It’s official, the Sports Deck has been inaguarated into the SanDiego State athletic program.

University President Stephen Weber and Executive Director ofAthletics Rick Bay presided over a ceremony Friday to dedicate thenew SDSU Sports Deck. At first, some were skeptical of the facility’sdesign, but the dedication officially gave closure to any doubts.

The facility is home to both men’s and women’s soccer, as well aswomen’s track and field. The Sport Deck’s unusual design, a fieldbuilt on top of a parking structure, is only the third facility inthe world of its kind.

Women’s Track and Field coach Rahn Sheffield, who’s team gets touse the Sports Deck in the spring, was also on hand for thefestivities.

“This track is world-class, one of the best in the world,”Sheffield said. “Christmas has come early for me this year.”

With the Sports Deck conveniently located on the SDSU campus, theteams no longer have to take the long journey to Chula Vista forgames and practices.

“We finally have a place to call home,” said women’s soccer headcoach Chuck Clegg.

The Sports Deck will soon be upgraded with a full set of lightsfor night games and bleachers to seat more fans.

The facility also marks a successful period for the universityaltogether. A new Athletics Administration building has recentlybroken ground. New fields for the softball and tennis teams are alsoin the works, according to Bay.

“We are very pleased with this piece of the puzzle,” said Weber.”There are still more pieces to come.”