Jorge Prats Field Renovations

Soccer at Knox

The Prairie Fire men's and women's soccer teams have proven themselves in the Midwest Conference and have garnered national attention. Now, Knox has an unprecedented opportunity to make itself a premier destination for serious and competitive soccer players who are also looking for an academically rigorous college education.

As we recruit, we are competing for top student-athletes against our Midwest Conference rivals like St. Norbert and Lake Forest, and also against schools with national reputations, such as Kenyon and Trinity. Knox does so from a competitive disadvantage, however, because each of those schools can offer top prospects something we cannot—larger, newer, state-of-the-art soccer facilities. This project aims to level that playing field (so to speak).

Prats Field Renovation Plan

The renovation plan is a phased approach.  Phase one will:

• Replace the grass field with synthetic turf
• Add fencing around the entire field

Phase two will:

• Install lighting for early morning and evening practice and play
• Add windscreens to the fencing
• Install scoring table
• Install new bleacher seating
• Upgrade scoreboard and install upgraded sound system
• Align landscaping and entry arch with other athletic facilities at Knox, including Knosher Bowl and Trevor Field/Turner Track

We estimate these enhancements will cost about $1.5 million. The first phase is estimated at $1 million and thanks to the generosity of more than 60 alumni, we are within $300,000 of that goal. While fundraising for phase one continues, the new turf and fencing were installed during summer 2018 and the field  dedication will be held Family & Friends Weekend, September 29.  

Upon completion of phases one and two, decisions will be made concerning a final phase—to add a press box and storage facility.

For more information on making a gift for Jorge Prats Field, contact the Office of Advancement at 888-566-9265 or e-mail gifts@knox.edu. Or make your gift now.

Phase 1: The renovated Prats Soccer Field features synthetic turf, allowing for both practice and game play on the same venue in all types of weather.

The proposed arched gateway to the soccer field replicates similar gateways at the Knosher Bowl and Trevor Field/Turner Track.

Lights allow for expanded practice opportunities and expanded options for scheduling games later in the day or evenings.