EASTON, Pa. – The construction at Gummeson Grounds: Home of Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium, continues on schedule. The project, which broke ground in early April, was inspired by an old English-style soccer stadium and will provide a unique experience for fans and student-athletes.
Fans coming to the new venue at Lafayette's Metzgar Fields Athletic Campus will be treated to chairback seating and much-improved sightlines. Additionally, goal terraces will put the crowd even closer to the action on the pitch while helping cultivate the game day atmosphere. A new press box for broadcasting and game operations is also part of the project.
The timely progression of this project has allowed the Leopards to schedule celebratory matches to kick off the fall season on Aug. 20 with a community day (women's soccer) and Aug. 25 with a dedication ceremony (men's soccer).
"Gummeson Grounds will have a monumental impact on our men's and women's soccer programs. It speaks to our mission to provide a championship experience for Lafayette College student-athletes," said Lafayette Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations Andrew Foster. "We are extremely grateful for all the support from our alumni, donors, player parents and friends of Lafayette soccer who made this facility a reality. It will be a catalyst for us, as we look toward future facility enhancements at Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex."
Lafayette Athletics is incredibly thankful for the support of Peter Gummeson '80 who provided the initial lead gift to kick off the $4.0 million project. More than 60 alumni, parents, families, classes and supporters of the soccer programs have made significant investments in this facility, building off the philanthropic legacies of the Bourger and Oaks families who came beforehand. As construction continues, additional participation opportunities, including naming of chairback seats at the five thousand dollar level, are still available.
"We are very excited about the enhancement of our soccer facility," said Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman. "Gummeson Grounds will transform the soccer experience for our student-athletes and create a unique environment for fans as well. We look forward to celebrating its opening with the community."
The first match to be played at Gummeson Grounds will be Aug. 20 when the Lafayette women host Mount St. Mary's at 2 p.m. for community day. That will be followed by a dedication ceremony night on Aug. 25 when the men host UMass-Lowell at 7:30 p.m.
