The University of Michigan Soccer Complex, which seats 2,200 maize-clad fans, will celebrate its official grand opening this Friday for the women's soccer team's game against Massachusetts at 5 p.m.

There will be a ceremony prior to the game, during which the lengthy transition to a new age of Wolverine soccer will be completed. The complex includes a brand-new stadium as well as two practice fields and is home to the men's and women's programs. While the complex opened in 2008, construction on the state-of-the-art stadium did not begin until early 2010. Coaches and players alike are thrilled to reap the benefits of the new stadium.

“Recruits come out and say 'Wow, I want to play on this field,'” Michigan coach Greg Ryan said. “We've had players come out and just touch the grass.”

The facility, which the Athletic Department built for $6 million from Intercollegiate Athletics resources and gifts, is located just south of the University of Michigan Golf Course on South State Street.

“It's definitely the nicest, if not easily top five,” redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer said of the stadium, comparing it to others. “Everything about it feels great.”

Visually noticeable as one enters the spacious playing field is how close the stands are to both sidelines. This will help create an exciting atmosphere to parallel the up-tempo brand of soccer the Wolverines play.

The student section will have a permanent home in the stadium's south stands. Many expect a definitive home-field advantage for both the men's and women's teams as a roof over a majority of the seating area will trap sound inside of the stadium.

Although the first game at the new stadium took place on Aug. 20 against Detroit, the opening ceremony on Friday will officially mark the beginning of a new era of Michigan soccer. A Sunday contest against Youngstown State will wrap up the weekend action for the women's squad, currently sitting at 3-1-2.

Members of the coaching staff expect that having such a top-notch facility will enable the program to be competitive for years to come.

“It's a huge recruiting bonus for us to have a stadium of this quality,” Ryan said.