LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Nighttime soccer matches will soon be an option for the NM State women's soccer team.

In an announcement made Tuesday by Aggie athletics, construction has begun on a $600,000 lighting system at the NM State Soccer Athletics Complex. A capital outlay appropriation committed the funds in order for nighttime matches to become a reality for the Aggies beginning in fall of 2021.

Spearheading the appropriation of the funds was former New Mexico Senate member Mary Kay Papen. From January 2001 through January of 2021, the NM State alumnae served as a member of the New Mexico Senate and from January of 2013 through January of 2021, the longtime supporter of women's sports in the state was senate's president pro tempore.

"From a capital projects standpoint, former Senator Mary Kay Papen stands at the top of legislators who have helped NM State athletics," commented NM State director of athletics Mario Moccia. "Senator Papen has been a tremendous advocate for Aggie women's athletics as well and our student-athletes, coaches, administration and Aggie nation sincerely appreciates her support. With a tremendous imbalance in capital outlay funding over the last 15 years for the state's two NCAA Division I programs, I would like to personally thank her for supporting the land grant University for the state of New Mexico."

The only true home night games the NM State women's soccer team has taken part in during the 12-year history of the program occurred from 2009-11. During those seasons, the Aggies played a total of nine night games (games beginning at 7:00 p.m. or later) inside Aggie Memorial Stadium. Since the NM State Soccer Athletics Complex became the home of Aggie soccer prior to the start of the 2012 campaign, the team's games have all being played during the day in what is traditionally one of the hottest times of the year in Las Cruces.

"Having lights for our soccer stadium will help elevate our soccer program to another level," stated NM State head women's soccer coach Rob Baarts. "Night games will not only take the players and fans out of the afternoon sun, but create an incredible evening atmosphere."

Construction of the lighting system is expected to conclude in August. The Aggie women's soccer team will be releasing its 2021 slate later this month, giving fans an opportunity to see when they'll be able to take in night games.

"Lights at the NM State Soccer Athletic Complex will be a game changer for the program from a training and competition standpoint," Moccia continued. "August and September are difficult months for outdoor sports and the ability to train and compete at night will not only benefit our student-athletes but also allow more fans and families to attend. Soccer has a tremendous upside from a community involvement standpoint and lights will propel that to new heights."

Baarts and his crew are coming off one of the best seasons in program history. In the spring of 2021, the Aggies advanced to the WAC Tournament semifinals for just the third time in program history and pushed eventual NCAA Tournament participant Utah Valley to the brink of elimination.

"With parents working on Friday afternoons and youth soccer on Saturday afternoons, it was difficult for our fans to attend games," Baarts added. "Now, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday night games we will be able to pack the stands. Our players and coaching staff are forever grateful to all who have put countless hours into this project. Now it's our turn to put countless hours into our preparations to give back an amazing product on the field and make Aggie Nation proud."

For complete coverage of NM State women's soccer as the Aggies prepare for their first season under the lights, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics - and follow the Aggies on Facebook (NM State Soccer), Twitter (@NMStateWSOC) and Instagram (@NMStateWSOC).

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