New London – The Colby-sawyer College men’s soccer team inaugurated the college’s new athletic field lights Tuesday evening, September 9, in a contest against Thomas College. The addition marks a significant upgrade to the campus’s athletic facilities and opens new possibilities for both student-athletes and the wider community.
The project, years in the making, culminates a vision to enhance training and competition opportunities while increasing accessibility for fans and families. Jen McKillop, director of athletics, described the occasion’s theme as: “New lights. Same Charger energy. Grab your shades. Charge on and light up the night!” McKillop flipped the switch to illuminate the field just before the 7:00 p.m. kickoff, timed with a sunset at 7:08 p.m.
The installation was made possible by a generous pledge from Veitch, whose earlier support enabled the construction of the track and multi-sport artificial turf field. In March, New London voters amended the town’s zoning ordinance in the Institutional – Recreational zone to permit the lighting project.
“The lights will not only enhance our training and competition opportunities, but we will also be able to host events that are more accessible to fans and families,” McKillop said previously. “This is a win for everyone involved, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the positive impact it will have.”
Following the men’s soccer game,the women’s soccer squad is scheduled to play under the lights versus Keene State at 7 p.m.on Tuesday, September 16.