The University of Tennessee has always been highly supportive of the addition of women's soccer to its athletics docket, and that dedication was raised another notch with the completion of the new Regal Soccer Stadium. On the site of the old stands is a new grandstand and facilities for the team, spectators and the media.

The new stadium, funded through private donations, including the bulk of money given by Knoxville-based Regal Entertainment Group, features stadium seating for approximately 3,000 fans and concessions stands on both the upper and lower levels. The upgraded facility includes a state-of-the-art scoreboard from Daktronics and a new press box with separate booths for television and/or radio along with phone lines and Internet access.

The grounds still feature two 80 x 120-yard fields with less than a one percent crown on the competition field and television standard lights on the game field. The fields are sod with Bermuda grass and boast total field irrigation. Both home and visiting teams will enjoy new locker rooms built into the stadium that will have a team meeting area. UT also benefits from a players' lounge, featuring a flat screen television, pool table and kitchen area, and a video room with theater seating.

Previously, the site was known as the Tennessee Soccer Complex, where the Lady Vols went 63-21-1 over nine years at the site. Opening day for the complex was Aug. 30, 1996, when the Lady Vols drew a standing-room-only crowd of 2,631 for their inaugural match against Chattanooga. The complex played host to three NCAA Tournament opening-round weekends, with the Lady Vols going 6-0 in those contests. During the Angela Kelly era, dating back to 2000, UT is an impressive 51-8-2 (.852) on its home turf. At Regal Soccer Stadium in 2006, UT compiled an impressive 9-1-1 (.864) record.

The Orange and White will host seven matches in its 12th season, highlighted by the First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic Aug. 31-Sept. 2 that will include Central Florida, Minnesota and Penn State. The Lady Vols open against perennial power Penn State, while Southeastern Conference rivals South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Mississippi State and Auburn all visit Rocky Top.

Regal Soccer Stadium Quick Facts 
Dedicated: 2007
Capacity: 3,000
Surface: Bermuda Grass
Dimensions: 80 x 120

LADY VOL FIRSTS AT HOME 
Match: Chattanooga, 8/30/96
Victory: Chattanooga, 8/30/96 (7-0)
Shutout: Chattanooga, 8/30/96 (7-0)
Goal: Whitney Rayburn vs. Chattanooga, 8/30/96, from Heather Handel & Debbie Markovich at 5:35
Hat Trick: Whitney Rayburn vs. Chattanooga, 8/30/96
SEC Match: Vanderbilt, 9/1/96 (0-4)
SEC Victory: South Carolina, 9/27/96 (3-2)
SEC Shutout: South Carolina, 10/19/97 (1-0)
Televised Match: Georgia, 10/25/98 (3-2) -- FOX Sports South
NCAA Match: Furman, 11/15/02 (5-0)

DIRECTIONS TO REGAL SOCCER STADIUM 

From north (Lexington): 
Enter Knoxville on I-75 South to I-275 South. Take the I-40 Exit towards Asheville. Once on I-40 East, take James White Parkway Exit (you will exit off of the left side of the interstate). Follow signs to Neyland Drive. After going approximately 1 mile on Neyland Drive and crossing over Lake Loudon intersection, turn RIGHT onto Leinard Lane. Soccer fields will be in front on the left.

From TYS Airport: 
Take 129 North (Alcoa Hwy.) toward Knoxville. After traveling approximately 13 miles, take the Neyland Dr. Exit. Turn LEFT at the traffic light onto Neyland Drive. Turn LEFT onto Leinard Lane. Soccer fields will be in front on the left.

From West (Nashville): 
Take I-40 East to the Airport/Smoky Mountain (129 South) Exit #386B. Merge Right and pass Kingston exit. Get off on the next exit-Neyland Dr. Turn Left onto Neyland Dr. and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Leinard Dr. Soccer fields will be in front on the left.

From East (Asheville): 
Take I-40 West. Once on I-40 West, take James White Parkway Exit (you will exit off of the left side of the interstate). Follow signs to Neyland Drive. After going approximately 1 mile on Neyland Drive and crossing over lake Loudon intersection, turn RIGHT onto Leinard Lane. Soccer fields will be in front on the left.

From South (Chattanooga): 
Take I-75 North. Merge Right onto I-40 East towards Knoxville. Take the Airport/Smoky Mountain (129 South) Exit #386B. Merge Right and pass Kingston exit. Get off on the next exit-Neyland Dr. Turn Left onto Neyland Dr. and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Leinard Dr. Soccer fields will be in front on the left.