DEMAND FOR ALL-WEATHER SOCCER FACILITIES
IMPERATIVE
Published on December 15, 2002
© 2002- The Press Democrat
BYLINE: BRUCE
MEADOWS
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Soccer has become a year-round activity, but finding a place to
play outdoors year-round in Sonoma County is a challenge.
Proponents of an all-weather facility point out the most
important games -- whether they be high school or college -- are
often played under the worst of field conditions.
``We need a complex where we can play all year,'' said Craig
Butcher, former SRJC coach. ``The soil here is great for wine but
not for soccer.''
There is a FieldTurf pitch at Lucchesi Park in Petaluma and there
is talk of installing additional all-weather facilities around the
county, possibly at local high schools.
A recent California Collegiate Athletic Association tournament
game between Sonoma State and Bakersfield had to be played at
Lucchesi when the field at SSU became unplayable following heavy
rain.
Because of the condition of the Lucchesi artificial turf, the
field was not a problem and had no affect on play. It drove home the
value of such a facility.
``It's time,'' said SSU coach Marcus Ziemer, whose team won the
NCAA Division II men's championship last weekend in Virginia. ``We
could build such a complex at SSU.''
There has been talk about constructing a soccer complex at SSU
that would include an all-weather stadium facility with seating for
several thousand and be ideal for college tournaments as well as
North Coast Section and club soccer competition and practice.
``For Sonoma County to move to the next level, we need a true
outdoor soccer complex,'' said Andrew Rowley, who runs Sports
City indoor facilities in Cotati and Santa Rosa.
``Ideally, we would have a 10-field complex with a stadium in the
middle and one or more all-weather fields,'' he said. ``It is
unlikely that will happen in this area, but we can piece things
together to achieve the same result.''
Rowley is trying to develop his 19-acre Cotati site as a regional
training center, but that would only be part of the equation. The
other part would include one or two fields -- including an
all-weather stadium facility -- at another location, presumably SSU.
Such a field would be available for rental for practice or games.
Rowley was told Lucchesi is used 355 days a year.
``We can make it happen if we work together,'' said Rowley.
``I think the timing is right,'' said Ziemer, adding that the
idea of hosting an event as big as the NCAA Final Four is not out of
the question with the right facility.
The Final Four title game at Virginia Beach drew fewer than 500
fans.
``Whether we're in it or not, a match like that would draw well
here,'' said Ziemer, whose team attracted 1,300 fans to a recent
NCAA match at SSU.
Cost would be about $700,000 for a full-sized, 80-by-120-yard
all-weather field at SSU with additional expenses for stands, and
other amenities.
Lights would be required although there has been talk of
obtaining the lights at Rohnert Park Stadium if that facility is
torn down.
The overall estimated cost of a facility at SSU is 2.5 million.
SSU athletic director Bill Fusco said he and his staff are
continually looking into the possibilities of a soccer complex,
adding there is actually a spot for such a development designated
behind the baseball field.
``It would be something for the entire community, not just Sonoma
State,'' he said.
Call Staff Writer Bruce Meadows at 521-5263 or e-mail |
