The new sports complex just south of Temple’s Main Campus is nearing completion, with the university’s men’s and women’s soccer teams scheduled as the first to take the field in mid-August at a facility that will also serve intramural and club sports.

The $22 million project, started in September 2015, features two playing fields. The space for field hockey and lacrosse, at the southern end of the property by 13th Street and Girard Avenue, will be named Howarth Field in recognition of a $500,000 gift from former field hockey student-athlete Cherifa Howarth, CPH ’98, and her husband, Greg.  

“We hope our giving inspires others to give, whether to field hockey, athletics or to some other passion they hold,” Cherifa Howarth said. “Temple is an extraordinary and diverse place. We hope others will be inspired to express and support their passions as we have supported ours.”

The northern field, ringed by a publicly accessible track, will serve men’s and women’s soccer, women’s track and field, and men’s and women’s cross country. Each field includes bleachers, a digital scoreboard and press box. An 11,000-square-foot locker room facility separates the fields.

The approximately 10-acre property, which is the site of the former William Penn High School, will also provide much-needed space for intramural and club sports, such as field hockey, lacrosse, soccer and ultimate Frisbee. New sidewalks have been installed, and 40 street trees have been planted around the perimeter of the complex.

Temple is collaborating closely with the Laborers’ District Council Education and Training Apprenticeship Fund on the development of a training facility for council members on a portion of the property fronting North Broad Street. In addition to practical job training, Temple and the council are working together to define additional educational services that will be provided at the facility to council members and the surrounding community.

Temple will provide police and security resources for the new addition to Main Campus. The Department of Campus Safety Services is extending its patrol boundary south from Jefferson Street to Girard Avenue between 13th and Broad streets.

The new sports complex is one of a number of new and renovated facilities designed to enhance the experience of Temple student-athletes. Other recent projects include expansion of the Resnick Academic Support Center, the renovation of McGonigle Hall, and renovations to locker rooms, athletic training and strength and conditioning rooms.

“Outstanding facilities are essential to the cultivation of exceptional athletic programs,” said Director of Athletics Patrick Kraft.

A dedication event is scheduled for September.