Date Posted: 8/19/2005

DeLand, Fla. – Stetson soccer will open its 2005 season at home with a new look. After almost 30 years of daytime competition at the Stetson Soccer Field, the Hatters will now play under more than 100,000 watts of state-of-the-art lighting.

The lights were installed in July and consist of six 70-foot poles with 66 total fixtures of 1650 watts each.

“I believe now with the lights that we will get better crowds,” said head men’s coach Sean Murphy. “We have very good fan support in the past but I am really hoping that will increase the parent and student attendance.”

Along with the lights, the Hatters have a new scoreboard in the northeast corner of the facility. Team benches and the scorers table have been moved to the north sideline and additional bleachers have been placed along the south sideline for more fan seating. Perimeter fencing has been added to secure the facility and the drainage system has been updated to improve field quality. There is a new speaker system to enhance game atmosphere as well.

“Improvements of this kind have a significant impact on the level of a team’s competitiveness as we have seen in other programs such as baseball, softball and tennis,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Altier. “Additionally more spectators will have a better opportunity to experience Stetson’s exciting, fast-paced soccer with matches being played at night.”

These field improvements are the first phase of development that has been in the works for several years. Other aspects of the project will include permanent bleachers, dugouts, and restroom facilities.

“Playing at home under the lights definitely establishes a rhythm for us because when we’re on the road we play at night and now when we’re at home we play at night so that helps prepare us to physically getting used to the demands of playing in the evening,” said head women’s coach Julie Orlowski. “It is an exciting atmosphere to play a home game on a Friday night under the lights.”

The men’s and women’s 2005 schedules feature a combined 17 home matches, including 13 evening contests. Both teams open the season with home exhibition matches Saturday as the women face Tampa at 4 p.m. and the men play Florida Southern at 7 p.m.

Related Links:
 • Stetson Men's Soccer