Petersen Sports Complex: A Premier Hub for University of Pittsburgh Athletics
The Petersen Sports Complex serves as a centralized powerhouse for the University of Pittsburgh's athletic programs, providing state-of-the-art competition and practice venues for baseball, softball, and both men's and women's soccer. Designed to support elite performance, the complex integrates specialized playing surfaces with comprehensive support infrastructure to ensure athletes have everything they need in one location.
At the heart of the complex is a two-story, 23,000-square-foot support building. This facility houses dedicated locker rooms for each sport, as well as specialized equipment and athletic training facilities. To further enhance training, the complex includes an indoor batting practice facility serving both baseball and softball teams, strategically located adjacent to the baseball venue.
The complex's entrance is marked by a granite plaza featuring the University of Pittsburgh's seal and statues depicting silhouettes of athletes from the four resident teams. Plaques behind these figures honor the contributors who made the construction of the facility possible. For spectators, a concessions area is conveniently located within the support building along the southeast goal line of the soccer field.
Key Facts
- Total Venues: Three primary fields for soccer, baseball, and softball.
- Support Facility: A 23,000-square-foot building with training and locker room facilities.
- Soccer Surface: FIFA-certified "Duraspine" FieldTurf.
- Baseball Dimensions: 300-foot baselines, 375-foot power alleys, and 405 feet to center field.
- Major Event: Hosted the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) softball tournament in May 2022.
Ambrose Urbanic Field
Ambrose Urbanic Field is the dedicated home for the men's and women's soccer programs. With a seating capacity of 735, the field is equipped for both practice and official competitions, featuring full lighting and a dedicated press box.
The pitch utilizes FieldTurf (a high-performance synthetic grass) in the FIFA-certified "Duraspine" version, the same surface used in professional venues like Lumen Field and Gillette Stadium. The field officially opened for action on March 20, 2011, with an exhibition match between the Pitt men's team and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Charles L. Cost Field
Named in honor of Charles L. "Corky" Cost—a former Pitt football running back and three-sport letterman—Charles L. Cost Field is a 900-seat baseball venue. The facility is designed for year-round utility, featuring synthetic grass across both the infield and outfield, as well as lighting for night games.
The field's specifications include 300-foot baselines, 375-foot power alleys, and a distance of 405 feet to center field. Comprehensive amenities include in-ground team dugouts, bullpens, hitting and pitching practice areas, and a press box. The scoreboard was provided via a donation from Armand C. Dellovade.
The venue hosted its first game on March 16, 2011, resulting in a 10–7 loss to Kent State. The program secured its first victory at the site shortly after, defeating Niagara 9–6 on March 18, 2011.
Vartabedian Field
Vartabedian Field provides a high-quality environment for the softball program, offering seating for 600 spectators. The field features a hybrid design with a skinned infield (natural dirt) and an artificial grass outfield.
Like the other venues in the complex, Vartabedian Field is equipped with lighting, a press box, team dugouts, and dedicated areas for hitting and pitching practice. The first game at the facility took place on March 29, 2011, where Pitt earned a 2–1 victory over Penn State. The field's prestige was further highlighted when it hosted the Atlantic Coast Conference softball tournament from May 11 to 14, 2022.
Facility Comparison Summary
| Field Name | Sport | Capacity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambrose Urbanic Field | Soccer | 735 | FIFA-certified Duraspine FieldTurf |
| Charles L. Cost Field | Baseball | 900 | Full synthetic grass infield/outfield |
| Vartabedian Field | Softball | 600 | Skinned infield with artificial outfield |
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports are hosted at the Petersen Sports Complex?
The complex hosts baseball, softball, and both the men's and women's soccer teams.
What are the dimensions of Charles L. Cost Field?
The baseball field features 300-foot baselines, 375-foot power alleys, and 405 feet to center field.
What type of surface is used at Ambrose Urbanic Field?
The soccer field uses the FIFA-certified "Duraspine" version of FieldTurf, which is also utilized at professional stadiums like Gillette Stadium.
Does the complex have indoor training facilities?
Yes, there is an indoor batting practice facility that serves both the baseball and softball teams, located next to Charles L. Cost Field.
When did Vartabedian Field host a major tournament?
Vartabedian Field hosted the Atlantic Coast Conference softball tournament for the first time from May 11 to 14, 2022.