UNT track & field, soccer complex aiming for summer 2018 completion

Construction has begun on a new track & field and soccer stadium complex at the University of North Texas.

The $13.6 million sand-based soccer field and eight-lane track will be located in Mean Green Village near the Waranch Tennis Complex. It is expected to be complete by August 2018.

Several proactive efforts are being made to mitigate construction issues, and to maintain consideration for the surrounding community.

During construction, work hours will be limited from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The soil will be watered during excavation to minimize dust and a silt fence will be used to mitigate soil erosion. A 6-foot chain link fence has been installed around the site for public safety.

Other efforts include:

Traffic/parking

  • Main entrance will be off Walt Parker to minimize traffic on Willowwood.
  • The existing lot adjacent to Waranch Tennis Complex will be expanded to accommodate 114 spaces.

Lighting

  • LED stadium lighting will use customized optics to minimize off-site light spill and glare.
  • Parking lot lighting will have cut-offs to prevent light spillage into the neighborhood.
  • Pedestrian lighting will be on the west, more than 600 feet from neighborhood, and also will meet cut-off requirements to reduce light pollution.
  • Field events only occur during the day so there will be no lighting in that area.

Noise

  • Field events are usually less noisy so these will be placed closest to the neighborhood.
  • Grandstands face west so spectator noise will be directed away from the neighborhood.
  • The track and soccer field will be at a lower elevation than the field events for further sound and visual buffer.
  • Many of the trees and landscape remain to serve as a natural noise buffer. Additional trees will be added. Some landscape berms were added at the eastern edge.
  • The facility will be secured to limit unauthorized use during the evening.

Visual

  • A minimum of 400 feet will be maintained between the site and the eastern neighbors.
  • Public areas of the field house will be located on the west side of the building, furthest from neighborhood.
  • Intramural recreational fields originally planned for this site will be moved to a different site, further from the neighborhood.
  • Landscaping adjacent to the neighborhood will be designed to have the original golf course appeal and appearance.

 

 

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