ASU to Build Soccer Stadium in Conjunction with HCSA, Watauga County
by Appalachian Sports Information

May 15, 2008 - BOONE, N.C. — Beginning in 2008, Appalachian State University men’s and women’s soccer will play its home games in a state-of-the-art, 1,000-seat stadium that will anchor the brand-new Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex, ASU athletics announced in conjunction with the High Country Soccer Association (HCSA) and Watauga County on Thursday.

“We’re excited to partner with the HCSA and Watauga County to bring Mountaineer soccer to the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex,” ASU director of athletics Charlie Cobb said. “Not only does our participation in the project give us a state-of-the-art home that will provide our programs with an added boost in their quest to become Southern Conference and national powers, but it will expose Appalachian to the best young soccer players in the region on daily basis.”

Located just minutes from campus, adjacent to Brookshire Park off U.S. 421 on the east side of Boone, the new stadium will feature a 78-by-118-yard FieldTurf playing surface with a permanent Appalachian logo, lights for night games, locker rooms, press box and ample parking.

“HCSA is excited about ASU’s participation in the development and enhancement of the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex,” HCSA president John Spinetto said. “It is an exceptional moment in the growth of a community when the county, the University and a not-for-profit soccer organization come together to develop a facility which will meet the needs of each party while still focusing on the broader goal of helping our children to develop and grow through the sport of soccer.”

“This is an example of how our community can work together in a collaborative fashion to enhance the recreational opportunities for our children and adults,” Watauga County Board of Commissioners chairman Jim Deal added. “ASU will significantly improve and enhance the facility, providing savings to the county and the soccer association, while the HCSA and Watauga County Parks and Recreation will also benefit from the teaching and skill development of our children through their connection with ASU’s soccer programs. This is a win-win scenario.”

In conjunction with the announcement, Appalachian men’s soccer has released its 2008 schedule. Head coach Shaun Pendleton’s inaugural 17-match regular-season slate features five home dates at the new stadium, opening with a Sept. 20 matchup versus Campbell. Other home matches include Southern Conference showdowns versus College of Charleston (Oct. 1), Elon (Oct. 7), Georgia Southern (Oct. 12) and Davidson (Oct. 26). Tilts versus 2007 national champion Wake Forest (Sept. 24), defending SoCon-champion Furman (Oct. 15) and Final Four-participant Virginia Tech (Oct. 21) highlight the road schedule.

The Mountaineers will also play two exhibition matches at the new stadium, versus Lenoir-Rhyne on Aug. 20 and Emory & Henry on Aug. 25.

To view the 2008 ASU men's soccer schedule in its entirety, click here.

Appalachian’s 2008 women’s soccer schedule will be announced in the near future.