tracksoccer


Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) is planning a $2 million capital bond redevelopment of the Moehl Stadium Sport Field to repurpose it for both track and soccer. The proposed redevelopment would be the first overhaul since 1995.
 
“Currently our men’s and women’s soccer teams travel almost 9 miles round trip to conduct practices and games off of the Oregon Tech campus,” said Chris Maples, president of Oregon Tech. “Having a soccer field will ensure that our students have an on-campus facility for their athletic needs. It will also save travel time and expenses, will be safer when returning from night practices and games, will provide an enhanced student environment on the Oregon Tech campus, and will save water because we will be switching from grass to turf.”
 
Men’s and women’s intercollegiate soccer teams, as well as track and field teams at Oregon Tech compete in the NAIA’s Cascade Collegiate Conference. They attract male and female student athletes from across Oregon and from many neighboring states.
 
This project is made possible through designated capital construction bonds that the university received specifically for campus facilities; these bonds cannot be used for instructional-related operations. 
The new facility is anticipated to include:
  • 120 x 75-yard collegiate all-season turf soccer field
  • New 8-lane, 400-meter rubberized surface track in a double bend configuration (to accommodate the soccer field)
  • New light poles and lights on the south side
  • New long/triple jump runways and pits
  • A new pole vault runway in a reversible configuration
  • New shot put rings and refurbished landing area
  • Discus cage to throw on the turf in competition only
  • A new throws area to include hammer, discus,  and javelin  located west of the current solar field
  • New ADA parking spaces in back of the stadium
This renovation not only has a significant impact on Oregon Tech’s men’s and women’s soccer programs, but also improves the track and field facility and provides availability year-round for other programs, such as intramurals, club sports, and other special events, including Oregon Tech’s annual graduation event in June.
 
“We’re excited about having a high-quality facility for our student-athletes and all of our students, community members, and fans,” said Athletics Director Michael Schell. “This is a great way to extend ourselves into the Klamath Falls community, and further the reputation of our sports teams and facilities.”
 
The first phase of design is in progress and Oregon Tech will break ground on construction in May 2015, with the field opening in early Fall 2015. A request for proposals for the construction phase will open before the end of the year, with the expectation that it will create local labor jobs.