Rio Hondo finishes $3.8M renovation of soccer field

WHITTIER – Rio Hondo College, home to nationally ranked men’s and women’s soccer teams, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Wednesday, March 23 to mark completion of its yearlong soccer field renovation.

The college spent $3.8 million to construct an NCAA-regulation, artificial turf pitch and surrounding amenities that include a six-lane synthetic track, three-stage lighting system, pedestrian walkway, ADA-accessible bleachers, scoreboard and landscaping.

A new restroom building will be delivered in April.

“This is a field of dreams for Rio Hondo,” said Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss. “It’s a beautiful, modern facility that will accommodate use not only by our students, but also by our campus community.”

The project was launched in March 2015, one element of a broader facilities improvement effort that will include expansion of the campus bookstore, seismic retrofitting of the College’s L Tower and other upgrades.

The 72,000-square-foot field was manufactured by FieldTurf, one of the world’s leading makers of artificial turf. FieldTurf crafted its artificial turf through consultations with athletes, coaches and trainers to ensure it provided the performance of grass and durability of a synthetic material.

The three-stage lighting system can be adjusted to provide the brilliant shine needed for night games, a less intense setting for night practices and yet another setting to illuminate folks walking the track.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will feature remarks by Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss; Board of Trustees President Mary Ann Pacheco; Dean of Kinesiology, Dance and Athletics Steve Hebert; and a student athlete from the women’s soccer team.

“A wonderful aspect of this new field is that it will provide a venue worthy of our nationally ranked sports teams,” said Board of Trustees President Mary Ann Pacheco. “It’s a stunning addition to our campus and for our student athletes.”

Rio Hondo College women’s soccer team placed second in the CA Community College Athletic Association’s State Championship – the highest the team has ever advanced in the playoff competition. The Roadrunners ranked eighth nationally. The men’s team also had a successful season, qualifying for the state playoff and ranking 17th nationally.