Midland, Texas – The City of Midland commenced the construction of a new soccer complex at Beal Park on Wednesday. This development aims to create a premier sports venue in the region.
The ExxonMobil Soccer Complex will include 62 fields of varying sizes, alongside a splash park and additional amenities. The project is expected to centralize soccer activities for the Midland Soccer Association and facilitate hosting regional tournaments.
According to city officials, the budget for this transformation is $44.5 million. Funding includes $28 million from the City of Midland, $10 million from the Beal Foundation, $5 million from the Scharbauer Foundation specifically for developing a splash park, and $1.5 million contributed by ExxonMobil.
Mayor Lori Blong commented on the initiative: “The groundbreaking of the ExxonMobil Soccer Complex at Beal Park marks an exciting step forward for our community, enhancing quality of life for our residents and setting the stage for future growth,” she said. "This project is a testament to what can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships."
Phase 1 of construction is slated to conclude by late 2025, with plans for subsequent phases starting thereafter. Phase 2 will begin in early 2026 with completion anticipated by late 2027. Phase 3 is scheduled to start in early 2028 and wrap up by September that year.
The new facility will feature both grass and artificial turf fields, enhanced lighting, irrigation systems, restrooms, and parking facilities. Initial construction efforts will involve land clearing and preparing large grass areas.
District 4 Councilwoman Amy Stretcher Burkes expressed her enthusiasm: “This groundbreaking of the ExxonMobil Soccer Complex at Beal Park marks the beginning of an incredible project that will bring lasting benefits to our community,” she stated.
She also highlighted feedback received during her campaign: “When I was campaigning, I heard time and time again that families want more sports opportunities... This helps alleviate that... A very important goal of mine is to be able to keep our tax dollars here.”
Upon completion, this complex will join other sports venues like COM Aquatics pools and diving facilities as well as Bush Tennis Center within Midland's array of recreational infrastructure.