Fundraising Leads to Completion of Buildausoccer Stage 1 Construction
Fundraising from the Buildausoccer campaign led to the completion of the Stage 1 construction of the AU Soccer Fields.
Fundraising from the Buildausoccer campaign led to the completion of the Stage 1 construction of the AU Soccer Fields.
In 2017 The Buildausoccer campaign started its efforts to upgrade the current soccer facility.
With the soccer programs being so young (Men 1989, Women 1993), Alumni, friends, and family of the AU soccer program were contacted to see who would be willing to invest in this future facility. Over $225,000 has been raised in just over 3 years to help finish Stage 1.
"This has been a long time coming for the AU soccer programs," said Scott Fridley, head coach of the men's soccer program. "We want to say thank you to all of our alumni, family and friends for their generous donations. Their willingness and generosity are humbling."
Stage 1 upgrades included:
1) Underground sprinkling system, 2) 2 cement pads for team areas and stadium bleachers, 3) stadium bleachers with 856 seats, 4) enclosure of the facility with fencing, 5) wind screens with art work, 6) enclosed team areas with bathroom and sports medicine room 7) new scoreboard 8) concessions stand 9) 25 picnic tables 10) new game field soccer goals 11) new landscaping with additional trees and shrubs.
In the fall of 2019, a group of soccer alumni proposed a 100 percent match of funds collected to be able to complete Stage 1 this spring.
Our AU soccer alumni, family and friends accepted the challenge, the lofty goal was met and Stage 1 was completed.
"We are truly thankful and blessed by all of those who have supported, donated and put time and effort into the soccer stadium," said Jennifer Myhre, head coach of the women's soccer program. "We want to say a special thank you to all of the alumni who believe in the vision, gave back and made it happen. You are leaving a legacy for years to come! It's amazing how it has transformed the soccer field into a first-class stadium and elevated the program. We are extremely excited for the teams to return and kick off the season!"
The AU soccer programs would like to invite everyone to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Stage 1 completion on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1:45p.m. during Homecoming Weekend.
Bleacher Installation Time Lapse Video