By Alexis Ferraris

Despite the rain and wind on Saturday, fans came out to support the Loyola University lacrosse and rugby teams as they christened the new, state-of-the-art Ridley Athletic Complex. Both fans and players had high spirits and were delighted with the new “RAC.”

The brand new Ridley Athletic Complex at Loyola University Maryland unofficially opened on Wednesday March 10, 2009 when the men’s soccer team defeated Crystal Palace, 4-3. Junior soccer player Phil Bannister has been anxiously waiting to play on the field for over a year. "It was great to finally play. It’s an unbelievable facility and can hopefully help take Loyola athletics to the next level!”

Before the Grand Opening on Saturday, March 13, Loyola celebrated and prepared all week with giveaways on campus to help get the community excited for the big day. Dedicated students and alumni waited in line, while huddling under umbrellas, to receive free beads, rally towels, face paint, and shuttles to the sold-out 6,000-seat grandstand stadium on Saturday.

The day began with a victorious game when the Loyola Rugby team played Frostburg University at 12:30 p.m on the new turf of the Sean Lugano Memorial Field. Sophomore rugby player, Harry Hartnett, said enthusiastically, “The field is awesome!” Rugby has the reputation of being the “anything goes” type of sport, but even so, the player’s safety was extra important on Saturday with the weather conditions. Hartnett said the turf was much better than real grass. “You aren’t afraid of drowning in a puddle and a lot less injuries happen, because there is no such thing as bad field conditions [on turf].” The final result brought home the Greyhounds’ first win on the new field with a final score of Loyola 35, Frostburg 0.

Many students braved the treacherous conditions; however, a majority of the fans consisted of player’s family members and alumni. A large tent was provided for the alumni so they could enjoy the game with refreshments and remain dry and devoted fans.

Later that day, the field was officially blessed and dedicated to Reverend Harold Ridley, the president of Loyola from 1994 to 2005, when he passed away. After the ceremony the Loyola men’s lacrosse team took on Duke. The stadium seats were filled with poncho-wearing supporters. Loyola sophomore Brianne Sullivan had many friends visiting for the game, "Even though I look like I just jumped in a pool, nothing can ruin this day!” Although the Greyhounds lost 5-8 to the Devils, the stadium was still filled with cheers of excitement on the opening day of the Ridley Athletic Complex. The next event at the Ridley Athletic Complex will be at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday when the women’s lacrosse team takes on Rutgers.

photo taken by Alexis Ferraris

photo taken by Alexis Ferraris