TOWSON, Md. – A construction project announced in the spring of 2018 will become a reality when the Towson University field hockey team opens its new field on Sunday, Oct. 28 against Lehigh.
 
The day will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:45 p.m. Sunday will also be a "white out" theme to celebrate the grand opening. All fans are encouraged to wear white to support the Tigers and participate in the celebration.
 
"I don't really have words that can adequately express our excitement," said head coach E.A. Jackson. "This has been a long time coming for this program. It marks a new era in Towson field hockey."
 
In April, Towson president Kim Schatzel announced several renovations on campus, including a budget approved to update the South Campus athletic fields and build a new field hockey field.
 
Ground broke in early July on the new complex where Clark Construction began the process of building the shape of the field and set up for the water-based carpet. The new field has FieldTurf also used by the International Hockey Federation and a sponsor of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.
 
"This has been in the works since we were recruited here," said senior co-captain Erika McKay. "The field has been talked about for years now, but we're just grateful we can get a game on it and be part of the start of this new era."
 
The complex is located between the softball field and tennis courts past Lot 20 on the South Campus fields. There will be a festive atmosphere as the Tigers salute their graduating class and celebrate playing their first game on the new field.
 
Wrapping up her second season coaching at Towson, Jackson spent two years playing at Johnny Unitas © Stadium for all home games. With a designated field hockey space, the team will have more availability for practice and home games. Practicing and playing on the appropriate competition surface will benefit the student-athletes, who play on water-based fields for several road games.
 
"I'm really excited because we will grow as a team and be a force to be reckoned with at the highest level of performance," said freshman Gretchen Alderfer.
 
This is the latest facility enhancement project for Towson, which aims to provide championship-quality facilities for its student-athletes and the community. Within the last five years, Towson has opened SECU Arena, a multi-purpose state-of-the-art facility, for its men's and women's basketball, gymnastics and volleyball teams. In addition, SECU hosts concerts, programs, and serves as the home of the Baltimore Blast.