Aug. 27, 2014
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky soccer program has announced its plans for the opening weekend of the $7.7 million Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex, featuring three matches, a dedication ceremony, face painting, clinics and more over the weekend. There will be free admission to all fans throughout the entire weekend, including all three matches.
The opening weekend will commence on Friday night, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET, as the UK women’s soccer team will play the first regular season match at the new soccer complex against the Francis Marion Patriots at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Friday night’s match against FMU will be ‘Free Food Friday’, where fans will have the opportunity to win free food during the match. The first 100 students into the match will receive free food as well.
The official dedication ceremony will begin at Noon ET on Sunday, Aug. 31, in the main entrance of the Bell Soccer Complex. University president Dr. Eli Capilouto, Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart, men’s soccer head coach Johan Cedergren, and women’s soccer head coach Jon Lipsitz will all be speaking.
The first 500 fans to the stadium dedication ceremony will receive a commemorative soccer ball bell to mark their spot in the stadium’s historic opening. Fans will then have the opportunity to tour the complex from 12:15 p.m. ET to 12:45 p.m. ET.
The women will face the Ohio Bobcats at 2 p.m. ET, and to pass the time, face painting and inflatables, as well as a free soccer clinic will be available for free to fans 8th grade or younger beginning at 12:45 p.m. ET.
The men’s soccer team will play its first match in the new stadium at 5 p.m. ET, as the Wildcats host the Belmont Bison at 5 p.m. ET.
The Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex will house separate facilities for the men’s and women’s programs, including new team rooms, player lounges, locker areas, coaches offices, press box and a gorgeous new grandstand. Combined with the 2011 additions of a $600,000 playing surface, a new video tower and a video board, it will immediately set the standard for college soccer facilities.
Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex Opening Weekend Schedule
Friday, Aug. 29, 2014
7:30 p.m. ET – Women’s Soccer vs. Francis Marion (free admission)
Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014
Noon ET – Stadium dedication ceremony begins
Featured speakers: Dr. Eli Capilouto, Mitch Barnhart, Johan Cedergren, Jon Lipsitz
12:15 p.m. ET – Stadium Tours
12:45 p.m. ET – Free soccer clinic for all 8th graders and under
1 p.m. ET – Face painting and inflatables
2 p.m. ET – UK women’s soccer vs. Ohio University (free admission)
5 p.m. ET – UK men’s soccer vs. Belmont (free admission)
For continuing coverage of UK soccer, log on to UKathletics.com.
