Inside Utah State’s plans for Chuck & Gloria Bell Field

Utah State University is setting the stage for the future of women’s soccer and athletics in Logan.  

With a transformative, three-phase renovation plan for the Chuck & Gloria Bell Soccer Field, USU is cementing its place as a rising power in collegiate athletics while doubling down on its commitment to excellence in women’s sports.  

The multi-million-dollar overhaul, set to unfold over the next three years, aligns with the Aggies’ soaring trajectory as a nationally recognized athletic powerhouse. Here are the three phases of the project: 

Phase I: Laying the Foundation for Performance  

The first step in Utah State’s ambitious plan is all about building a dependable and elite-quality playing surface for its women’s soccer program. Scheduled for completion by the start of the fall season, Phase I includes the installation of: 

• New Stadium Lighting: Evening matches will now become a regular feature at the field, allowing for greater fan accessibility and the possibility of hosting NCAA and conference tournament games. These lights also open the door to hosting high-profile regional and state-level high school and club competitions. 

• Advanced Drainage System: Soccer is played in all conditions, and this system ensures rain won’t disrupt training or games, keeping the pitch pristine throughout the season. 

• Professional-Grade Playing Surface: Designed for peak performance and durability, the new field will protect players and elevate the overall quality of play. 

These improvements ensure the Aggies are not just prepared for their upcoming challenging season but that they’re also operating at a standard seen in the sport’s top programs. 

Head coach Manny Martins has advocated for the Phase I upgrades since his arrival at Utah State. 

“These [changes] were at the top of the list since I arrived four years ago,” Martins said. “It’s incredible to think that we’ve had as much support and as many people come to our games while playing at 3 or 4 in the afternoon. I think we’ll see a very elevated experience for our fans and for our student-athletes.” 

Forward Tess Werts, entering her senior season, emphasized the health advantages of moving to night games. 

“Especially in the beginning of our season, it’s so hot,” Werts said. “We have usually had games at 1 p.m. or 4 p.m., and it takes a toll on you. Everyone likes playing in the cooler weather rather than hot weather, so I feel like having that option there is going to be huge.” 

Phase II: Transforming the Stadium Experience  

By the time USU makes its long-anticipated move to the PAC-12 in 2026, the field will look and feel like a top-tier college soccer venue. Phase II focuses on enhancing both the athlete and fan experience: 

• Clubhouse with On-Field Locker Rooms: For the first time ever, Utah State soccer players will have a dedicated facility that includes on-field locker rooms, a film room, medical and recovery spaces and a team lounge, giving them the resources and aesthetic of a championship-caliber program. 

• North-End Video Board: A modern video board will allow for live replays and interactive fan engagement, allowing for more crowd participation. 

• New Grandstands: With improved comfort and sightlines, the upgraded seating will energize what is already an increasingly passionate fanbase. 

• Media and Press Infrastructure: A new press box and elevated camera decks will boost USU’s broadcasting capabilities, aiding the team’s growing national profile. 

• VIP Balcony Area: Designed to host donors, alumni and special guests, this new addition will be a premium space that reflects the program’s elevated status. 

These upgrades will provide an infrastructure that matches the team’s on-field ambitions and demonstrates USU’s serious commitment to growing women’s soccer. 

“As you get into a level of competition where you’re trying to be a program that is consistently competing for an Elite 8, or maybe a college cup and a national championship, you need the resources to help sustain that,” Martins said. “So even things that feel pretty benign at the surface level — those are the little details that will help us sustain what we’ve done here in the last couple of years.” 

Crews work on the improvements at Chuck & Gloria Bell Field

Phase III: Building a Gateway for Aggie Soccer  

The final piece of the puzzle is turning the field into a true soccer destination. Phase III is all about hospitality, branding and creating a memorable experience from the moment fans arrive. This phase is expected to be complete by the fall of 2027. 

• Grand Entrance and Ticketing Booths: A redesigned entrance will streamline access and offer an immediate wow-factor as fans enter the venue. 

• Concessions and Merchandise Areas: With new food, drink and gear areas, fans will enjoy a complete game-day experience and have every reason to wear Aggie blue with pride. 

When completed in 2027, the field will look to become a flagship venue at Utah State and in college sports. 

—————————————————————————————————————— 

The renovations come at a critical — and exciting —  moment for women’s soccer.  

Last season was the best in program history, with the Aggies finishing with an 18-1-5 record. The team was ranked as high as No. 7 in the country and hosted its first-ever NCAA tournament match against Washington. That historic run put the program firmly in the national spotlight. 

Under coach Martins, who signed a three-year extension last October, the Aggies are 53-21-16 across four seasons. His leadership and strategic recruiting have built a squad capable of competing with the nation’s best. New goalkeeper talent and a revamped defensive line have fortified an already strong team, while depth has been added up front to keep the attacking engine running. 

And the competition isn’t getting any easier. This upcoming season includes matchups with perennial programs like Washington State, Kansas, BYU, Utah and Texas Tech. These games will test the Aggies ahead of their 2026 debut in the PAC-12, one of the tougher soccer conferences in the country.  

“A super big goal of mine is just to be able to connect the team,” Werts said, who led the team in points last season. “Manny [Martins] prides himself on building the culture of the team, and I think what’s going to help us be successful is to be a tight knit group like we have been in the past.” 

—————————————————————————————————————— 

The Aggies’ investment in women’s soccer is also part of a much bigger story.  

Across the country, women’s sports are on a monumental rise. The WNBA and NWSL are setting viewership records. In college sports, NIL compensation for female athletes is steadily growing. 

In recent weeks, USU has seen the rewards of the growth in women’s sports as two soccer alumnae — Alex Day and Addy Weichers — signed professional contracts.  

By enhancing its women’s soccer facilities, Utah State is advancing its athletic programs on multiple fronts. Through the development of its women’s teams, increased funding and growing interest from top-tier competition, the university is laying the foundation to compete at the highest level.