DANBURY, Conn. — The Western Connecticut State University Wolves are set to begin the 2026 fall sports season and the Wolves men's soccer and field hockey teams will host the first games on the new state-of-the-art playing surface at the Westside Athletic Complex (WAC) on Tuesday, September 1. The 2,500 seat stadium, completed in 2002, has hosted countless Little East Conference (LEC) competitions and multiple championships, but had not been resurfaced since 2014. The Wolves' football and women's soccer teams also play at the Westside Athletic Complex during the fall and the men's and women's lacrosse teams call the WAC their home in the spring. Tuesday's games will be preceded by a field dedication at 3:45 p.m.
"I would like to thank all those who came before this moment. To those who played at Midtown on an empty lot with gravel, and to those who played on the two previous fields on Westside: you are an important part of our alumni community and our history. That history will never be taken away; rather, it will always be cherished," said WestConn Director of Athletics Lori Mazza. "This new turf field represents an exciting investment in our student-athletes, our teams, and our community. It will provide a safe, high-quality space for competition, training, and school pride for years to come. We are thrilled to celebrate this important milestone and look forward to the many memories that will be made here."
The same sentiment was expressed by Wolves men's soccer senior Justin Rivest, "The new turf is incredible: the colors, the logo, and the feeling the moment you step onto it." said. "So much history and legacy were built on this field, and now, that legacy is ready to begin a whole new era."
The new surface is Field Turf™ Classic HD, a slit-film fiber that has been carefully crafted to both maximize durability and safety and present as aesthetically pleasing. This system, which has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted in North America, is a perfect match for fields with high use and has been proven on the field and in the lab. It is widely used at all levels, including the football stadiums at Syracuse University, the University of Miami, and the University of Wisconsin.
"It goes without saying the athletes will benefit from the new surface," said WestConn Head Football Coach Kevin Jones. "Beyond that everyone who steps into the WAC will realize the University's commitment to athletics, and the student-athlete experience, is on par with the best schools in the country."
"Our new turf is a game changer for WestConn and our sports," said WestConn field hockey senior Alyssa Montalvo. "It better protects our athletes physically and adds a new level of performance."
WestConn men's soccer will host Western New England University on September 1 at 4 p.m. in its season opener, followed by a 7 p.m. field hockey game between the Wolves and Dean College. WestConn women's soccer plays its first game on the new field on Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. against the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the Wolves football squad entertains No. 18-ranked Christopher Newport University in its home opener on Saturday, September 12 at 1 p.m. All four teams have been practicing on the new surface throughout the pre-season and the reviews have been positive from coaches and players alike.
"We are so happy and thankful for the new turf that has been given to us, ' said WestConn women's soccer senior Kate Suazo. "It's a great improvement for teams on campus to compete, practice, and make great memories we'll cherish for a lifetime."
"Bringing the Wolf to the turf with our new logo really feels like the start of a new chapter," stated WestConn field hockey senior Jayne Hughes about the field's new feature at midfield. "Having a new, bright field to play on together is so exciting and I think it is going to make us feel even more confident and proud when we step out there."
In the spring, WestConn's men's and women's lacrosse teams are both perennial contenders for the LEC Championship titles. In 2027, those players are equally excited for the opportunity host regular season and playoff games on the new playing surface.
"I'm incredibly grateful to be able to play on our brand new turf for my senior year!" said WestConn women's lacrosse senior Isabella Pota. "Having a field like this brings a new energy to WestConn athletics, and I'm excited to experience that during my last season here."
"The new turf looks amazing and really brings so much color and energy to the field." added fellow Wolves women's lacrosse senior Annaliese Reggio. "It's an awesome upgrade, and I'm so excited to finish my senior season playing on it with my teammates. I'm so grateful to everyone who helped make this possible and gave us such an amazing field to play on."
"The stadium field is the centerpiece of our athletic program and a visible source of pride for both the University and the broader community. We are proud to welcome our student-athletes, opponents, visitors, and community members to the Wolves' Den, a field that reflects the strength, spirit, and tradition of our institution", stated Mazza.
