
Program website50,950USD/Year
Economics
Program website49,459USD/Year
French
Program website50,914USD/Year
Gender, Sexuality, and Race Studies
Program website50,914USD/Year
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Ecological and Earth Sciences Biology
Program website50 950USD/Year
Geosciences
Program website50 914USD/Year
Natural sciences and mathematicsBiology
Program website50 950USD/Year
Mathematics
Program website50 914USD/Year
Physics
Program website50,914USD/Year
Arts and HumanitiesArt and Design
Program website50,914USD/Year
Communication
Program website50,914USD/Year
Music
Program website50,914USD/Year
Theater
Program website50 914USD/Year
Economics and Business AdministrationAccounting
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Business Administration
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Economics
Program Website49,459USD/Year
Finance
Program website50,950USD/Year
Individualized Concentration
Program website50,950USD/Year
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OtherClassics
Program website50,914USD/Year
Computer Science
Program website50,914USD/Year
German 9 0002 Program website50,914USD/Year
International Affairs
Program website50 914USD/Year
Social Work
Program Website50,914USD/Year
Other Programs
MedicineNursing
Program Website34,538USD/Year
Applied ScienceMarriage and Family Therapy
Program Website25,793USD/Year
Social Sciences and ManagementMarriage and Family Therapy
Program Website25,793USD/Year
Economics and Business AdministrationMarketing Analytics
Program Website27,688USD/Program
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Admission to Bachelor’s degree in PLU
Before applying, you must pass IELTS or TOEFL.
TOEFL score not less than 79. You need to pass the IELTS exam at 6.5 and above.
PLU Master’s admission
The university’s admissions committee takes into account the student’s previous undergraduate academic performance. It is impossible to enter the PLU in the master’s program without confirming knowledge of the English language. You can do this by taking the IELTS or TOEFL exam. The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 80. IELTS score is 6.5 or higher.
Pacific Lutheran University campus
The campus of the educational institution is located in the suburbs. The advantages of this location include the ability to quickly get to the city, access to various types of recreation (in nature and in the city) and a close-knit student community. The university has a library that students visit to do their homework, write scientific papers or just read interesting books. PLU regularly accepts students for international exchange programs, providing both local and international students with the opportunity to come into contact with different cultures and gain unique experience.
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What to Do After Pacific Lutheran University
Students can stay in the US for up to a year after graduation to take a job and switch from a student visa to a work visa. For other options for immigration, you can find in our article.
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Pacific Lutheran University
Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) deliberately brings together the liberal arts, professional research, and civic engagement. Thanks…
ABOUT US
Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) deliberately brings together the liberal arts, professional research, and civic engagement.
Through unique international programs and close student-faculty research work, PLU helps its 2,900 students of all faiths and backgrounds discover their calling through coursework, mentoring, and internships at world-class companies and institutions in the Puget Sound area.
Founded in 1890 by Norwegian immigrants, PLU continues the recognizable tradition of Lutheran higher education through its commitment to the development of knowledge, thoughtful research and inquiry, preparing citizens for world service and change. PLU is located in the Parkland neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, in a region that also offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, culture, and sports.
To support students and faculty in researching their important life issues, and to engage in meaningful and fulfilling work, the university has established the Wild Hope Career Center.
Clearly encouraging research, the career search that faculty and students undertake together continues even in the face of the unbridled and unpredictable nature of the world we live in.
PLU OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
PLU is known for its commitment to diversity, equity and sustainability. For achievements in the field of sustainable development, the university was awarded the gold award of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). And for over 30 years, PLU has been internationally renowned for its Holocaust studies program, which now includes the Kurt Mayer Chair in Holocaust Studies, the annual Powell-Heller Conference on Holocaust Education, and since the fall of 2014, PLU has become one of only a few universities across the country offering Holocaust and genocide studies as a second major.
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ARTS AND COMMUNICATION
Another hallmark of PLU is the nationally recognized School of Arts and Communication. Recent alumni perform and create on Broadway (Next to Normal), television (Glee, The Mentalist, NCIS: LA) and films (The Lord of the Rings), as well as on stages and concert halls around the world (Metropolitan Opera) , as well as in news programs and media throughout the region. The newly renovated $20 million Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is the premier performing arts center in the South Puget Sound region.
HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The university offers 44 undergraduate and 54 undergraduate courses, as well as graduate and professional programs in business administration, creative writing, education, finance, marketing research, family therapy, and nursing.
ARE YOU READY
PLU welcomes applications from students who demonstrate the ability to succeed at the university level.
Admission to the PLU is on a competitive basis. We are looking for students who:
- Demonstrate success in a challenging college prep program.
- Happy to solve academic and personal problems
- Express their thoughts clearly
- Show leadership and service to their community, church or school
- Ready to share unique or special talents
Each applicant is assessed based on GPA, class rank, report card, standardized test scores, personal essay and academic recommendation.
Applications are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, financial source, or any other status protected by law.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
PLU has multiple admission decision dates – October 15th, November 15th, December 15th, January 15th, and March 1st. Students who complete applications by one of these dates may expect to receive an admission decision and notification of academic scholarship eligibility by the next decision date.
