Valley Fields, the home to Marquette men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams, will complete its renovations in early October, according to an email from Marquette Athletics.
The complex, built in 1993 and located on Canal Street, replaced its grass surface with turf grids and installed a new irrigation system this summer.
Construction of the bleachers is ongoing, which will limit the capacity to 500 fans. Fans are advised to arrive early to matches until the renovations are finished in October.
Marquette women’s soccer coach Markus Roeders is eager to have his team play on a quality pitch and said he believes the changes will make the atmosphere more enjoyable.
“The surface is the best that we’ve had in 20 years, since the original field was built,” Roeders said. “It’s going to be a very unique, distinct environment, and a fun environment to watch us play. We’re really grateful for what the administration has done.”
Valley Fields’ last major project was in 2010 when a facility for team dressing rooms, public restrooms and a medical attention area was built.
Senior women’s soccer midfielder Maegan Kelly is hopeful that students will take interest in the new complex and become a presence at matches.
“Now that we’ve redone it, we have the potential to draw students down to the (field),” Kelly said. “I just think it has a lot of potential.”
Marquette will host the Big East Women’s Soccer Championship Nov. 8 and 10. Roeders said he will be glad to have teams and fans from around the region get a quality look at the facilities.
“It’ll be one of the top 10 or 15 places when it’s all said and done,” Roeders said. “I think you want to crown your conference champion at the best facility that’s available.”
Previously, Marquette traveled to play against top-tier non-conference opponents, but Kelly is optimistic Valley Fields will serve as a useful tool for the Golden Eagles to host powerful, well-known teams in the years ahead.
“When they see what we have down there, people will be in awe,” Kelly said. “Maybe they’ll want to come back and we can get bigger and better teams to play us here at home, which is always fun.”
