Although CSUSB is a smaller university, the campus’s sporting culture is still a very active one. With 8 sports spanning across both men’s and women’s athletics. Along with that, there’s 6 separate facilities that host those sports as well. With all these options available, two questions persisted.

What are CSUSB Athletics games like? And does a more intimate sporting environment make the experience more enjoyable?

My first experience at a CSUSB sporting event – a September 25th men’s soccer game against the Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks – provided an opportunity to get a glimpse of what a gameday is like at CSUSB. The eighth-ranked Coyotes entered the day with a 5-0-2 record and fresh off a convincing 4-1 victory over Cal State San Marcos.

Located at the foot of Badger Hill, near the campus Observatory and Coussoulis Arena, Premier Field is home of the CSUSB men’s and women’s soccer teams. Opened in 2003, the facility holds more than 1,000 people with bleachers and grass-level seating.

CSUSB Soccer dates back to 1984 when the NCAA approved the university as a member of Division III. The first sports team to compete for the CSUSB? The soccer team, which ran out 4-3 winners over the University of Redlands. Forty-two years later, the Coyotes have moved up to Division II and continue to shine on the pitch.

Arriving an hour before kickoff, fans watch the players warm up as a DJ plays songs from various artists. The team expresses a sense of confidence after starting the season off with great form. The way they complete training routines, driving each other on, shows that winning breeds confidence.

With less than 20 minutes to kick-off, supporters of both teams begin to make their way to Premier Field, with the crowd mostly consisting of families. It should be noted that both the men’s and women's soccer games are free to attend. Right before kickoff, each starter is introduced individually, and they receive recognition from both sets of supporters.

As the game progressed, the first thing I’ve noticed is the communication between both teams can be heard throughout the game. It’s the brief moments of the game that can give the crowd insight into what the players are thinking in critical moments of the game.

As the game opens up and either side begins to create chances, the crowd comes alive. An early goal-line clearance and a great save from the Cal Poly goalkeeper drew a reaction from the crowd. Coyote Forward Aaron Sullivan opened the scoring with a bullet header from a corner, which lit up the CSUSB supporters.

At halftime there was a competition for a free shirt, which saw two people pulled from the crowd shooting at the goal and the first to score won. This is just another example of what makes a CSUSB soccer game unique.

Halftime also provided an opportunity for fans to grab some food from a food truck provided by LA Hot Dogs & Munchies. Should be noted that this food truck was at this particular game. There does seem to be an incentive to have trucks at these games to provide for all attendees.

The second half saw two goals in quick succession from the Coyotes, with goals from Nevin Rueegger and Brandon Prince coming 19 seconds apart. A late free kick from Humboldt was mere consolation as the Coyotes won their second CCAA game of the season and improved to 6-0-2.

Overall, the viewing experience was enjoyable and gave me a new perspective on sporting events at CSUSB. The intimate atmosphere made the experience feel more communal and welcoming, especially as a first-time attendee.

A soccer game is a great opportunity to experience CSUSB Athletics culture. To experience a game yourself, check out the Composite Schedule on the CSUSB Athletics website where you can find the schedules for all of the university’s teams.