Facilities and Services will begin Phase II of the soccer field construction on Tuesday.

Due to this renovation, the sidewalks on the north side of Cougar Way from D Street to Global Scholars Hall will be closed, according to a WSU news release. The sidewalks between the soccer field and Global Scholars Hall will also be closed to pedestrian traffic during the renovations.

“As part of the Athletic Department’s long-range plan, WSU identified the renovation of the soccer field as a priority,” WSU Board of Regents stated in their January meeting materials. “This facility did not meet NCAA requirements for best practices for intercollegiate play and the minimum requirements for television broadcasting as established by the Pac-12 Network.”

The project’s budget is not to exceed $1.6 million. As stated in the meeting materials, “the project will improve the outdoor soccer venue to support the growth in this area of campus and the women’s soccer program.”

Phase I upgraded the field with a new drainage system, turf, lighting and communication infrastructure to allow for required television broadcasts, according to the action item. Phase II will provide permanent seating, press boxes, restrooms, ticketing area and television broadcast camera locations.

The Phase II project was approved by the WSU Board of Regents on May 8, 2015.

All are expected to observe and follow traffic signals and associated personnel during the sidewalk closures, according to the WSU news release. The construction is expected to be completed by early August 2017.

Reporting by Tyler Watson