Scranton, Pa. — As the countdown to the college athletics season becomes just days away, Marywood University student-athletes look forward to playing on a newly upgraded multipurpose field complex with performance, fan experience, and comfort in mind.
The recently upgraded playing surfaced at Marywood Turf Field marks a major enhancement for the Pacers' soccer, field hockey, flag football and lacrosse programs ahead of their 2026-27 seasons.
The University recently completed the turf field renovations at the multipurpose turf complex. The series of upgrades give the facility a new look and feel to the home of six Pacers athletics programs.
"The transformation of the Turf Field complex represents a significant investment in the experience of our student-athletes and the future of our athletics programs as we enter the Middle Atlantic Conference" Director of Athletics Andrew Smith said. "We've created a facility that not only provides a first-class playing environment, but also enhances the experience for our fans, coaches and staff while showcasing the pride we have in Marywood Athletics."
Pacers Turf Field underwent a series of offseason enhancement projects over the summer that include:
- Bleachers that accommodate seating for 398 spectators, ensuring fans have a dedicated place to enjoy the action.
- Accessibility Enhancements that provide ADA-Compliant Seating for all fans
- Press Box designed to serve as a fully enclosed space for athletics staff and coaches to coordinate game day operations.
- State-of-the Art Sound System that provides clear and reliable audio for announcements, radio and live-streaming
- Scoreboard that enhances fan experience throughout the games
- Educational Opportunities for Multimedia Communications students to broadcast live streams of Marywood athletics events
- New Fencing and Gates
Additionally, the instillation of the Pacers Turf Field's new playing surface was completed in May. The field's design showcases Marywood's Forest Green and Gold horsehead branding prominently at midfield with a faded background logo that reaches sideline-to-sideline. Marywood University incorporated its branding into the field design to make the facility feel home to its Pacers student-athletes.
Marywood delivered a sneak peak to a standing-room only crowd. More than 500 students and fans came out to watch the Men's Soccer play a preseason match against Division II Lackawanna College on Friday, August 21.
The Men's Soccer team will open its season on the newly renovated Turf Field against Penn College on Tuesday, Sept 1 at 7 p.m. The Women's Soccer team's home opener is set for Friday, Sept. 4 versus Wilson College at 7 p.m. The two-time defending conference champion Field Hockey team welcomes William Paterson University on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 1 p.m.
"This remarkable transformation would not have been possible without the tireless fundraising efforts of the #ITLforAthletics committee and the generosity of our donors and corporate partners, including Peoples Security Bank and Trust, whose support made our new scoreboard possible," Smith added. "We are incredibly grateful to all of the donors who helped bring these Turf Field upgrades to life. Their impact on student success is immeasurable, and it is incredibly rewarding to know that we have partners who not only believe in Marywood's mission and values, but are equally invested in seeing our student-athletes succeed both on and off the field."
Upgrades to the new high-visibility scoreboard were made possible by People Security Bank & Trust, one of the largest independent community banks throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. The new scoreboard will provide student-athletes and coaches with real-time tracking, allowing for better decision-marking, in-game strategic adjustments, and improved game management.
The upgrades are complete, but there's still time to support Ignite the Light for Athletics and help fund this exciting investment in the future of Marywood Athletics. Make your gift today at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/IgniteAthletics
