K-State announced Monday that ground has been broken on new practice and game fields for K-State women’s soccer. The first phase of the project will cost $2.1 million and will be completely funded by department-generated revenue.
The fields will be on the former site of football practice fields just south of Tointon Family Stadium. Two grass fields with a Bermuda surface plus new irrigation and drainage system will be put in and the first phase is expected to be completed by July. K-State football and women’s soccer will both be able to use a practice field on the east side of the site.
“While exploring all options for our soccer program, we wanted to find the location that will best serve our student-athletes and also provide the best experience for our fans,” K-State Athletics Director John Currie said in a press release. “This latest project will not only provide our soccer program with a new home but will also serve the practice needs of our football student-athletes while providing the long-term flexibility for further improvements and expansion in additional phases.”
The soccer competition field will be on the west side of the site along College Avenue and will include lighting, bleacher seating, a press facility and a scoreboard. During the 2016 season, fans will have to use restroom and concessions facilities at Tointon Family Stadium.
K-State may still play some home games at Memorial Stadium, but the new facility will avoid interference with the day-to-day use of Memorial Stadium by different community and student groups.
