WMU Soccer Complex

WMU Soccer Complex
4502 Campus Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 49008

The WMU Soccer Complex serves as home to both the Western Michigan men's and women's soccer programs and is located next to the university's Business, Technology & Research Park and the Engineering College campus.

Formally known as "Lee Baker Field" the WMU Soccer Complex has seen extensive renovations over the last six years, transforming the complex into one of the finest in the Mid-American Conference and the Midwest.

During the summer of 2017, the complex received a $75,000 turf upgrade. Fraze mowing, a process originally developed and perfected on European soccer fields, was used to remove the top layer of the playing surface to correct issues with the field. The process will improve drainage and balance the playing surface, removing uneven slopes in the field. The surface will also be laser-graded to improve playability in wet weather. In the final stages, the soil will be prepared for seed and new varieties of grass tailored specifically for soccer pitches will be introduced.

Prior to the 2015 season, expanded bleacher seating was installed and a fully operational press box was constructed. In 2013, a paved parking lot with a new entrance and walkway were created where dirt and grass once stood. The complex received a new drainage system and new fencing, while back poles and netting were also put in place. A new mower was purchased that same year to keep the natural-grass playing surface at ideal height. Initial upgrades began in 2012 when the complex received new team dugouts and fencing to enclose the game field.

In the summer of 2017 the complex saw many improvements. A new scoreboard, permanent fencing around the complex, a 40-foot flagpole and new backdrop nets behind each goal were added.

Other features of the complex include a full-sized practice field, electronic scoreboard & sound system, covered benches, concession stand and storage room.

Both Bronco programs have seen heightened success over the past several years. The women's program has advanced to the MAC Tournament championship game three times in the past four years, winning the conference title in 2013 and 2015. The men's team has made four-straight MAC Tournament appearances, reaching the finals in 2013. In 2015, the WMU men earned their first-ever top 25 ranking, debuting at No. 24 and moving up to as high as No. 18 in the nation.

With the recent changes in the past 10 years, spectators no longer enter the facility off of Parkview Ave., rather traveling through the Business Technology and Research Park/Engineering College Entrance on Campus Drive.

Directions:

From I-94: Exit at Oakland Drive (Exit #75) and go North. Until you come to the light at Oakland Drive and Parkview Ave. Turn left onto Parkview Ave and continue on until you reach Drake Road. Turn left onto Drake Road which then you will enter WMU's Business, Technology and Research Park/Engineering College Campus. (Drake Rd. will become Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive. 0.6 miles, turn left at College Circle (fourth possible left after crossing Parkview Ave) and follow into WMU Soccer Complex entrance.
From M-43: Turn left off M-43 (Gull Road) in Kalamazoo onto Riverview Drive. Go under the railroad overpass and bear right onto Michigan Avenue for 0.4 miles. It then becomes Kalamazoo Avenue. Continue until it becomes Stadium Drive. Follow Stadium Drive until you reach the Drake Road/Stadium Drive light. Turn left to head down Drake Road and crossing the light at Parkview Ave. You will enter WMU's Business, Technology and Research Park/Engineering College Campus. (Drake Rd. will become Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive. 0.6 miles, turn left at College Circle (fourth possible left after crossing Parkview Ave) and follow into WMU Soccer Complex entrance.

Parking: Guest parking passes and parking maps are attainable at WMU Parking Services. Please contact WMU Parking Services M-F 7:30a-4:00p at:

wmich.edu/parking for online services
2507 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 for in-person services
(269) 387-4609 for call services

* Map of Business Technology and Research Park/Engineering College attached as PDF.

Map