Marquette receives $1 million gift for new stadium

• by Soccer America , Jun 9, 2007

Thanks to a lead gift of $1 million from KBS Construction, Inc., and its chairman, Dennis Klein, Marquette launched a campaign for a new soccer stadium to be named for the Klein family.

The new stadium, to be constructed on the current home Valley Fields, will feature a top-quality natural-grass pitch, partially covered spectator seating, team locker and meeting rooms, concessions and restrooms. The cost of the new stadium, which will be funded through private gifts, will total approximately $5 million.

"Two of my greatest loves are Marquette and soccer. One of my greatest joys in recent years has been the opportunity to see my sons play soccer at the collegiate level," Klein said. "My wife and I recognize the important and positive role interscholastic sports can play in a young person's life, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to help develop a premiere soccer facility for Marquette."

"The focus and excitement of a soccer facility that bridges the gap between the new pro soccer stadiums and multi-use high school stadiums is vital for the game at all levels and especially if the collegiate level is to really grow and flourish," said Marquette men's coach Louis Bennett. "The Big East is a progressive league and we are positioning Marquette as a leader and on the cutting edge nationally."