The University of Toledo announced today the new soccer field on Main Campus will be named Paul Hotmer Field in honor of UToledo alumnus and donor Paul Hotmer.
With this new field, the women’s soccer team will play on the University’s Main Campus for the first time since 1996. From 1997 to 2018, the Rockets played their home matches at Scott Park.
UToledo announced the new home of the women’s soccer team is named the Paul Hotmer Field in honor of the alumnus and donor.
Paul Hotmer Field is located inside of the outdoor track on Main Campus and features a state-of-the-art Field Turf playing surface. The facility will include spectator seating on the east side, energy efficient lighting, and a videoboard on the north end of the field.
“We are extremely grateful to Paul Hotmer for his generous gift to help us bring the Toledo women’s soccer team to Main Campus,” said UToledo Vice President and Athletic Director Mike O’Brien. “Paul has been an avid supporter of Rocket athletics for many years, and his contributions to the department have had an exceptionally positive effect on the experience of our student-athletes.”
A native of Toledo, Hotmer is a two-time graduate of UToledo’s College of Engineering; he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1955 and a master’s degree in industrial engineering in 1961. Hotmer has made donations to the University and to the athletic department in the past, including the Chapman Basketball Complex Lobby, the Sullivan Athletics Complex in Savage Arena and the Hotmer Hydrotherapy Center in the Larimer Athletic Complex.
“When considering the soccer team’s relocation to the Main Campus, it stirred my emotions in wanting to be part of this project,” Hotmer said. “I was impressed by the professionalism of everyone I encountered during this journey. They worked hard and were very conscientious about the quality of their work. It is a great honor and privilege to have the opportunity to be associated with this development. It will serve as a legacy for my family and me, and as an incredible boost for the soccer program, the athletics department and the University.”
The installation of the soccer field will assist in Toledo’s already proven home-field advantage, with the Rockets claiming a 132-77-14 home record during its 24-year history. The women’s soccer team has won five MAC Tournament titles, most recently in 2017.
“We are very appreciative and thankful for Mr. Hotmer to be able to provide us the chance to play on the Main Campus on one of the best fields in the region,” said Head Coach TJ Buchholz. “We loved our experience at Scott Park, but this move allows us to be more visible and continue to grow the support for our program. We’re very excited for the opportunity to compete on the Main Campus and can’t wait to begin playing there this fall.”
The Rockets are scheduled to host nine home matches this season, beginning with the home opener Aug. 29.
Tickets are $6 and $4 for 18 and younger; UToledo employees can purchase tickets at half price; and UToledo students are admitted free with ID. Go to utrockets.com or call 419.530.GOLD (4653).
