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Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Opens New Sports Complex

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081107-10
Release Date: 11/7/2008 5:59:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kimberly Williams, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Naval Station (NAVSTA) Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba opened its new Cooper Field Sports Complex Nov. 3.

NAVSTA GTMO Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Blaisdell threw the inaugural pass to a member of the Army 525th Military Police Batallion men's flag football team to mark the start of the Captain's Cup Flag Football Tournament and official play on the field.

The total cost of the project $6.09 million.

According to Morale, Welfare and Recreation Director Craig Basel the new complex will be used for several different sporting events.

"We will play flag football, soccer, slow pitch softball, baseball and track and field events in the new complex," said Basel."

The project consisted of constructing a new drainage system, lighting, synthetic turf fields, concrete plaza, score booths, concession stands, restrooms, maintenance facility and scoreboards.

"The project was important because it is a huge quality of life improvement for the entire base because of the high degree of quality associated with these fields and facilities," said Basel. "Additionally, it will reduce maintenance costs [for Cooper Field) over the years. There is now no need to purchase grass seed, water, lawn mowers or chalk [because we have astro turf now]. We never need to line or chalk a field again and it's a much safer playing surface without the rocks, coral, hard mud, etc."

The final phase of the Cooper Field Complex includes completing a track, which is currently underway and will be complete around the beginning of February 2009.

For more news from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, visit www.navy.mil/local/guantanamo/.