May 29, 2008 issue
ASU to Build Stadium at Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex
Story by David Brewer
The ASU Athletic Department released a statement on Thursday, May 15, stating that its men’s and women’s soccer teams will play their home games in a state-of-the-art, 1,000-seat stadium that will anchor the brand-new Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex on Brookshire Road.
Currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in mid-August, the two-field complex has been funded by the High Country Soccer Association and Watauga County. According to HCSA President John Spinetto, the organization was planning to install 100 to 200 bleacher seats on a bank overlooking the stadium field. However, ASU’s involvement will drastically increase stadium capacity.
ASU Athletic Director Charlie Cobb began discussing ASU’s possible use of the facility in March.
“Because of the size of a typical soccer stadium, they were having trouble finding a site on campus,” said Spinetto, adding that the university officials had determined that an on-campus stadium would be cost prohibitive.
“We’re excited to partner with the HCSA and Watauga County to bring Mountaineer soccer to the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex,” ASU director of athletics Charlie Cobb said in the press release. “Not only does our participation in the project give us a state-of-the-art home that will provide our programs with an added boost in their quest to become Southern Conference and national powers, but it will expose ASU to the best young soccer players in the region on daily basis.”
ASU soccer teams currently play their games at the ASU Soccer Stadium, located at the university’s State Farm complex. Located on an elevated bluff, the 360-seat stadium began hosting games in 2005.
According to Spinetto, the complex’s grass playing field, limited seating and access difficulty are obstacles that will all be overcome with the use of the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex.
“He looked at [our complex] and liked the size of it and how it was progressing,” said Spinetto. “I think ASU’s participation is a real solid plus for the community.”
Located just minutes from campus, adjacent to Brookshire Park off U.S. 421 on the east side of Boone, the new stadium will feature a 78- by 118-yard FieldTurf playing surface with a permanent ASU logo, lights for night games, locker rooms, press box and ample parking.
“This is an example of how our community can work together in a collaborative fashion to enhance the recreational opportunities for our children and adults,” Watauga County Board of Commissioners chairman Jim Deal said in the press release. “ASU will significantly improve and enhance the facility, providing savings to the county and the soccer association, while the HCSA and Watauga County Parks and Recreation will also benefit from the teaching and skill development of our children through their connection with ASU’s soccer programs. This is a win-win scenario.”
Spinetto said that delays in the grading of the field caused the HCSA to reschedule its planned opening tournament from the weekend of August 9, to spring 2009.
“The grading has taken so much time compared to what we were anticipating,” said Spinetto. “I think mid-August is still on track.”
The ASU men’s soccer team is scheduled to play its first match at the complex, an exhibition, versus Lenoir-Rhyne on Wednesday, August 20.
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