New Soccer Fields For Lubbock, TX
(Updated 6 Nov. 2009)

To maintain an 'institutional memory', LAFC will be maintaining this web page to keep track of news items regarding the ongoing saga of getting new soccer fields in Lubbock, TX. 

If you have any information or links that can be updated/added to this page, please email Aaron Yoshinobu (ayoshinobu@lubbockarsenalfc.com).

News Items

4 Nov. 2009 Voter reject bond for new soccer fields. (AJ Article)

Check out the "4 for Lubbock" Facebook page to get the latest on Lubbock Proposition 4.

Why do we need new soccer fields?

1) Soccer serves over 3500 youths and many adults every season (Lubbock Soccer Association statistics, Fall 2009). This does not include visiting teams that play at Huffman from Amarillo, Odessa, San Angelo, & Midland.

2) In 2006, the estimate for reparing the fields and improving traffic flow at Burl Huffman was $11 million dollars (Lubbock Parks and Recreational Department). That value is greater than the cost of Bond Proposition 4! In addition,  revamping the existing Huffman complex would require that an entire soccer year would have to be canceled while the existing fields are being restored.

3) Burl Huffman fields were built on a landfill composed of debris from the 1970 Lubbock tornado. This material has settled unevenly and contains debris that may be chemically harmful and may include heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

4) The Burl Huffman fields have only one entrance and exit and therefore are out of code with modern fire and disaster prevention ordinances. 

5) There are not enough parking spaces to accommodate participants and fans.

6) Each year the City of Lubbock, west Texas soccer players and soccer enthusiasts miss out on more than $2 million dollars of revenue that would be generated by hosting prestigious "Showcase" tournaments every year. The current Burl Huffman complex fields are inadequate to hold these tournaments. Such showcase tournaments host 50 Division I and II college coaches, 75-100 teams, and traveling families. (LSA B. of D.)

7) The City of Lubbock, West Texas soccer players, and the Lubbock Soccer Association miss out on the opportunity to bring as much as $7 million dollars into the local economy by hosting the Regional Olympic Development Program Tournament. (LSA B. of D. and estimates from North Texas Soccer Monthly Newspaper, "The Pitch".)

8) The Burl Huffman fields have only two bathrooms in the entire complex which have to be pumped by sanitary engineers on a regular basis.

9) Tax relief per household in Lubbock County due to travel related taxes paid by visitors to Lubbock was $431.40 in 2008 (Visit Lubbock City Organization).

Updated 6 Nov. 2009