EDINBURG – The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Tuesday that the new on-campus soccer and track & field complex, located west of the UTPA Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex and south of Region One Education Service Center, will officially open on Friday when the UTPA women's soccer team hosts Chicago State at 4 p.m.
 
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening at 3 p.m.
 
Parking is available at the new complex with access from Jackson Rd. If necessary, overflow parking will be available at Region One at 1900 W. Schunior St.
 
The pre-match festivities will continue at 3:45, as Val LaMantia Peisen will take the field to present a check for the inaugural William D. Peisen Endowed Scholarship for Intercollegiate Soccer, a scholarship that provides a minimum of one scholarship for women's soccer and one for men's soccer each year. To be eligible for this scholarship, prospective recipients must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have graduated from a high school in the Rio Grande Valley, maintain good academic standing as determined by the University, and maintain NCAA minimum eligibility requirements (if already enrolled).
 
LaMantia Peisen made a $275,000 leadership gift to establish the scholarship when UTPA Athletics announced the start of soccer on Feb. 6, 2013.
 
Shortly after the check presentation, a group of UTPA men's soccer alumni will be honored on the field. Starting lineups, the presentation of the colors by the UTPA Army ROTC, and the national anthem will then precede the start of play.
 
At halftime, the College of Health Science and Human Services will be honored as the official college sponsor of UTPA women's soccer.
 
Additionally, Friday's match will include competition in the Student Government Association Olympics while also serving as a University Programming Board Game Day.
 
The Broncs are also hosting a pre-match tailgate party for Physical Plant in appreciation of their hard work to get the complex ready.
 
Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling UTPA Athletics Corporate Sponsorship & Ticket Operations Manager David Riggs at (956) 665-3747. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office on match day.
 
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults – $5
Senior Citizens and High School Students – $4
Children – $3
UTPA Students, Faculty & Staff – Free

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