BGSU Athletics Announces Cochrane Stadium Renovation Project

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -- Bowling Green State University Athletics has officially announced the Cochrane Stadium Renovation Project. The project will include an enhanced entrance to Cochrane Stadium as well as field upgrades. The project is set to improve the student-athlete experience while celebrating the history and tradition of Falcon Soccer and Lacrosse.

The project has been made possible by more than $770,000 raised during a quiet phase of the campaign. The progress includes a generous leadership gift of $500,000 from Mike and Jan Wilcox, a significant step towards the established goal of over $1 million for this project.

"This project is a historic step in the history of Cochrane Stadium," said Vice President of Athletics Strategy Derek van der Merwe. "Both our men's and women's soccer programs as well as our historic lacrosse program have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality to further enhance our game day experience. Telling the history of these programs has been at the forefront of this project and we're excited to share this with our Bowling Green community."

Cochrane Renovations Interior

*Renderings are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change.

The project serves to preserve and enhance one of BGSU Athletics' historic facilities with improvements that impact the experience of current and future student-athletes while strengthening recruiting and the success of both soccer programs, embodying the championship-level standard that the historic lacrosse program set. The new enhancements will create a welcoming destination for alumni, fans and supporters while celebrating the legacy of Mickey Cochrane and the history of BGSU Soccer and Lacrosse.

"A huge thank you to Mike and Jan Wilcox and everyone who helped make this happen," said head men's soccer coach Eric Nichols. "This is so much more than a plaza. It's a lasting tribute to Mickey Cochrane, the incredible impact he's had on so many lives, including my own, and to everyone who has competed on this field and helped build its legacy."

The renovations will contain multiple components, including the addition of a Cochrane Plaza entry way as well as renovations to the playing surface. The new entrance will celebrate and honor history with ten brick pillars featuring plaques recognizing championship teams, All-Americans, distinguished alumni and other major accomplishments throughout the storied success of Bowling Green Soccer and Lacrosse. It will also create a gathering place for alumni and supporters before events and serve as a future location to recognize future achievements and donors.

As for the playing surface, improvements will include enhanced field drainage and irrigation uniformity to reduce inconsistencies in turf conditions and create a more level and smooth playing surface. The improvements will increase player safety and promote a healthier turf and root growth. These upgrades will increase the durability and lifespan of the natural grass surface, creating a championship-caliber playing field to serve both soccer programs.

"The Cochrane Stadium Renovation Project is an investment in the future of Bowling Green Soccer," said head women's soccer coach Chris Fox. "Every improvement we make strengthens the experience for our student-athletes, enhances our ability to recruit exceptional young women, and reinforces the momentum of our program. At the same time, this project honors the generations of Falcons who built our tradition. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who has made this vision possible as we continue moving Bowling Green Soccer forward. Forward Falcons."

The addition of the Cochrane Plaza and new playing surface will continue to build upon the lasting legacy that coach Mickey Cochrane established at BGSU. With the Cochrane Plaza construction underway, the campaign will now shift toward the next phase of funding, focusing on the field renovation project. Support for this project will honor the past, support our current student-athletes and create spaces for future generations of Falcon athletes. Naming opportunities remain available through the project, providing alumni, former student-athletes, and supporters with the chance to leave a lasting legacy at Cochrane Stadium while investing in the future of BGSU Soccer.

A dedication event will be held this fall with event details to be shared soon. Individuals interested in leaving their legacy and supporting the Cochrane Stadium Renovation Project or learning more about available naming opportunities are encouraged to contact Nathan Anderson, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, at nander @bgsu.edu or 419-372-9446.

Cochrane Renovations Exterior

*Renderings are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change.

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BGSU Athletics Announces Cochrane Stadium Renovation Project

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