Murphey Soccer Stadium

However, that nomad existence ended on Sept. 15, 1996, as the Wildcats hosted the University of San Francisco on their own field, the John and Helen Murphey Soccer Stadium. The Cats fell to the Lady Dons, 2-0, in a hard-fought contest, but the match marked another successful step for the young Arizona soccer program. The U of A's first victory at Murphey Stadium was a 2-0 shutout of Wyoming on Sept. 30, 1996, and the Wildcats finished their first year in the facility with a 1-6-1 mark on their home field.

Murphey Stadium is located at the corner of Plumer Avenue and 15th Street, adjacent to Drachman Track. In the off-season, the field is shared with the Department of Campus Recreation for intramural and other student activities. However, once practice begins in the fall, fencing is installed in order to ensure the facility is maintained at a level befitting a major intercollegiate soccer program.

The grading and sodding of the field and installation of lights for night play was made possible by the generous assistance of Tucson's Murphey . The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has plans for further improvements at Murphey Soccer Stadium as additional private support becomes available. The next phase of development could include permanent bleachers, rest rooms, concession and team buildings, as well as lighting enhancements.