The University of Southern California (USC) has announced a $10 million gift from the Fritz B. Burns Foundation to support the completion of a new stadium for women’s soccer and lacrosse.

The gift will support the $38 million project—scheduled to begin by the end of the year—to build Rawlinson Stadium, which will replace and expand upon Soni McAlister Field, the current home of the USC women’s lacrosse and soccer teams. Named after the family of Los Angeles philanthropist Joseph Rawlinson, the stadium will feature natural grass with a total capacity of 2,500—including spectator viewing decks and social spaces, a state-of-the-art press box, spectator restrooms, a box office, concession stands, and a formal entry plaza. The stadium will also have new, dedicated locker rooms for the soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as a team meeting area, sports medicine space, a nutrition fueling bar, and a meeting space for coaches. The field will feature an LED video board, stadium-wide audio system, and field lights. USC’s women’s soccer team has won two national championships, and despite only playing for the past decade, the women’s lacrosse team already has participated in five NCAA tournaments.

“Rawlinson Stadium will be the place for the Women of Troy to dazzle us with their athletic prowess even more,” said USC president Carol L. Folt. “I love making this announcement during a milestone year: the 50th anniversary of Title IX. USC’s commitment to women in sports is stronger than ever.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/matimix)