The Match fuels construction of first-rate playing fields expected to begin opening this winter
SALINAS, CA – Construction is officially underway on the next major expansion of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, bringing eight new fields closer to the tens of thousands of players and families who will use them and advancing the Complex’s growing role as a premier destination for soccer in the region.
More than six years of environmental remediation concluded in June, and construction began immediately in July. Crews are now installing nearly 20,000 linear feet of irrigation, while the special blend of hybrid Blue grass and Rye grass selected for the new fields is already being grown at Greenfield Turf.
That transition from remediation directly into construction was made possible by years of community investment and the momentum of The Match, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s $3 million campaign to complete the new fields and supporting infrastructure. Taylor Farms launched The Match with a $1.5 million challenge gift, followed by campaign gifts from the Kobrinsky Evans family, Cass and Mike Antle, Church Brothers Farms, Janet Rodgers and Kurt Gollnick, Toyota Salinas and other generous donors.
Federal funding secured by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and grant support from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control have also helped advance this phase of expansion. Philanthropic investments continue a model that has shaped the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex from the beginning. The Complex is developed and operated by a volunteer led nonprofit organization, and its growth has been powered by philanthropy, public investment and a community willing to invest in an extraordinary place to play.
Build for the Future
The new fields are being built to a standard that reflects both the community they will serve and the caliber of soccer the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex increasingly welcomes.
A specially selected, high-quality Rye and Blue grass blend is being grown specifically for the project and will be installed in phases as each field is completed. The playing surfaces will be laser-leveled using geotechnical technology to create exceptionally precise and consistent fields, and the Complex is exploring specialized mowing equipment capable of creating crisp, visible lines across the grass that provide referees with additional visual guidance for offsides calls.
The result will be beautiful, high-performing fields designed for everyday community use as well as the leagues, tournaments and regional events that continue to bring more players and visitors to Salinas. As the facility grows, so does the opportunity to attract larger competitions, welcome more teams and showcase a sports complex that reflects the pride and ambition of the community that built it.
More Room to Play
Over 15,000 people now use the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex each week, up from 11,500 weekly users just a year ago. With the expansion, that number is expected to grow to more than 22,000 weekly users, creating significantly more impact for youth and adult soccer, women’s leagues, tournaments, community events and programming, and families from throughout the region.
The new fields advance one of the central goals behind the continued development of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex: creating greater access to exceptional places for local children and families to play, while building a regional sports destination that brings people to Salinas and strengthens the community around it through meaningful economic impact.
The new fields are expected to open for play this winter.
For more information about The Match and the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, visit https://salinassoccer.org/the-match/
About the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex
The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex is a nonprofit community asset dedicated to providing a safe, accessible, and family-centered space for youth and adult recreation. Serving more than 15,000 weekly users, the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex continues to grow as a premier destination for local play, community connection, and regional tournaments.
For more information about the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex and opportunities to support, please visit https://SalinasSoccer.org
Media Contact
Jonathan De Anda
General Manager, Salinas Regional Soccer Complex
831-216-5643
jonathan@salinassoccer.org
