By Adekale Ande, Campus Carrier Asst. Sports Editor
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| PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY LEIGH HADAWAY |
| Sophomore John Tischner dribbles his way past an Emory defender looking to advance the ball. The Vikings lost 2-1 against Emory on Sept. 16. Their next home game will be Saturday against Sewanee. |
Berry soccer performs on the bright stage of Bob Pearson Field. Berry had new stadium lights installed and a new press box built over the summer and they are reaping the benefits. Not only does this allow the option of night games for soccer, it also allows for concessions and bathrooms nearer to the field. Before fans had to walk over to the baseball fields for these amenities.
The Ford Fields were renamed the Bob Pearson Fields on Sept. 1 during the Pack The House women’s game against Covenant College. This was the inaugural game under the new lights. The drum line and Victor the Viking were out and about during both games, creating an energetic and loud feeling to the game.
“It was cool to see the field being renamed and also exciting to see the players under the lights,” sophomore Katlin Seger said. “All the fans really got into the game because of it.”
Having night games for soccer brings a whole new atmosphere to the fan perspective. Getting to experience an atmosphere where every game feels like a big game is second to none.
Some fans brought couches and even canoes to sit in on the sidelines throughout the men’s game.
“We were allowed to be a lot more excited without being overheated,” sophomore fan Dominic Miller said. “My friends and I fed off the energy of the large crowd.”
The fans are having fun, but the players are also relishing this chance to get to play under the lights at Bob Pearson Field.
“It’s a whole different atmosphere,” senior midfielder Daniel Shaw said. “There’s lot more support because people enjoy the environment. Instead of the harsh heat people can enjoy a cool Friday night.”
During both night games this past week there were record-breaking numbers for attendance. There were over 400 fans in the stands at each game.
Now with an increased number of people attending soccer games the bar is set even higher for both teams.
“We’re a young team, this was supposed to be a rebuilding year but this team definitely has the ability win in conference this year,” sophomore defender Alec Jones said.
With no conference games yet this season, the Vikings standings are 4-3. Their first conference game will be Saturday against the Sewanee Tigers.
The next night game for the men’s team is Tuesday against Reinhardt.They hope to have another record-breaking turn out.
With no football game on Mountain Day this year they are also hoping to have a strong attendance at their game on Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. against Belhaven.