The home of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has a new name, as it will be known as Weidner Field starting with the 2017 season.
The change in identity for the facility comes after the Switchbacks FC and Weidner Apartment Homes agreed to a naming rights deal for the former Switchbacks Stadium.
“We are very pleased and honored the whole Weidner Apartment Homes team, has chosen the Colorado Springs Switchbacks to tell the story of Weidner Apartment Homes,” said Switchbacks president Nick Ragain. He then went on to proclaim the Switchbacks Stadium would now be known as Weidner Field for the upcoming season and near future.
“Dean [Weidner] told me that Colorado Springs has a place in his heart, and once you come here you’ll want to come back,” said Weidner Apartment Homes Vice President – Public Relations, Greg Cerbana “We’ve chosen to have our Weidner brand represented here and merged with the Switchbacks, thanks to the dramatic growth of soccer and the Switchbacks being a family organization. We are excited to be apart of this and the community as the Switchbacks work to bring a championship to Colorado Springs.”
Weidner Field was originally built in 1985 at what is considered Coleman Park in a joint effort between the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the City of Colorado Springs. The intent was for the facility to be the host to US International matches and higher level competitive events.
On June 14, 2014 the Colorado Springs City Council approved an agreement with the Switchbacks that gave the new USL franchise a ten-year lease on the site. The Switchbacks FC performed a $3.0M renovation of the stadium that incorporated a 5,000 seat venue, press box, enhanced sports lighting, suite seating, broad cement concourses, restrooms, locker rooms, administrative offices, concessions and public Wi-Fi. The Switchbacks continue improvements for 2016 by adding an LED display and concourse improvements that include shade awnings.
Image courtesy Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.