In the summer of 2005, the soccer field at the Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex underwent extensive renovations and was dedicated as Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium on Oct. 22, 2005. The previous playing surface was removed, smoothed and a new natural grass playing surface was installed. Other improvements included permanently installed bench shields, similar to those seen in international competition.
Other auxiliary improvements, such as the scoreboard, have helped make the soccer facility one of the best in the Patriot League. A press box, which allows for broadcasts and streaming, was added atop the home stands along with a permanent sound system.
The field transformation was made possible by Jack Bourger '71 in honor of his father, Mike, who was the captain of the 1946 men's soccer team, and Dr. Wilbur Oaks '51, a long-time benefactor of the College and the soccer programs. In 2023, the entire facility underwent a transformation with an old English-style soccer stadium as the inspiration. The new and improved venue was tabbed Gummeson Grounds: Home of Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium.
Located three miles northwest of campus, the soccer venue is part of an 80-acre facility that also contains playing surfaces for the majority of Lafayette's outdoor sports. The soccer venue, which has permanent seating for 1,000, has hosted a number of NCAA, Patriot League and ECAC championship contests. Metzgar Fields played host to the 1996, 1998 and 2000 Patriot League men's soccer championships as well as three rounds of the 1995 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship.
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