On Oct. 8, 2010, prior to Kent State’s women’s soccer game against Eastern Michigan, Kent State dedicated Zoeller Field in recognition of the former KSU student-athlete’s contributions to the soccer program.

Phase 1 of the Zoeller Field upgrade, completed in the fall of 2010, included an 833-person capacity bleacher system with handicapped-accessible seating. Phase 2, which will be completed in the summer of 2011, will feature new fencing, signage, landscaping and an esplanade entrance.

Zoeller Field has served as the home for the KSU women’s soccer team since its inception in 1997. Previously the home for the field hockey squad, the natural grass field was constructed in 1990.

Additional features to the field included a permanent scoreboard and team dugouts in 1998 and press box in 2007.

Often called one of the best pitches of grass in Ohio by opposing teams and officials, Zoeller Field has provided a significant home-field advantage for Kent State. After capturing its first home win against Miami Sept. 20, 1997, the Golden Flashes have clipped off 70 home wins and a .623 winning percentage. KSU has also hosted three MAC Tournament games at the Kent State Soccer Field. The team captured its 100th program victory at home against Akron in 2008.

Ronald K. Zoeller (pronounced ZELL-er), a midfielder from 1965-67 for Kent State, graduated in 1969 with a degree in political science. Zoeller has remained committed to his alma mater since his graduation, providing philanthropic support for not only Kent State athletics but his fraternity of Tau Kappa Epsilon as well. A native of Buffalo, N.Y. and a businessperson in his hometown, Zoeller currently serves as a board member of the National Athletic Development Council.

Directions From I-71 or I-77 or I-271 To I-480 East: I-480 becomes St. Rt.14. Stay on St. Rt. 14 into Streetsboro (Interstate map). Take St. Rt. 43 south from Streetsboro to Kent (5 miles). Stay on Rt. 43 to St. Rt. 59 (Haymaker Parkway). Turn left onto St. Rt. 59. Stay on St. Rt. 59 past campus to St. Rt. 261 (just over 2 miles). Turn right onto St. Rt. 261. At the 1st traffic light turn left. Soccer Field and the Field House is on your left just past Dix Stadium.

Directions From I-71 / I-77 To I-76 East To State Rt. 43 North: Follow St. Rt. 43 to St. Rt. 261 (less than 2 miles). Turn right onto St. Rt. 261. Turn right at 2nd traffic light onto Summit Road. Soccer Field and the Field House is on your left just past Dix Stadium.

Directions From I-76 West To State Rt. 43 North: Stay on St. Rt. 43 to St. Rt. 261 (less than 2 miles). Turn right onto St. Rt. 261. Turn right at 2nd traffic light onto Summit Road. Soccer Field and the Field House is on your left just past Dix Stadium.

Directions From State Rt. 59: Turn left onto St. Rt. 261. Follow  St. Rt. 261 to 1st traffic light. Turn left onto Summit Road. Soccer Field and the Field House is on your left just past Dix Stadium.

Directions From I-76 To State Rt. 43 North: Stay on St. Rt. 43 North to Kent (less than 2 miles) to the intersection with St Rt. 261. Turn right onto St. Rt. 261. Turn right at 2nd traffic light onto Summit Road. Soccer Field and the Field House is on your left just past Dix Stadium.

Directions From State Rt. 261 To Summit Road: Turn right onto Summit Road. Soccer Field and the Field House is on your left just past Dix Stadium.

Directions From Ohio Turnpike To Exit 187: Take St. Rt. 14 to Streetsboro (Interstate map). Take St. Rt. 43 south to Kent (5 miles). Stay on St. Rt. 43 to St. Rt. 59 (Haymaker Parkway). Turn left onto St. Rt. 59. Stay on St. Rt. 59 past campus to St. Rt. 261 (just over 2 miles). Turn right onto St. Rt. 261. At the 1st traffic light turn left onto Summit Road. Soccer Field and the Field House is on your left just past Dix Stadium.