The Queen’s Gaels soccer teams took to the turf of the revitalized Richardson Stadium on Sunday, the new home field for the men’s and women’s programs.

The newly-opened facility hosted Kingston Community Soccer Day capping a full weekend of events to celebrate the completion of the revitalization project.

The women’s soccer team got the day off to a good start with a 1-0 win over the Carleton Ravens but the men fell to their first defeat of the season, a 4-2 loss to Carleton.

The football Gaels kicked off the celebration on Saturday with a 27-13 loss to the Western Mustangs.

Brittany Almeida scored the game’s only goal in the 76^th minute to give the Gaels (4-2-0) the edge over the Ravens (4-2-1) as she put her shot from 20 yards out over the Carleton goalkeeper.

Madison Tyrell made eight saves for the clean sheet.

In the day’s second OUA game, the Gaels men’s team (4-1-1) dropped their first loss after falling behind 2-0 in the first half. Tonko Bacelic struck back after the restart but the Ravens (5-1-1) responded with another pair of goal.s An own goal by Carleton made the final score 4-2.

Along with the Gaels games, soccer fans were able to take in a pair of games featuring the Kingston Clippers League 1 Ontario men’s and women’s teams, who will also play out of Richardson Stadium.

Revitalization plans began in March 2014 with the announcement of a $10 million pledge to the project from Queen’s alumni Stu and Kim Lang. That announcement was followed by news of a $5 million contribution from the Richardson Foundation. Other donors came forward, bringing the total amount raised to more than $17 million, with the university contributing $3 million for infrastructure support. A donor recognition wall will be unveiled at Richardson Stadium as part of homecoming celebrations. 

As part of the revitalization of Richardson Stadium the grandstands have been brought closer to the field, improving sightlines of the stadium’s 8,000 seats. Concession carts and other entertainment options surround the upper concourse, adding to the game-day experience.

The construction of the stadium was a priority within Queen’s Initiative Campaign, which concluded this year. It is one of a number of efforts undertaken to enhance the university’s athletics and recreation facilities to promote the health and wellness of all students.