Major Upgrade to Tyrone Soccer Field Underway
Exciting changes for area soccer programs and youth football are underway at the Tyrone Area School District soccer field. Ground has already been broken on a $1.5 million field upgrade project that, weather permitting, should be completed by late May.
The project replaces the current grass field with a multisport synthetic surface. The field is also getting lights for the first time ever, as well as an upgraded sound system, bleachers, and improved field access.
These changes were necessary due to overuse of the field and poor drainage which often led to muddy playing conditions, which in turn, damaged the field further.
“Because of the soccer program growing as much as it is, turf makes a lot more sense. We can use it year-round without having the wear on the grass,” said Tyrone Director of Facilities Jordan Good, who is overseeing the project.
The field will be multipurpose, with lines for both soccer and football, but Good said that the soccer teams will have first priority for field use, both in season and for their summer clinics.
According to Good, the new field will be able to withstand a lot more use, regardless of the weather.
“A natural turf field has roughly about 800 hours a year of use where synthetic [turf] has 3000,” said Good.
The areas inside the penalty boxes and in the midfield were particularly damaged on the current natural surface field, with standing water often appearing after a rain, especially toward the end of each fall soccer season.
Installation of the new lights was the first part of the project to be completed. Work started on the lights on December 14, and they are currently operational. The new lights are state-of-the-art energy-efficient LEDs that turn on instantly and are designed to minimize light spilling into the adjoining neighborhood.
The project will also include a new entrance ramp, railing, and stairs from the parking lot to the field, making access easier for spectators.
The excitement from both the players and the coaches is very high.
“The potential that the facility holds is incredible. It will rival other schools as it will be a premier playing surface and venue,” said Tyrone Boys Varsity Head Coach Alex Bartlett. “We are lucky to have an open-minded administration that constantly shows their dedication and commitment to our school and our students.”
The group impacted most by this change is without a doubt the Tyrone boys and girls soccer players. The new field will enable the teams to play later games, schedule more practices at later times, and even host playoff games.
“I can’t wait to be able to play on this new field,” said junior mid-fielder Elijah Knarr. “It is a huge relief for the team to now have a reliable field.”
“I’m excited for the new field because there won’t be any holes or a hill in the middle, so it will be easier to kick the ball,” said junior defender Madison Whitby.
The excitement is also shared by Tyrone Athletic Director Luke Rhoades because it will be much easier to schedule games.
“I think this will benefit our soccer student-athletes tremendously, and with the addition to the lights our soccer teams will be able to play evening matches which will increase our fan base and allow family members the opportunity to attend matches,” said Rhoades.
Because the field will also be lined for football, the project will also will be a big help to other athletic programs in the district and the community.
The area’s youth football league will now have a reliable surface to play on that can stand up to multiple games a week.
Also, during the spring when soccer and football are out of season, the softball and baseball teams will be able to use the turf for drills and practice on days when the natural grass on the baseball and softball fields are wet, which will also help preserve the grass on those fields as well.
Good also hopes that other upgrades can be made to the field in the future.
“A couple of future projects would be a new scoreboard and a building for concessions and tickets,” said Good.
Rocky Romani is a senior at Tyrone Area High School and is back for round four of his Eagle Eye membership. For the Eagle Eye, Rocky mainly covers sports...
Hello, this is Ashlynn! She is a senior and this is her third and final year in Eagle Eye. She is very involved in her school community; she is an officer...
Hello, this is Ashlynn! She is a senior and this is her third and final year in Eagle Eye. She is very involved in her school community; she is an officer...
