Lancaster

[beentheredonethat]

Spent yesterday at the new facility in Lancaster. Fields are very very nice but I have two disappointments with the complex. One, the long trek up the hill to the parking lot is a major bummer and two, there is absolutely no shade or shelter. The artificial fields radiate a whole lot of heat and there is really no place to escape it or the sun. In fact the turf was so hot yesterday that my daughter actually got blisters standing in goal.

That is why the season ends in June. Go to the beach, or play at night.

That is why the season ends in June. Go to the beach, or play at night.

Yes, we know that MAPLE is the only soccer that should be allowed. The new complex should only be used by MAPLE and closed to others after State Cups. Any one that would want to play soccer during the summer must be crazy, or worse yet, they could be one of the DS or Super Y kids.

The complaints about turf are universal and apply to virtually all the turf fields in MA (Sorry about the blisters)

The Lexington fields radiate heat as well. It may the that the extra rubber pellets on the Lancaster fields contribute to the heat.

As for the lack of trees/shade - there's not much room next to the fields. Unfortunately this is often the case at these massive facilities. Eventually when the grass fields near the concession stand open, hopefully tents can be erected

People in Massachusetts should be proud of this facility. When the Region 1 callback was held in Lancaster a few weeks back, everyone there could not stop talking about what a wonderful facility it is; better than anything else they have seen.

Once the grass fields are ready, maybe games in the intense heat will be played on them to minimize heat coming from the surface.

However, let's call it for what it is - Lancaster is a great facility!

Note to self... plant shade trees near turf fields where possible..

[Fred Marks]

Fred M. ^ I checked just before I submitted and I was logged in..I swear!

Note to self... plant shade trees near turf fields where possible..

Just make sure those trees are made of plastic so they will match. It also help to bury plastic worms and ants around the base of the trees.

[Fred Marks]

I agree with BTDT about the massive climb up the stairs being a drag ... other than that I really like the design. Maybe at some point they can do a little landscaping on the hillside so people can sit there and take advantage of that shade. During the State Cup the heat on the fields was problematic.

[JustForFun]

What climb? I have been there numerous times and never noticed a climb. Do you mean the two ramps from the turf fields to the parking lots? Come on. That is not a climb. What are you guys talking about? Do you wiegh 300lbs? FSM has not complained about the climb, are you guys weaker than FSM? Winge, winge, winge - you sound like my partner. That is such a small issue for such beautiful fields and such a beautiful complex. I am just hoping we can get rid of States at UMass. I will climb that walkway 100 times if we can stop playing the Round Robin of the State Cup at UMass.

People in Massachusetts should be proud of this facility. When the Region 1 callback was held in Lancaster a few weeks back, everyone there could not stop talking about what a wonderful facility it is; better than anything else they have seen.

Once the grass fields are ready, maybe games in the intense heat will be played on them to minimize heat coming from the surface.

However, let's call it for what it is - Lancaster is a great facility!

DITTO!! This is a magnificent facility! There are what, 50 yards of graded stairs to climb? My kid just finished playing D Select there this w/e and all the team was thrilled to be on such a nice field at a great complex. The parents marveled at the set up and handled those stairs with ease. As for shade, bring a tent

Is anyone else scratching their heads about why there isnt at least 1 field with lights?

[Fred Marks]

I asked and was told that there was an issue with neighbors and that it is hoped that can be accomplished in the future.

[MASC]

In other areas the turf fields are watered down before games and sometimes at half time.

I think with more experience with the fields will come some adjustments to better accomodate play in the heat of the day.

State Cup semi's and finals last year were at Holliston on the turf fields and it was well over 100 deg.'s on the fields. The games were stopped every 20 minutes or so to allow the players to rehydrate. Several players suffered from heat exhaustion. Such did have a significant impact on the outcomes (interesting that no one commented about it).

I asked and was told that there was an issue with neighbors and that it is hoped that can be accomplished in the future.

The only neighbor I saw though was that car dealership...anyway, thanks Fred.