Phoenix Welcomes ‘World Class’ Soccer Facility with Sportexe Turf System
February 16th, 2007
ROUND ROCK, Texas. Feb. 16, 2007 - The first phase of the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix celebrates its grand opening today in what will eventually be the largest single-site sports complex in the state. It has 10 lighted soccer fields, including one Sportexe synthetic turf system, two playgrounds and 1,200 parking spaces.
The Reach 11 Sports Complex is the first major soccer complex of its kind in Phoenix and will provide a venue for local, regional and national competitions.
The city of Phoenix funded $11.5 million of the $16 million project. The city’s Streets Transportation Department, the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority and the Bureau of Reclamation combined to fund field lighting, surrounding street improvements and the other recreational elements.
In the 2006 Bond Election, Phoenix voters approved $12 million for Phase 2. When completed the second phase of the complex will add 10 more soccer fields and, with the necessary funding, a 4,000-seat stadium and an all-weather running track.
"It is time and money well spent to build soccer facilities for the city," said Craig Edwards, Sportexe Southwest Projects Representative. "The entire Phoenix community should be very excited about this complex."
Sportexe recently received the first FIFA RECOMMENDED 2-Star rating in North America with its installation at Ottawa, Ontario’s Frank Clair Stadium at Lansdowne Park, which gives the facility World Cup soccer-hosting capability.
Phoenix’s first Sportexe field, an all-rubber infill system that carries the industry’s highest safety rating, was installed at Desert West Soccer Park in June, 2005.
In addition to a grand-opening ceremony, which included a ribbon-cutting by Mayor Phil Gordon, followed by teams from Maryland, Virginia, England and the SC del Sol youth soccer club.
Olympic gold medalist Shannon MacMillan and Eric Wynalda, the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. men’s national team, were on hand at the grand opening.
"This is a very exciting time for us," said Peggy Neely, City of Phoenix District 2 Councilwoman. "This facility is just gorgeous, especially the Sportexe field and I am very proud to be associated with this state-of-the-art athletic complex."
Neely has championed this project to develop civic pride and exposure to attract larger national youth sporting events.
"Our soccer fields are very important for several reasons," said Neely. "The economic impact gained from hosting premier functions will greatly boost our financial growth and overall visibility, plus this will also give our youth a chance to showcase their talent and commitment to the soccer community."
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