Omaha Athletics Unveils State-of-the-Art Soccer Pitch at Caniglia Field

A new era of Omaha Soccer has arrived with the installation of a brand-new pitch at Caniglia Field.

Caniglia Field was replaced with the Hellas Matrix Helix Turf with Ecotherm infill.

The Helix feature for Matrix Turf has shape memory technology that is added during the manufacturing/extrusion process which makes each fiber curl. The curled monofilament fiber secures the infill, which prevents migration and "splash out" and produces a uniform, aesthetically pleasing playing surface.

"The new surface installed by Hellas Construction will give us a state-of-the-art surface that is unique to our area," said Ethan Anderson, Assistant Athletic Director of Event Management. "The Ecotherm infill allows the pitch to play at an elite level while greatly reducing the temperature impact at field level from a typical crumb rubber infill. This upgrade will ensure that Caniglia Field will continue to have one of the best surfaces for our soccer programs."

The unique shape of the Ecotherm Infill and the necessary distribution process allows this infill to keep a field up to 30 degrees cooler than a synthetic field with SBR black crumb rubber infill. No irrigation is required with the Ecotherm infill, and it is 100% recyclable, made from recyclable and cellulose fibers.

The combination of Matrix Helix Turf and Ecotherm infill provides an elite playing surface and is the only installation of its kind in the area.

"We are incredibly thankful for the work of Mike Kemp, Ethan Anderson, our administration and Hellas Construction in providing us with another world class playing surface at Caniglia Field," Omaha women's soccer head coach Tim Walters said. "This commitment to having a premier surface allows us to bring in top talent, quality opponents and most importantly provides a top-level experience to Omaha student-athletes. With this beautiful new surface, Caniglia Field remains one of the top places in the country to play and watch college soccer."

"We are so excited about the new surface at Caniglia Field. In the offseason we traveled across the country examining and looking at different products, and I believe we have the top artificial playing surface in all of college soccer," Maverick men's soccer head coach Donovan Dowling said. "This investment is a testament to the commitment our administration has in the Omaha Soccer program and helping us become one of the top programs in the country."

Both program's will make their return to Caniglia Field to compete on the new pitch this August. Be sure to follow men's and women's soccer on social media for updates on full season schedule announcements.

To purchase season tickets for the upcoming 2023 campaign, go to omavs.com/tix or by calling 402.554.MAVS.