DAVIS, Calif. — For the first time in program history, the UC Davis men's soccer team will host night games at Aggie Soccer Field this spring, marking the completion of a joint, $4.4 million lighting project shared with Dobbins Baseball Stadium. The defending 2024 Big West champions will debut the upgrades during three free spring games: April 19 vs. Saint Mary's at 7 p.m., May 3 vs. Chico State at 7 p.m., and a marquee May 17 clash vs. Stanford at 7 p.m.
Head coach Dwayne Shaffer, whose team is riding the momentum of an NCAA Tournament appearance, emphasized the project's significance. "I'm excited for our student-athletes, our supporters, and all soccer fans in the Davis community," he said. "It's been a long time coming—the chance to showcase our talent under the lights at Aggie Soccer Field. Night games bring a more intense, exciting atmosphere for fans. No more 3 p.m. kickoffs in the heat."
The installation of four 100-foot LED-lit poles at the soccer field—part of a broader initiative that also added eight 80-foot poles at Dobbins Stadium—provides NCAA competition-level lighting while minimizing spillage beyond the facility's perimeter. The upgrades allow practices to avoid extreme heat and peak academic hours, a flexibility Shaffer believes will attract opponents who previously avoided midday matches.
"Opponents didn't want to play us in the heat—they saw it as too much of an advantage for us," Shaffer said. "Now, there are no excuses. I'm thrilled that Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca prioritized lights for soccer and baseball. This is huge for both our men's and women's programs."
While baseball debuted its lights earlier this spring to strong attendance and positive fan feedback, Shaffer is hopeful soccer will draw even more excitement. "I'm eager to see our teams feed off the night energy, and I want to see our fans rally behind it," he said.
Current players echoed the anticipation of their head coach, ready to transform Aggie Soccer Field into a desirable destination on a weekly basis. "The lights will create an incredible atmosphere and make this the place to be on game nights," said Jason Hsu.
Carson Hammond added, "This was something we all dreamed of as a team. Now that it's a reality, it'll create a whole new atmosphere for everyone."
Additional spring home games include an April 26 doubleheader against Sacramento State (11 a.m.) and Folsom Lake College (2 p.m.). All matches during the spring are free, with the full schedule available here.
The new lights represent more than an upgrade, but rather, the latest evolution of a field built by and for the community. Since 1985, Aggie Soccer Field has served as home to UC Davis soccer, with its stadium bleachers completed in 1997 after a remarkable 10-year volunteer effort led by former coach Will Lotter and alumnus Alan Moll. What began as a dream that was constructed primarily through donated time and materials, now enters its brightest era yet.
"This isn't just about soccer - it's about uniting the Davis community," Shaffer said. "Combine our championship mindset with a crowd under the lights, and it's going to be an exciting time. Let's make Aggie Soccer Field the place to be."
