KALAMAZOO, Mich.- A series of upgrades to the Western Michigan Soccer Complex have been set in motion, which will include a paved parking lot, a new surface to the competition field, additional drainage and a different entrance point for spectators.

Earlier this year, Western Michigan sold a section of land off of Parkview Ave., to allow for the addition of the Newell Rubbermaid design center in the University's Business Technology and Research Park. The parcel included an auxiliary practice field, a portion of the gravel entrance off of Parkview and additional land to the East. Western Michigan's competition field and current practice field remain intact.

The change in landscape has allowed for Western Michigan to put money back into the Soccer Complex. A paved 120-space parking lot is going to be put in adjacent to the game field and overflow parking will be directed to an existing paved lot nearby. Spectators will no longer enter the facility off of Parkview Ave., rather traveling through the Business Technology and Research Park on Campus Drive.

“Western Michigan University's commitment to successful economic development is a priority with our excellent partners within our business community,” commented WMU Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard. “This announcement is extremely positive for enhancing our two soccer program's facilities for the welfare of our student-athletes' experience. It's a win for everyone.”

Turf Services from Muskegon, Mich., has been contracted to put new drainage in the game field. The field will then be seeded with a Kentucky bluegrass blend and is expected to be ready for the first games of 2013. WMU additionally has purchased a new mower for the compound that will be able to keep the playing surface at an optimal height.

The complex received new team dugouts, spectator seating, fencing enclosing the game field and other cosmetic upgrades last year. Additional new fencing will go in this summer.

“These facility improvements are a great example of the commitment our institution has for the soccer programs,” said WMU head men's soccer coach Chad Wiseman. “I am extremely excited for our returners, newcomers and future recruits to see what we're doing. Our alumni will be very excited as well.”  

Western Michigan head women's soccer coach Nate Norman echoed Wiseman, saying, “We are all very excited about the improvements to our facility. The upgrades will not only help the appearance of our soccer complex, but will also positively impact us directly in the way we try to play. It will make it easier to play our possession style of soccer. I would also like to thank WMU for its commitment to continue to improve our athletic facilities.”

The Bronco women are scheduled for the fall's first outing at the WMU Soccer Complex, hosting Michigan in an exhibition contest on Aug. 13. The team has eight regular-season home matches, beginning with Cleveland State, Sept. 1. The Brown & Gold men have a pair of home exhibition games, Aug. 22 & 24, and then play six regular-season games at the complex, beginning with Canisius on Sept. 20.