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December 19, 2001
San Diego
Spirit begins widening of playing field and expands seating capacity
Work
on a major widening and expansion project at Torero Stadium, began
last week at the home of the San Diego Spirit. The playing surface
is being extended to at least 70 yards in width and the seating
upped to approximately 7,000. The new construction work is Phase
Two of the stadium renovation project on the campus of the University
of San Diego.
The
field widening is expected to improve sight lines for both in-stadium
fans and for the TV cameras. All Spirit games not on national TV
are telecast on Channel 4 San Diego.
After
completion the field will be lined for soccer between 70-72 yards
wide, still giving 3-4 yards of space between the touchline and
retaining walls on both sides. The Spirit will likely play on a
world-class sized 70 x 115 yard field next season. The playing surface
will also be renovated, and where necessary, re-sodded, with all
the work to be completed well in advance of the Spirit's 2002 home
opener in early April.
"The
University of San Diego is very pleased with the results of our
partnership with Cox Communications, the San Diego Spirit and the
Women's United Soccer Association," said USD Director of Athletics
Tom Iannacone. "The Spirit organization, and in particular
the members of the team, have been a welcome and positive addition
to our USD community. Widening the field will now meet critical
NCAA specifications for championship tournament play.”
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