Torero Stadium
Torero Stadium is a 6,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in San Diego, California on the campus of the University of San Diego. It was built in 1961 and serves as the home of the school's football and soccer teams, San Diego Loyal SC of the USL Championship, and the former home of the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby. It will also serve as the home stadium of National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) expansion side San Diego Wave FC for most of its inaugural 2022 season[1][2] before the team moves to San Diego State University's new Snapdragon Stadium once it opens in September 2022.[3]
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| Address | 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California University of San Diego |
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| Location | 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110 |
| Coordinates | 32.7731°N 117.1837°W |
| Owner | University of San Diego |
| Operator | University of San Diego |
| Capacity | Soccer: 6,000 |
| Field size | 72 x 118 yds |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1961 |
| Opened | 1961 |
| Tenants | |
San Diego Toreros football (NCAA) (1961–present)
San Diego Breakers (PRO) (2016)
San Diego Spirit (WUSA) (2001–2003) San Diego United (NPSL) (2009) San Diego Loyal SC (USLC) (2020–present) San Diego Wave FC (NWSL) (2022) | |
Facilities and renovations
The South stands feature approximately 1,100 bleacher seats with backs and with press box facilities. The East and North stands are all bleacher seating – the North stands hold about 3,000 fans and the stands behind the East end hold approximately 1,900. The playing surface is "Bandera" Bermuda grass, with soccer dimensions measuring 118 yards x 72 yards, with football conforming to NCAA regulations.
The stadium underwent two phases of renovation to host the WUSA San Diego Spirit. Over $3.5 million was spent to enlarge the seating areas and add spectator comforts. In 2001, the installation of the upgraded lighting system took place, giving Torero illumination for night events. The final steps included the paving of the pedestrian walkway that curves around three-quarters of the stadium and the installation of a new sound system and a video board and scoreboard.
The stadium was planned to undergo renovations in advance of hosting the San Diego Loyal SC team in 2020 to expand the venue to a desired 8,000 seats, however as of 2021 no additions had been made to the seating bowl.[4]
The stadium hosts the new San Diego Wave FC, who began play in 2022.
Former tenants and events
Torero has hosted Major League Soccer and Liga MX exhibition games for the Los Angeles Galaxy, Club Tijuana, Toronto FC and Chivas USA.[5] The stadium was the former home of the San Diego Breakers rugby team. The U.S. women's national soccer team has also played friendlies at the stadium.[5] The WUSA San Diego Spirit women's soccer team played at Torero from 2001 to 2003. Torero hosted the 2012 women's college cup soccer tournament.[6]
Since 2002, the venue has hosted The First 4 men's college lacrosse invitational. The New England Patriots used the stadium as their practice facility for the week leading up to their game with the San Diego Chargers on December 7, 2014.[7]
References
- "Women's pro soccer coming to San Diego in 2022". San Diego Union-Tribune. June 8, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
- "Women's pro soccer coming to San Diego in 2022". June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- Herrera, Sandra (December 15, 2021). "NWSL expansion team San Diego Wave FC unveil official crest". CBSSports.com. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
- "Second-division USL team in San Diego prepares to start in 2020". San Diego Union-Tribune. September 17, 2019.
- "Torero Stadium Prepares for National Close-up", November 27, 2012.
- "North Carolina vs Penn State DI Women's Soccer Game Summary - December 2nd, 2012 | NCAA.com". www.ncaa.com.
- Whitmer, Michael (December 4, 2014). "Patriots get to work on the practice field in San Diego". The Boston Globe. Retrieved August 5, 2019.
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