Weidner Field
Weidner Field is a soccer-specific stadium located in downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. Once completed, planned for spring 2021, it will become home to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, which competes in the second level of U.S. men's professional soccer, the USL Championship (USLC). While designed mainly for soccer, with a capacity of 8,000 for that sport, the stadium will be capable of hosting other types of events, with a capacity as great as 15,000 for concerts.[2][3] It replaces the former Weidner Field, now known as Switchbacks Training Stadium, a smaller venue in the east of the city.
| |
| Location | 111 W. Cimarron St., Colorado Springs, Colorado |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38.826363°N 104.828191°W |
| Capacity | 8,000 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | December 7, 2019[1] |
| Opened | Spring 2021 |
| Construction cost | $35,000,000 |
| Architect | Perkins and Will Architects |
| Tenants | |
| Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (2021–) | |
The stadium is part of a larger project by the city of Colorado Springs known as City of Champions. The Switchbacks' interest in a new stadium stemmed partially from the creation of the third-level USL League One by the USLC's operator, United Soccer League. The club was concerned that without firm plans for a stadium upgrade, its second-division status was not guaranteed. Plans for the new stadium, also including a surrounding entertainment district, were officially unveiled in July 2018.[2] Design details were revealed in July 2019, and the ceremonial groundbreaking took place that December.[1]
Naming rights are held by Weidner Apartment Homes, a minority owner of Switchbacks FC[2] and sponsor of the old stadium. The "Weidner Field" name was officially transferred from the old stadium to the new venue on October 15, 2020.[4]
References
- Skovira, Kristen (December 7, 2019). "Switchbacks FC break ground on Downtown Stadium". Colorado Springs, CO: KRDO-TV. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
- Spedden, Zach (July 26, 2018). "Plans Unveiled for New Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Stadium". Soccer Stadium Digest. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
- Spedden, Zach (July 18, 2019). "New Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Stadium Design Details Emerge". Soccer Stadium Digest. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
- "Colorado Springs Switchbacks Name Downtown Stadium Weidner Field" (Press release). Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. October 15, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2020.