Renovated Pioneer Stadium makes debut at commencement

Renovations to Pioneer Stadium included new markings and a recently installed artificial turf field that's been widened to meet professional soccer regulations. (Photo: Barry Zepel)
- May 17, 2010
A renovated Pioneer Stadium will greet those attending commencement ceremonies for ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, East Bay, June 11 through 13, and fans cheering on the Bay Area FC Gold Pride of the Women’s Professional Soccer league when the team plays in the facility June 19.
Construction workers removed the stadium’s grass and replaced it with artificial turf, while widening the field to regulation size, said Jim Zavagno, director of planning design and construction for ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥.
As part of the facility’s overall renovation, which began in January, the width of the existing running track circling the playing field was narrowed to five lanes to accommodate the larger field.
“In addition to the competition areas, improved sidewalks and fencing were added to the facility,” said Zavagno, who reported that the construction costs came in under budget at $1.9 million, about $600,000 less than had originally been projected.
Last December it was announced that the Bay Area FC Gold Pride would move its home games from Santa Clara to Pioneer Stadium.
During the renovation, the FC Gold Pride played its first three home games during March and April at Castro Valley High School’s stadium. Including its 7 p.m. home game on Saturday, June 19, against the Boston Breakers, the women’s pro team is scheduled to play seven more games at Pioneer Stadium before the 2010 season ends Sept. 11.