The initial groundwork is being laid for the most-anticipated soccer season at UCSB.
A state-of-the-art Bermuda turf playing surface is being installed on Meredith Field at Harder Stadium as the school starts moving on stadium improvements for the 2010 NCAA Men’s College Cup.
UCSB will host the national semifinals and final on Dec. 10-12.
Crews dug up the old field and began laying down the new turf at the beginning of July. By Thursday, about half of the pitch had been re-covered.
“We’re extremely pleased with the new Bermuda turf installed,” said Senior Associate Athletics Director Andy Fee. “GN-1 turf was selected for the playing surface and it’s considered the premier Bermuda grass available for soccer. It should provide the highest quality and safest field possible for the Gauchos and their opponents.”
A new irrigation system also was installed.
The field work is part of $1 million in improvements being made to the venue. Also planned is a new entrance to be known as the Curtice Gate, a new video scoreboard, upgraded concessions areas and a revised press box.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Curtice Gate will be held on Friday, July 30 at Harder Stadium. The public is invited and everyone that attends will get a free College Cup poster.
Season tickets for the 2010 soccer season are now available. All packages include tickets for the College Cup, Individual season tickets start at just $75 and include one ticket to all home men’s and women’s regular season games and one College Cup all-session ticket.
For each season ticket purchased prior to the Gaucho men’s match against Creighton on Sept. 9, the buyer will receive the exclusive Soccer Heaven scarf — the official Gaucho Soccer scarf for the 2010 season.
UCSB staff and faculty can buy their season tickets for a reduced rate of $50.
To purchase your tickets or for more information, call .893-UCSB, or visit the Ticket Office located inside the Intercollegiate Athletics building on campus
The women’s season kicks off Aug. 20 against Cal State Northridge (a nonconference match), while the men get things started Aug. 21 against crosstown foe Westmont in their annual exhibition match.
Artificial turf isn't better than natural grass.