Bowling Green State University Athletics
Mickey Cochrane Stadium
May 12, 2008 | Men's Soccer
May 12, 2008
One of the many resources available to the Falcon men's and women's soccer teams is the ability to play on one of the Midwest's finest fields. To see for yourself, click HERE
Mickey Cochrane Field, known nationally as one of the country's outstanding soccer facilities, has become even better over the last few years thanks in part to a three-phase project designed to enhance the current complex.
The most recent upgrade to the field was the construction of permanent seats on the west side of the main playing area. The stadium renovation project, financed entirely with private funds, was officially dedicated on Sept. 10, 1995, prior to the men's soccer home opener. A spacious press box was finished a month later. With the addition of portable bleachers from the old grandstand, the complex can seat up to 1,500 spectators.
Phase I of the plan, which was finished in 1993, consisted of the main playing field being completely enclosed with fencing, landscaped with shrubbery, and decorated with signage. New flag staffs and team benches were also added over the course of the season.
Phase II began in 1994 with the installation of a new scoreboard and additional signage. The entire Cochrane Field Project calls for the addition of more permanent seating to the west side and the installation of lights for night contests in the coming years (phase III). The field renovation project was originally conceived in 1988 by former Falcon men's head coach Gary Palmisano who passed away in December, 1994. Under his guidance, hard work, and patience, his vision became a reality with the initiation of Phase I.
"Gary wanted the Falcons to have the finest soccer facility available, one that would make each game an event to be enjoyed not only by the players, but also by all those who support BG soccer," said Jean-Marie Wolf Palmisano, wife of the late Gary Palmisano. "He envisioned a stadium to enclose Cochrane Field, a stadium to celebrate the great game of soccer."
Cochrane Field, dedicated Oct. 11, 1980, in honor of BGSU's first men's varsity soccer coach, has been the home of the Falcon men since 1966 and has also been the site of the United States Youth Soccer Association's Olympic Development Program Region II camps over the past decade-plus. The field has also served as the home of the Ohio-North ODP Camp.
The Falcons definitely have an ideal situation for their players to improve their skills with the use of two full-size fields and a small-sided training practice area. The soccer programs also utilize the Field House and its 90-yard indoor turf room and 200-meter track wing for winter conditioning.
The brand-new Sebo Athletic Center, located in the north end zone of Doyt L. Perry Stadium, provides all BGSU student-athletes, including the soccer teams, a place to reach their potential. The new building features an expanded sports medicine and rehabilitation facility as well as a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning area for student-athletes in all 18 varsity sports.