New York, February 26 — Fairfield University will host the official dedication of Rafferty Stadium – its brand-new, state-of-the-art lacrosse venue – on Saturday, March 21st. The Stags will play a doubleheader with the women’s team facing Manhattan at 2:00 p.m., while the men take on Villanova at 5:30 p.m.
The multi-million dollar stadium, first unveiled in regular season competition on February 14, is the result of the dedication and generosity of Fairfield alumni, parents and friends. The stadium is named in recognition of the principal leadership gift by Larry Rafferty (1964), his daughter, Kathleen Rafferty Hay (2003), and his son Michael Rafferty. The field will be named for Tim Conway (1976) and his family for his contribution.
“The ultimate goal for the Fairfield University men’s lacrosse team is simple – to win an NCAA Championship – and that is attainable. I believe that the men’s lacrosse program is on track to be in the top 10 annually,” said Eugene Doris, Fairfield’s Director of Athletics.
“Fairfield University is showing a clear commitment to the lacrosse programs,” said head men’s lacrosse coach Andy Copelan, “and this only helps to solidify our place amongst the elite in our sport. College lacrosse is ever changing, but my belief in our future remains constant. We have much to be excited about and Rafferty Stadium will be at the core of it all.”
The 3,500 seat stadium with grandstands along both sidelines features a beautiful FieldTurf playing surface along with a state-of-the-art lighting system. A Daktronics high-definition video scoreboard has also been installed, along with two team rooms, food, beverage and apparel concessions, restrooms, a box office and an entry plaza all on the ground floor. Rafferty Stadium also features a terrace level with a completely enclosed press box which includes a large media suite, two VIP suites and a production suite to support live streaming as well as the video capabilities of the scoreboard.
The 2015 Men’s Lacrosse team features a pair of Preseason All-America Honorable Mentions by Inside Lacrosse – Colin McLinden (Madison, NJ) and TJ Neubauer (Glen Arm, MD) – a duo joined by Max Buchanan (Wyckoff, NJ) in receiving Preseason All-CAA distinctions.
The Stags are competing in their first season in the CAA on the heels of a 2014 campaign which saw them tie the record for most wins in school history (12). Fairfield was ranked as high as 11th nationally last spring.
The women’s team looks to continue its excellent play in the MAAC under the tutelage of head coach Mike Waldvogel. After capturing a share of the MAAC Regular Season Championship in 2014, they are ranked 3rd in the preseason MAAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Meghan Reda (Pleasantville, NY) and Chelsey Sidarass (Mastic Beach, NY) received Preseason All-MAAC honors this spring after earning First Team All-MAAC laurels in 2014.
The Fairfield women had a great debut in their first game in Rafferty Stadium, taking convincing victory over Sacred Heart by a margin of 11-2.
Fairfield lacrosse season ticket packages and individual game tickets are available now. For more information and for group rates, please contact the athletics ticket office at [email protected]
