SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Drury University Athletics and Cooper Sports Complex have announced a new partnership that will make the Lake Country Soccer Complex the home facility for Drury men's and women's soccer beginning with the 2026 fall season.
 
For the past 18 seasons, Drury has called Harrison Stadium home. The stadium, owned by Springfield Public Schools, is set to undergo major renovations this fall.
 
The complex, which includes eight turf soccer fields, will feature its championship field -- Lake Country 1-- as the primary home field for the Panthers.
 
"We're excited with the move to the Lake Country Soccer Complex and continue our strong partnership with the City of Springfield," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Nyla Milleson.
 
The 127-acre Cooper Park was established in 1983 on land donated by the late Harry Cooper and his family. It has since become the largest sports development in the Springfield-Greene County Park Board system, encompassing Lake Country Soccer (opened in 1984), the Cooper Youth Baseball Complex (opened in 1988), Killian Softball Complex (acquired in 1994), and the Cooper Tennis Complex (opened in 1994), along with a walking trail and extensive playground. Cooper Park plays a primary role in hosting more than 50 regional, state, and national tournaments each year. The Cooper Tennis Complex is also home to both Drury tennis programs. In November 2022, the City of Springfield launched a $25 million renovation project at Cooper Park, which included upgrades to the soccer facilities, including new synthetic turf, locker rooms, restrooms, concessions, and expanded parking. The project was completed in 2024.
 
"Lake Country Soccer is excited to welcome the Drury men's and women's soccer programs," Lake Country Soccer's Executive Director John Markey commented. "This partnership supports our mission of offering quality soccer experiences to the Springfield community."
 
The move comes after 18 seasons at Harrison Stadium at the Curry Sports Complex. Drury soccer has competed at Lake Country periodically over the past 18 years, with the men's program posting a 5-3-2 record and the women's program recording a 4-6-3 mark in 13 matches at the facility.
 
Drury men's and women's soccer schedules for the 2026 fall season will be released later this spring.
 
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