To address immediate and future field turf needs, the university employed Bruce Dees and Associates, an independent athletic facilities consultant, to assess the options and provide a strategic direction. As a result of the programming phase development that occurred during the fall quarter that included an analysis of the sand base, the Seattle University facilities department contracted a turf and sod specialist to strip and replace the entire top soil and sand base and install a high performance natural turf suited for the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, the project will triple the frequency of all lateral drain pipes, which will now run the entire length of the field.
"Championship Field has been an intimate and exciting place to play due to its location in the heart of the city and a fantastic place to see a game because of the grandstand and the spectator's ability to be close to the game. With the new turf and drainage being put in this will only enhance the experience for players and fans and will make it one of the top venues for college soccer on the West Coast," head men's soccer coach Brad Agoos said.
"I am grateful to the university for making the commitment to continue the upgrade of Championship Field," Julie Woodward, head women's soccer coach, said. "I know our players welcome the chance to play in front of a large home crowd on a field that gives them the best opportunity to compete with some of the top teams in the region."
The renovations are progressing according to the anticipated timeline and both teams are set to open up 2010 on the new sod that was laid during the week of May 24.
Both programs will announce their 2010 schedules in the coming week. The men's soccer team is tentatively scheduled to welcome Michigan and Gonzaga, as well as five Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opponents to Championship Field next season. Meanwhile, the women's soccer team is tentatively set to host Washington, Oregon State, Gonzaga, Cleveland State, and Portland State, among others.
The renovation is on schedule to be completed by the first week of July, in time for the annual summer camps to take place. As the "fast-track" sports identified by the athletic department at the beginning of the reclassification process, the men's and women's soccer teams are eligible for the NCAA Tournament beginning with the 2010 campaign.