KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan University Athletics has announced the completion of the new stadium lighting project at the WMU Soccer Complex, marking another significant enhancement to the home of the Bronco men's and women's soccer programs.

The project, originally announced in February as part of a broader investment in the WMU Soccer Complex and Bronco Soccer, was made possible through the generosity of Western Michigan soccer alumni, families and supporters.

As part of the fundraising effort, Bronco Athletic Fund donors Randy and Wendi Verlin committed to match gifts from men's and women's soccer alumni and their immediate families up to $100,000. The Bronco Soccer community responded, successfully completing the $100,000 match and helping bring the lighting project to completion.

"These recent renovations have established the WMU Soccer Complex as one of the premier soccer facilities in the Mid-American and Missouri Valley Soccer Conferences." Said Vice President and Director of Athletics, Dan Bartholomae.  "We are so appreciative of the generous support of our donors and supporters, and we are particularly thankful for the great work of the WMU Facilities Team in moving this project forward so quickly.  We are excited to welcome fans to the first night games in the history of The Farm this August!"

The addition of permanent lighting provides greater flexibility for training and competition while creating new opportunities for evening matches and an enhanced game-day atmosphere at the WMU Soccer Complex.

"For our program, this is about much more than simply being able to play games at night," said men's soccer head coach Chad Wiseman. "It's another investment in the experience we are able to provide our student-athletes and another step forward for Bronco Soccer. As an alumnus and now as the head coach, I am incredibly appreciative of the former players, families and supporters who continue to believe in what we are building. We can't wait to play under the lights."

"This is an exciting milestone for our program and for everyone who has helped build Western Michigan women's soccer," said women's soccer head coach Lewis Robinson. "Playing under the lights will create a tremendous atmosphere for our student-athletes and give our fans and the Kalamazoo community even more opportunities to experience Bronco Soccer. We are extremely grateful to the alumni, families and donors whose generosity made this possible, and we are excited for our team to play at night under the lights."

The Broncos will officially turn on the lights for regular season competition on Thursday, Aug. 27, with a men's and women's soccer doubleheader at the WMU Soccer Complex. The women's team will open the evening against Colorado at 4 p.m., followed by the men's team hosting Wisconsin at 7 p.m.

There will be a private reception for donors and their families in between games at the complex as we celebrate completion of the light project. 

Both programs will host additional night games throughout the 2026 season, providing Bronco fans with new opportunities to experience soccer under the lights at the WMU Soccer Complex.

For the most up-to-date schedules and game times throughout the season visit WMUBroncos.com. 

The lighting project is part of a broader effort to continue enhancing the WMU Soccer Complex and supporting the championship aspirations of both Bronco soccer programs. In addition to the new lights, fans will see several other enhancements at the complex this season, including new home and visiting team benches and shelters, as well as new windscreens.

Fundraising efforts remain underway for additional facility priorities previously announced, including an upgraded scoreboard, enhanced restroom facilities and dedicated team locker rooms.

Those interested in supporting these priorities and the continued enhancement of the WMU Soccer Complex can contact Matt Johnson at matthew.3.johnson@wmich.edu or (254) 644-1347 to learn more about making a gift.