Grass is greener
on new home turf
The UQ Hockey Club has become one of the most envied clubs in the Brisbane hockey community, after unveiling its new state-of-the-art home ground this season.
The $24 million UQ Synthetic Fields Precinct, funded by the University, UQ Sport and the UQ Endowment Fund, is home to two international-standard playing fields and a combined social space and changing-rooms facility.
The FIFA and International Hockey Federation (FIH)-certified turf, laid over shock pads, promises to minimise player injuries and deliver greater playing consistency. It is also equipped to host soccer and touch football.
Overlooking the playing fields is a central hub that caters to athletes, supporters and function guests. The refurbished three-storey building features six changing rooms, offices, as well as a top-floor viewing area and terrace capable of hosting up to 120 guests.
“This is the first time hockey has had an official home on the UQ campus for many years and we are excited to have the synthetic surface to be able to grow our club and provide our players with top-class facilities and coaching.”
The eco-friendly car park located under the playing fields features electric car-charging stations, 350 bicycle racks, and a tank system that harvests and treats excess water captured from both the playing surfaces and the UQ Centre.
UQ Hockey Club Women’s Chair Di Brodie said the new fields had been well received by players, parents and the Brisbane hockey community.
“This is the first time hockey has had an official home on the UQ campus for many years and we are excited to have the synthetic surface to be able to grow our club and provide our players with top-class facilities and coaching,” she said.
Members of the UQ Women’s Hockey Club at the new UQ Synthetic Fields Precinct.
With access to the state-of-the-art facilities, the UQ Division 1 Women’s side is hoping to build on its successful 2016 season, which saw the team reach the semi-finals of the Brisbane Women’s Hockey Association competition for the first time since 1984.
The side christened the new surface before the start of the 2017 season, when they took on visiting US college team Yale University in January.
Playing an exhibition match under lights, UQ defeated the Yale Bulldogs 3-2.
“The women were very excited and honoured to play against a team from such an iconic university and made sure they came away with a win,” Brodie said.
“Recording a victory from our first game on the new turf was a great way to start the 2017 season.”
The UQ Women's Hockey Club takes on Yale University at UQ in January.
