Eastgate Field
Eastgate Field has been home to the Valparaiso University soccer teams since 1983, when the men’s program was founded. During the early years of the men’s program, the Crusaders played their home matches at both Eastgate Field and Brown Field on the university’s campus, while also playing on the baseball field for several matches. By the early 1990s, Valpo moved all of its home contests to Eastgate Field.
In 1993, when the Valpo women's program was founded, both teams began to share the field. The women opened on September 5, 1993 with a 7-0 loss to Northern Illinois. They picked up their first home victory on October 26 of the same season, downing Wisconsin-Whitewater 1-0.
Beginning in the 2004 season, Eastgate Field became a huge homefield advantage for the women’s soccer team. The Crusaders have posted a 24-8-1 mark over the past four seasons, including a school-best seven wins during the 2005 championship season. The home record win total of seven victories was then matched during the 2007 season.
The Crusader men’s team set a new standard for excellence defending its home field in 2006, winning five matches at Eastgate, the most since moving all of its home matches to the facility. In addition, the Crusaders finished at or above .500 at home for the first time in 11 seasons. In 2007, they again finished at .500 at Eastgate Field, posting a 2-2-1 record, including a tie against then-nationally ranked Michigan State. They also averaged 359 fans per match over their five home matches, the highest average home attendance in Crusader men’s soccer history. Eastgate Field has played host to the Mid-Continent Conference men’s soccer tournament twice during its existence. The first championship was held in 1997, with the event staged at Eastgate Field again one year later.
New renovations have been added throughout the years at Eastgate Field. In 1999, a
new scoreboard was added at the field. Toward the end of the 2000 season, team shelters were added along with an official's dugout.
More additions took place prior to the 2001 season as a new set of bleachers was added to the complex, giving the field a seating capacity of 500. In addition, a press box was added at the top of the bleachers, featuring an area for television and radio broadcasts. The press box roof is covered, serving as a camera deck. A concession stand was added behind the bleachers. All of the renovations were made possible by a generous gift to the school.
Prior to the 2007 campaign, new team shelters were erected on the east end of the field, helping to improve sight lines for spectators.
Directions to Eastgate Field: From the east (Ohio) and west (Chicago): Take I-80/90 to exit 31 (Chesterton/Valparaiso), State Route 49 or take I-94 to exit 26 (Chesterton/Valparaiso), State Route 49. Head south on SR 49 until you reach US 30. Exit west and go about one block to Sturdy Road (SR 130). Turn right and proceed about 1/2 block to Warbler. Turn right and Eastgate Field is at the end of Warbler.
From the south (Indianapolis): Take I-65 to US 30 exit in Merrillville. Exit east and take US 30 approximately 15 miles to Sturdy Road (SR 130). Turn left and proceed about 1/2 block to Warbler. Turn right and Eastgate Field is at the end of Warbler.
