Unveiling the World Wide Technology Soccer Park: Essential Facts You Need to Know

Ever wondered about the heart of soccer in the Midwest? Nestled in Fenton, Missouri, the World Wide Technology Soccer Park isn't just a collection of fields; it's a vibrant hub steeped in history and a cornerstone of the St. Louis soccer community. But what truly makes this complex stand out? If you're looking for comprehensive World Wide Technology Soccer Park facts, from its impressive facilities to its rich legacy, you've come to the right place.

This article will dive deep into the fascinating details of this premier soccer destination, offering insights into its evolution, its state-of-the-art amenities, and its significant impact on the sport. Get ready to discover why this park is a true gem for players and fans alike!

The Genesis and Evolution of a Soccer Landmark

The story of the World Wide Technology Soccer Park is one of passion, community, and strategic vision. What started as a local initiative has blossomed into a nationally recognized facility.

From Anheuser-Busch Center to WWT Soccer Park

The complex first opened its gates in 1982 as the "St. Louis Soccer Park" and was later purchased by Anheuser-Busch in 1985, becoming the "Anheuser-Busch Center." For decades, it served as a vital venue, hosting a myriad of soccer events. It's even considered the oldest soccer-specific fields complex in the U.S.

The transition to its current name, World Wide Technology Soccer Park, marked a new era. In 2011, St. Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG) Soccer Club acquired the park. This pivotal acquisition was personally financed by World Wide Technology executives Jim Kavanaugh and Tom Strunk, demonstrating a profound commitment to preserving and strengthening soccer in the St. Louis area. Their investment ensured the park's continued dedication to the sport, preventing it from being sold to a non-soccer organization.

A Home for Champions and Aspiring Stars

Today, the park is proudly owned and operated by the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club. SLSG, a leading youth soccer organization, utilizes the complex for its extensive programs, catering to thousands of players across hundreds of teams. This partnership has solidified the park's role as a cornerstone for youth development in American soccer.

A Hub of High-Caliber Facilities

What makes the World Wide Technology Soccer Park a premier destination? It's the impressive array of facilities designed to support every level of play, from grassroots to professional.

Fields Designed for Excellence

The complex boasts a total of six full-size fields, comprising four state-of-the-art turf fields and two meticulously maintained grass fields. Most of these fields are equipped with lighting, allowing for evening matches and extended training sessions. This mix of surfaces provides versatility, accommodating various playing styles and weather conditions.

West Community Stadium: The Main Stage

At the heart of the complex lies West Community Stadium, the primary exhibition field. This stadium offers a seating capacity of 5,500 spectators, providing an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere for major matches. Over the years, the stadium has undergone significant upgrades, including the installation of a turf field in 2012 and a modern video scoreboard, enhancing the spectator and player experience.

Beyond the Pitch: Comprehensive Amenities

The World Wide Technology Soccer Park goes far beyond just fields. It's a comprehensive facility designed to cater to all aspects of the soccer experience:

• Locker Rooms & Offices: Equipped with home and away locker rooms, along with office spaces for club staff.
• Fan Shop: A full-service retail store for gear, apparel, and souvenirs.
• Food & Beverage: Two concession stands and a full-service Soccer Park Pub & Grill ensure fans and players stay refreshed.
• Event Spaces: A banquet hall and a veranda overlooking the main field are available for events and gatherings.
• Performance Training Center: An indoor facility located at the north end, dedicated to athletic development for youth and professional athletes, focusing on speed, recovery, power, agility, strength, and balance.
• Press Box: A dedicated area for media coverage.

More Than Just Fields: Impact and Events

The influence of the World Wide Technology Soccer Park extends far beyond its physical boundaries, impacting collegiate, professional, and youth soccer alike.

A Home for Diverse Teams

The park serves as the official home field for Webster University's men's and women's soccer teams. This long-standing relationship, formalized by a 15-year usage agreement signed in 2012, underscores the park's commitment to collegiate athletics.

From 2015 to 2020, the park was also the home of Saint Louis FC, a professional team that competed in the USL Championship. This brought a higher level of professional soccer to the complex, drawing significant crowds and further cementing its reputation.

Hosting Major Soccer Spectacles

Throughout its 40+ year history, the World Wide Technology Soccer Park has been a stage for significant soccer events. It has proudly hosted:

• U.S. National Team World Cup Qualifying Games
• Men's and Women's Professional Soccer Matches
• High School Soccer and Lacrosse Championships
• Various youth tournaments and college showcases

Annually, over 1.2 million people visit the Soccer Park, highlighting its immense popularity and central role in the regional sports landscape.

Unique Insights: World Wide Technology Soccer Park Facts You Might Not Know

While its facilities and history are impressive, a few lesser-known World Wide Technology Soccer Park facts truly highlight its resilience and significance.

• A Survivor of the Flood: In late 2015, the park faced a devastating challenge when the nearby Meramec River flooded, submerging the entire complex under more than 44 feet of water. Despite extensive damage to fields, seating, and buildings, the community rallied, and the park recovered, a testament to its importance.
• Pioneering Soccer-Specific Design: As one of the earliest soccer-specific field complexes in the United States, it set a precedent for dedicated soccer facilities long before they became commonplace.
• Community-Driven Preservation: The personal financial intervention by World Wide Technology executives to ensure the park remained a soccer venue after its previous ownership sought to sell it to a non-soccer entity is a unique story of community dedication.

Conclusion

The World Wide Technology Soccer Park is far more than just a sports complex; it's a living testament to the enduring passion for soccer in St. Louis. From its humble beginnings as the St. Louis Soccer Park to its current status as a premier facility under the stewardship of St. Louis Scott Gallagher, its journey is one of growth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the beautiful game. With its top-tier fields, impressive stadium, and comprehensive amenities, it continues to serve as a vital hub for youth development, collegiate competition, and professional soccer history.

Have you visited the World Wide Technology Soccer Park? What's your favorite memory or World Wide Technology Soccer Park fact? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where is the World Wide Technology Soccer Park located?

A1: The World Wide Technology Soccer Park is located at 1 Soccer Park Road, Fenton, Missouri, United States, a suburb southwest of downtown St. Louis.

Q2: How many fields does the World Wide Technology Soccer Park have?

A2: The complex features six full-size fields: four turf fields and two grass fields, including the main West Community Stadium. Most of these fields are lighted.

Q3: What is the seating capacity of the main stadium at WWT Soccer Park?

A3: The main stadium, West Community Stadium, has a seating capacity of 5,500.

Q4: What teams currently call World Wide Technology Soccer Park home?

A4: The World Wide Technology Soccer Park is the home of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher (SLSG) youth soccer club and serves as the home field for Webster University's men's and women's soccer teams. It was also formerly the home of Saint Louis FC.