Facilities | 6/25/2016 10:30:00 AM

SAN FRANCISCO - Changes are taking place rapidly around USF's athletics facilities of late, and Negoesco Stadium, the home of Dons men's and women's soccer, is the latest to undergo a significant project. A brand new artificial turf surface is being installed on Negoesco Stadium in the months leading up to the 2016 season.
 
Coming on the heels of the opening of the new Benedetti Diamond this past spring, the new surface at Negoesco Stadium won't be a major overhaul, but a valuable upgrade nonetheless.
 
The new AstroTurf playing surface will replace the former artificial surface that had been in use for eight years, and will feature a "green" natural infill consisting of a pumice-like material specially formulated for soccer facilities. Again, following the example of Benedetti Diamond's all-natural organic infill - which is the first of its kind in Division I baseball - and fitting USF's vision of leading the way in sustainable athletic facility technology.
 
The project commenced at the beginning of June with completion expected by August prior to the first soccer game of the year. USF's men's team is lined up to host Cal State East Bay for an exhibition on Aug. 16, followed by the women's home opener on Aug. 19 versus Florida Gulf Coast.    
 
In addition to the major renovation to Benedetti Diamond that took place over the past year, War Memorial at the Sobrato Center – home of Dons basketball and volleyball - is next in line for key upgrades as it is currently undergoing preliminary work in preparation for significant renovations to its entrance lobby in addition to various seating renovations expected to begin by next summer.  
 
More major renovations to Negoesco Stadium are in the plans in the future that will likely include enhanced seating and entranceways, a renovated press box and new state-of-the-art scoreboard.