General | September 28, 2026

AIKEN, S.C. – Pacer Athletics officially celebrated the opening of its new soccer stadium Saturday as the university welcomed fans, alumni and members of the community for a special celebration surrounding the first home doubleheader of the season.

Prior to Saturday's doubleheader against Georgia Southwestern, USCA Chancellor Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, Director of Athletics Todd Wilkinson, head women's soccer coach Adam Kleman, head men's soccer coach Nick Sakiewicz and Peach Belt Conference Commissioner Diana Kling addressed the crowd and celebrated the completion of the $3.5 million facility.

The celebration also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially commemorating the new soccer stadium and the continued growth of Pacer Athletics.

"Today is a special day for Pacer Athletics and the entire USCA community," Wilkinson said. The opening of the USCA Soccer Stadium is the result of tremendous support from so many people who believe in our student-athletes and our vision for excellence.

I am especially grateful to Chancellor Heimmermann and the entire USCA leadership team for their commitment to this project and to the continued growth of our athletics program. I also want to thank our legislative representatives whose advocacy and support helped secure the funding that made this facility possible.

This stadium is a game-changer for Pacer Soccer, giving our student-athletes a first-class home while also providing training opportunities for other programs throughout the year. It enhances the beauty of our campus, reflects the high standards we have for our athletics programs, and strengthens the experience we can offer as a member of the Peach Belt Conference.

Most importantly, this facility reflects our commitment to excellence and our belief in the potential of our student-athletes. It positions USCA Athletics to compete at the highest level and stands as a lasting symbol of the championship culture we are building together."

"As a program, we are eternally grateful for all of the work that has taken place behind the scenes to bring this stadium to life," Kleman stated. "The ability to have a consistent surface where our players can train daily, compete, and represent USCA brings tremendous value to both the present team and the future of the program. We sincerely thank everyone who has played a role in seeing this project through. We are all incredibly excited for what this facility will mean for USCA Soccer for years to come, Go Pacers!"

"We are really grateful for the facility," Sakiewicz said. "Having a new soccer stadium to call home where we can train and compete is tremendous. It has created an even better environment for our program and the fans. It's truly an exciting time for USCA Athletics."

The new stadium has already provided a memorable setting for Pacer soccer this season. The women's team opened its home schedule with a 2-0 victory over Mount Olive on Aug. 30, while the men's team followed with a 4-2 win over Erskine on Sept. 1.

Saturday marked the first home doubleheader of the season at the new stadium and added to the excitement of Family Day at USCA, bringing the Pacer community together to celebrate the new home of Pacer Soccer.

With a new state-of-the-art venue now serving as the home of both soccer programs, the stadium represents another significant addition to the continued growth of Pacer Athletics and provides student-athletes, fans and the community with a premier venue to experience USCA soccer. The completion of the soccer stadium puts each athletic facility on the same side of the street.