Buccaneer Field, where the Barry University men’s and women’s soccer teams have combined for over 350 wins during just 34 years of competition, underwent major renovations.
The changes have created a “new” Buccaneer Field — the centerpiece of a state-of-the-art soccer training facility. The outdoor training center features two lighted 78 x 120 yard fields, a two-story press box/concession stand with photo deck, a new scoreboard, and seating for 1,500 fans. The playing surface is well-groomed Bermuda grass.
Through the 2017 season, Barry’s men’s soccer team owns a 149-81-21 (.594) record at Buccaneer Field in 34 seasons, including an 11-0-1 mark in 2003. Overall, the facility is one of the best in Florida, providing a quality site for both players and fans.
Buccaneer Field has hosted five NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Final Fours, including 1989 and 1993, when Barry won two of its three national titles. In 1999, Buccaneer Field was the first site in NCAA history to host both of the men’s and women’s Division II championship tournaments simultaneously. In 2000, the NCAA brought both tournaments back to the Miami Shores for the second straight year.
It’s not surprising that Buccaneer Field has been used as a practice facility for many teams touring South Florida. In 1996, Barry’s soccer complex served as the training headquarters for the Brazilian Men’s Olympic Team. In 1998, both the USA Men’s National Team and the Brazilian Men’s National Team trained at Barry’s soccer complex prior to the World Cup. In 2000, the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars and the San Jose Earthquake conducted their preseason training camp at Buccaneer Field in February. In 2003, both the Brazil and USA men’s teams practices at Buccaneer Field for the Gold Cup. During the summer of 2013, the Spanish National Team, the defending World Cup champs, trained at Buccaneer Field in preparation for the ConFed Cup. The German team also utilized the facility. In 2017, Barcelona and PSG used the field to train on before their matches taking place in Miami.
In late December each year, Buccaneer Field transforms into a football practice facility for the FedEx Orange Bowl. Over the years, the Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Syracuse, Michigan, Oklahoma, Alabama and Iowa football teams have utilized the Barry athletic facilities prior to the game.
