WMU SOCCER COMPLEX
The WMU Soccer Complex serves as home to both the Western Michigan men's and women's soccer programs and is located next to the university's Business, Technology & Research Park and the Engineering College campus.
Formally known as "Lee Baker Field" the WMU Soccer Complex has seen extensive renovations over the last six years, transforming the complex into one of the finest in the Mid-American Conference and the Midwest.
During the summer of 2017, the complex received a $75,000 turf upgrade. Fraze mowing, a process originally developed and perfected on European soccer fields, was used to remove the top layer of the playing surface to correct issues with the field. The process will improve drainage and balance the playing surface, removing uneven slopes in the field. The surface will also be laser-graded to improve playability in wet weather. In the final stages, the soil will be prepared for seed and new varieties of grass tailored specifically for soccer pitches will be introduced.
Prior to the 2015 season, expanded bleacher seating was installed and a fully operational press box was constructed. In 2013, a paved parking lot with a new entrance and walkway were created where dirt and grass once stood. The complex received a new drainage system and new fencing, while back poles and netting were also put in place. A new mower was purchased that same year to keep the natural-grass playing surface at ideal height. Initial upgrades began in 2012 when the complex received new team dugouts and fencing to enclose the game field.
In the summer of 2017 the complex saw many improvements. A new scoreboard, permanent fencing around the complex, a 40-foot flagpole and new backdrop nets behind each goal were added.
Other features of the complex include a full-sized practice field, electronic scoreboard & sound system, covered benches, concession stand and storage room.
Both Bronco programs have seen heightened success over the past several years. The women's program has advanced to the MAC Tournament championship game three times in the past four years, winning the conference title in 2013 and 2015. The men's team has made four-straight MAC Tournament appearances, reaching the finals in 2013. In 2015, the WMU men earned their first-ever top 25 ranking, debuting at No. 24 and moving up to as high as No. 18 in the nation.
With the recent changes in the past 10 years, spectators no longer enter the facility off of Parkview Ave., rather traveling through the Business Technology and Research Park/Engineering College Entrance on Campus Drive.
Directions TO WMU SOCCER COMPLEX
FROM US-131
Exit Stadium Drive East. Turn right at first light onto Drake Rd. Continue along Drake, crossing Parkview Ave, entering WMU's Business, Technology and Research Park/Engineering College Campus. (Drake Rd. will become Campus Drive). Follow Campus Drive. 0.6 miles, turn left at College Circle (fourth possible left after crossing Parkview Ave) and follow into WMU Soccer Complex entrance.
Donald Seelye Athletic Center
The Donald "J" Seelye Athletic Center, which began construction in the winter of 2001, officially opened its doors to Western Michigan University athletic programs on January 13, 2003.
The WMU women’s soccer team was the first to take advantage of the state-of-the-art facility with an early-morning workout.
The $25 million facility was officially opened in the fall of 2003 with a dedication ceremony that featured both university and community leaders. All Bronco programs in need of the turf bay now have access and have the ability to escape from the frigid winter temperatures in Michigan.
Bronco athletic squads will train on a newly installed 80x60-yard field covered with FieldTurf. The surface was redone in May of 2013, a project which combined with new FieldTurf in Waldo Stadium, cost $1.3 million.
The field which multiple teams practice on, has had new graphics added in the spring of 2016 to reflect the championshp success had by the football team, baseball team, softball team and the men's and women's soccer team.
The Seelye Center also houses several luxury suites for home Bronco football games, which also double as offices for selected members of the Bronco coaching staff. The facility includes an equipment room, training room and severl locker rooms.
The Varsity "W" Club Room provides a plentiful space for special events, including press conferences and weekly coach luncheons.
Directions TO DONALD SEELYE ATHLETIC CENTER
FROM I-94
At exit #74, turn north onto US-131, go 2.7 miles; use the following directions for exiting from US-131. Exit #36 (Stadium Drive East) and proceed 2.5 miles. After crossing Oliver Street (in between basketball arena and softball field), the second right will be the entrance (Lot 7) to the Seelye Center.
WALDO STADIUM
Waldo Stadium has been home to the Western Michigan football team since the 1939 season. Since then, WMU has had 10 perfect seasons at home, capturing three in the 1940's and the 2000's, tied for the most in any one decade (1941, 1942, 1947, 1966, 1982, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2008). The Broncos' most successful decade to date was the 1990's when the team went a combined 38-13 (.745).
The origins of Waldo Stadium date back to 1939. Built at the cost of $250,000, the venue was constructed as part of a new athletic plant at WMU which also included the construction of Hyames baseball field. Later that season, the football facility — which included an eight-lane track — was dedicated to WMU President Emeritus Dwight B. Waldo, the school’s first president and a strong advocate of Bronco Athletics.
Waldo Stadium has gone through multiple renovations during its storied history. In 2003, the east end of the stadium was enclosed by the $25-million Donald J Seelye Athletic Center, which at its zenith reaches eight stories tall. In 2013, the University spent $1.3 million on a new FieldTurf Cool Play surface to replace the previous playing field which had been in place since 2006.
Prior to the start of the 2015 season, the stadium was given three new videoboards to install, thanks to a $2 million gift from 1988 Western Michigan alum Alec Gores. The main videoboard in the east end zone measures 27x41 feet. There are also two auxilary videoboards attached to the exterior of the Seelye Athletic Center by where the team enters on the field, which each enter 19x35 feet.
Western Michigan's attendance record at Waldo Stadium was set during the 2000 opener with 36,361 fans, while the 1999 season set a record for attendance average in a season with 26,874.
Directions TO WALDO STADIUM