A new facility for Union athletics opened this year, replacing the home of the women’s and men’s ice hockey teams for the past 50 years. Brooks Field at Achilles Center now offers an on-campus indoor turf facility for Union’s varsity and club teams. The turf field allows teams greater flexibility in practice times throughout the winter season and alleviates the need to travel off campus to accommodate training schedules.
The new field features permanent lines for both small and large sided soccer fields, outlines for lacrosse fields, and additional configurations for other sports. Although the year has just begun, the facility is already heavily booked with varsity practices, club activities, and outside recreational organizations. Schedules are displayed outside the turf area near the offices and bathrooms for easy access.
In addition to the main turf field, the upper levels of Achilles Center have been converted to additional batting and pitching areas for baseball and softball teams.
Brooks Field provides expanded opportunities for student athletes and campus groups in need of indoor turf space. In the past, many teams traveled long distances to practice on turf during the winter or modified training to fit on basketball courts. Now, Union student-athletes are better equipped to develop their skills during the off-season and prepare for competitive play.
