Torero Stadium is a 6,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in San Diego, California. It was built in 1961 and serves as the home of the University of San Diego football team, which plays in the NCAA Pioneer Football League, the University of San Diego soccer team, which plays in the NCAA West Coast Conference, San Diego Loyal SC of the USL Championship, and San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby.
 | |
| Location | 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 32°46′23″N 117°11′01″W / 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) | |
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.[citation needed] 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 is 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.[1]
Former tenants and events
Torero has hosted Major League Soccer exhibition games for the Los Angeles Galaxy, Club Tijuana, Toronto FC and Chivas USA.[2] 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.[2] 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.[3]
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.[4]
See also
References
- ^ "Second-division USL team in San Diego prepares to start in 2020". San Diego Union-Tribune. September 17, 2019.
- ^ a b "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.