The word around Grounds is that Klöckner Stadium is a great place to play and watch Cavalier sports. Home to men's and women's soccer and lacrosse, thestate-of-the-art complex has helped keep winning traditions in Charlottesville for the past 11 years.
The premier stadium was unveiled on August 30, 1992, thanks to a generous $1.2 million donation that covered a substantial percentage of the $3.4 million project. The donation was made by the Klöckner Group, an established industrial conglomerate specializing in steel, machinery, equipment, and packaging materials. Klöckner's headquarters are in Germany, yet they operate several smaller manufacturing plants throughout the United States. One of these plants is located in Gordonsville, Va., approximately 20 miles from Charlottesville.
With a capacity of 8,000, fans can sit either on the field-side grass hill or the permanent grandstand.
"The grass hill is attractive to our fan base," Jason Bowman, a facilities management representative, said.
The complex is comprised of a regulation-size natural grass field, team locker rooms, a press box, an indoor VIP box, a scoreboard, concession stands and restrooms.
Night games have been played at Klöckner since 1995, when the Klöckner Group installed a lighting system. The women's soccer team's first night game September 27, 1995 was a memorable experience. Playing the previously unbeaten 8-0 Maryland, Virginia played one of their best games of the season, shutting out the visiting No. 6 Terrapins by a score of 4-0.
Yet the success found at Klöckner has not been limited to this Virginia team. All Cavalier teams that call Klöckner home have enjoyed success there. In 2002, the men's soccer team finished with a 12-1 record at Klöckner (15-7 overall).The women's soccer teams have also established a tradition of strong play at Klöcker, winning seven out of 10 home games in 2002.
The men's and women's lacrosse teams are currently dominating the nation, ranked fifth and fourth, respectively. The players have recognized the importance of a stadium like Klöckner.
"I think Klöckner gives us a great home-field advantage," men's second-year attackman John Christmas said. "Just seeing all the fans on the hillside, just seeing everyone pouring in--it's just a great place to play. I can honestly say it's the best place to play in the country for college lacrosse."
Klöckner's environment has proven to be an asset for the men's lacrosse team. This season, they boast a 4-1 record at home, with the sole loss to Maryland coming by a single goal.
Amy Appelt, second-year attack for the women's lacrosse team, also praises the environment at the stadium.
"It's the most amazing atmosphere ever," Appelt said. "You walk out and you see your bright uniform shining and the bright grass. And the way the hill is set up on a sunny day, its great to have fans coming in and cheering for you."
With the widely-held belief that Klöckner is a world-class stadium and a great home field is widely held. Klöckner stadium is the ideal backdrop for dedicated Cavalier fans and players keeping Virginia's competitive edge alive.
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