SAN MARCOS — The Palomar College football team played its first-ever home game this past Saturday at a brand-new stadium unveiled last week at the college’s San Marcos campus.
For the Comets, whose football program began back in 1947, this moment has been decades in the making. Home games have traditionally been played at Escondido High School, and practices have taken place at the college’s grass field.Â
Construction of the 3,600-seat stadium began two years ago as one of the final projects funded by the $694 million Proposition M passed by voters in 2006. The college held an opening ceremony for the stadium on Thursday, building excitement for the team’s home game at 5 p.m. Saturday against Moorpark College.Â
“Knowing that from this point on, our football team has a true home field advantage and a place to continue to grow the legacy of Palomar College football gives us great pride and joy,” said Palomar College Board President Roberto Rodriguez.
The stadium was originally planned to open in time for the 2023 football season but saw repeated delays due to heavy rains over the past two years. Stadium construction took place concurrently with the construction of the college’s 207-seat softball stadium, which was also completed earlier this year.
College staff highlighted the expansive seating area, state-of-the-art field surface, high-definition screens and sound system, and impressive press box.Â
“This stadium takes Palomar College to the next level,” said Palomar President and Superintendent Star Rivera-Lacey. “On this beautiful day, we could not have asked for anything more spectacular than this.”
Sophomore wide receiver Elijah Hudson said the new stadium has raised morale and excitement on the team heading into this season.Â
“Practicing here last year and here this year is a complete difference. People want to be here, people want to play,” Hudson said.Â
Comets Offensive Line Coach Matt Yates said the athletes’ ability to get ready for games in their own locker room adjacent to the field and feel their community’s support in their own stadium rather than having to pack up all their equipment on a bus will make a huge difference.Â
“Being able to be on campus together as a group, walk down to the locker room together, is gonna be a good change, a huge change,” Yates said. “Everyone’s wanting to be here, and everyone’s excited about it.”
With the stadium now complete, Palomar College is focusing on the project’s second phase, which involves the construction of an athletics field house adjacent to the field. Work is expected to kick off next spring.Â
Despite the Comets losing their season opener 17-16 to Moorpark at the new stadium, the team is looking to keep spirits high and continue to pursue a Pacific Coast League championship.
“It’s just a lot more energy in the building, and I’m excited to see what we do tomorrow,” said sophomore wide receiver Skai Donnell.
