MORAGA, Calif. -- With the construction of the new Athletics and Recreation Corridor near the school's front entrance, visitors to Saint Mary's College get a quick glimpse of the progress taking place on campus.

One of the projects that will have a significant impact on students and sports teams at Saint Mary's that visitors might not see is the recent opening of an all-weather surface multi-use field adjacent to Saint Mary's Stadium.

Tucked back in the Northwest corner of campus, the field will provide year-round training and competition opportunities for intramurals, club and recreational sports and intercollegiate athletics. In addition, the field will serve as the competitive facility for the Saint Mary's women's lacrosse program.

"Everyone associated with the women's lacrosse program is very excited and feels privileged to be able to compete on the new turf field this season," said Gaels head coach Lauren Uhr. "The new facility confirms the commitment of our department in taking this program to the next level and we are excited to start preparing for a competitive season."

The field, designed by Verde Design, Inc. and installed by Carone & Company, Inc., features a state-of-the-art Mondo Sport Turf artificial surface that provides field use regardless of weather conditions. Construction workers broke ground on the renovation in early June and are currently putting the finishing touches on the project - including the installation of lights.

On Monday, the First Year Class officially opened the field with the school's annual Labor Day, First-Year Olympics. After Fr. Tom McElligott officially blessed the field, first-year Saint Mary's students took part in flag football, dodgeball, soccer and grass (turf) volleyball events.