After ten months of intense activity, Phase II of construction at Swope Soccer Village officially concluded on August 29 and league play at the new Swope Park facility commenced on September 5. The official opening/dedication will take place on September 12.
This $13 million recreational sports facility expansion consists of three phases. Phase I, completed in November of 2013, involved the creation of a Championship Field that hosted the Big 12 Women’s Soccer Championship Tournament.
Phase II improvements include five new synthetic fields, new lighting, new fencing, upgraded restrooms and concessions, landscaping, enhancements to plaza areas, expanded and upgraded parking, and improvements to Lewis Road including new curbs and gutters throughout the complex. Also, in Phase II is the installation of a new sculptural artwork, commissioned as part of the City’s One Percent for Art program, by local artist Jake Balcom of Mettle Design. The artwork “Triple Blome” features three progressive sculptural forms each beginning with the geometric shape of a soccer ball—known as a “Truncated Icosahedron.” Each of the three hollow metal forms sits atop 10′ steel posts. The transparency of the sculptural elements creates moving shadows on the adjacent plaza throughout the day, enhancing the visual interest of the artwork.
Phase III will increase the total square footage of space within the training facility and will include enhancements to locker rooms, training rooms, and provide facilities for both male and female athletes and officials during tournament play. These improvements, along with a new press box installed adjacent to the Championship Field, were instrumental in the City’s ability to secure commitments from the Big 12 and NCAA Division II and III to host future men’s and women’s championship soccer events through 2017. This third and final phase is anticipated to be completed in March 2015.