COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Enhancing fan experience is the motive behind facility renovations underway this summer at the Tennessee Tech Soccer Field.

Crews have been hard at work on the facility, putting down concrete on the west side of the field in preparation to move bleachers from the east side to the west. The team benches as well as the scorers’ facility will move to the east side for the 2011 season.

“Since we play afternoon games, the sun used to set in our fans’ faces,” says coach Daniel Brizard, who embarks on his second season with the Golden Eagles this fall. “With the switch, it will be at their backs, and it will be better for spectator viewing. We wanted to make our games more fan-friendly, and we hope to attract more spectators who wouldn’t have come because they didn’t want to battle the sun.”

With the installation of a concrete walkway just west of the field, the playing surface will shift several feet to the east in order to ensure the safety of players.

Fans will also enjoy a new scoreboard, which was installed at the field earlier this summer. The playing surface has been leveled as well, removing some of the bumps and dips and making for a smoother field for the Golden Eagles and their opponents.

“We’re excited,” said Brizard. “These changes won't affect the soccer team too much, but we think the fans will like the enhancements.”

Tech opens the 2011 season on the road with an exhibition match at Alabama A&M on Thursday, Aug. 11. The first home match of the season is set for Friday, Aug. 19 as the Golden Eagles will play host to UT Chattanooga at 4 p.m. Tech will then take the field again Sunday, Aug. 21, to host Belmont at 1 p.m.

Admission is free for all of Tech's regular season home soccer matches.