Administrators, elected officials, coaches and student-athletes gathered at the future site of the new Santa Ana College (SAC) Soccer Field to officially break ground on the project. Construction began in late February and is expected to be completed by May 2013.

Santa Ana College President Dr. Erlinda J. Martinez opened the event with a brief statement about the construction project while also introducing VIPs that were in attendance. Mark McLoughlin, Vice President of the Rancho Santiago Community College District Board of Trustees, spoke on behalf of the district before the SAC athletics department was represented by men's soccer head coach Jose Vasquez and Yesenia Fonseca, a member of the SAC women's soccer team. Dr. Linda Rose, Vice President of Academic Affairs spoke on behalf of the college before President Martinez invited guests to "break ground."

Finally, President Martinez welcomed Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez to speak. Congresswoman Sanchez gave a short speech before presenting President Martinez with a certificate of recognition.

The new soccer field will be the second athletic facility constructed on the campus under Measure E funds. A new softball complex was built in 2008. Among the features included in the new soccer venue are a synthetic field, covered player benches, a covered fourth official/media area and equipment storage as well as bleachers to accommodate up to 500 spectators, restrooms and concessions. Along with the construction of the new soccer field, other current Measure E funded projects are: the conversion of College Avenue into a dedicated campus entrance as well as the addition of bleachers, and concessions at the football practice field.

The new facility is funded by Measure E funds, which was approved by voters in the Rancho Santiago Community College District in November 2002. Other recently completed Measure E projects for Santa Ana College include the Child Development Center, the SAC softball complex, the Exercise Science Locker Room Complex, renovations to Dunlap Hall, upgrades to the Administration Building, construction of the Digital Media Center, renovations to the Fine and Performing Arts Building, and construction of the Santa Ana College Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy.

Santa Ana College has a solid record of academic and athletic excellence, a rich tradition of building community partnerships and providing services to its students. SAC serves nearly 80,000 students annually in both credit and non-credit programs providing education for academic transfer and careers, workforce training for business and industry, and courses for personal and professional development.