UL’s ‘field of dreams’

The University of Limerick’s reputation as Ireland’s leading sporting amenity has been furthered with the development of a state-of-the-art, all-weather sports facility on the Clare side of the college campus.
The new €9 million facility is the largest all-weather sports field complex in Europe. This multi-purpose, fully floodlit synthetic grass park contains third-generation pitches including two soccer, one rugby and two GAA pitches. Third-generation all-weather surfaces play like natural grass and are designed for full contact. Each full-size pitch can be sub-divided to create smaller-sized playing areas for various sports. This is the largest artificial grass development in Ireland to date, designed to IRB, GAA and FIFA specifications.
David Mahedy, director of sport and recreation, welcomed the development, saying, “This is a real life ‘Field of Dreams’ come true that is a top-quality unique facility for every player in every code to experience and enjoy. Training and especially matches can now be accommodated in all weathers and at all times on the university’s latest state-of-the-art sports facility, which we have dubbed our very own ‘Team Park’.”
Player comfort is a priority and this synthetic surface is unlike most others as it reduces the risk of injuries caused by other hard or uneven surfaces. In addition to new playing fields, the sports pavilion building incorporates changing rooms, squad rooms and coaching rooms, together with bar, restaurant and conference facilities. 
The development is being funded from a number of sources including income raised from the operation of the facility and from funding generated by campus-based commercial activities.
The playing pitches opened in July 2011 with the sports pavilion expected to open in November. The new facility is available to the general public as well as the campus community. For bookings, contact 061-213555.