McCarthy Stadium receives makeover

By Erin Brodbeck
Collegian Editor
August 30, 2006

For many college students, attending an evening football game on a crisp fall evening is a favorite pastime. For Lasallians, a lack of proper stadium lights eliminated the possibility of such an event. Now that lights have been installed and an artificial turf has replaced the natural grass, athletes and sports fans can enjoy McCarthy Stadium more than ever.

Prior to making the improvements to McCarthy Stadium, the natural grass field and lack of lighting limited La Salle’s athletic program to daytime practices and soggy fields. Kale Beers, Director of Athletic Communications, felt that the field improvement was necessary, saying “it’s not feasible to have natural grass.”

With natural grass, the field became worn very quickly, especially since it is used for a variety of sports, including football and soccer. Such conditions are not good for playing, providing football players with little traction. After a rainstorm, the field would turn muddy, but an artificial turf will dry more quickly.

The addition of lights will open many doors for La Salle’s recreation program by allowing the field to be used in the evening, and is sure to “improve the quality of student life,” said Angie Marfisi, Director of Campus Recreation.

Now that McCarthy Stadium is no longer in the dark, La Salle can offer an expanded intramurals program. Sports like ultimate Frisbee, soccer and flag football can practice and play games at night, which is more convenient for students who are busy during the day.

“We are no longer limited to daylight hours,” Marfisi said, “it will open so many doors for students.”

The addition of the lights has been a great source of pride for Beers, an alumnus of La Salle. “Walking over the field at night is a great atmosphere,” Beers said.

brodbecke1@lasalle.edu