BULLHEAD CITY — Mohave Community College (MCC) marked a significant milestone in its history with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Firebird Field on June 12. The event celebrated the official opening of the field as the new home for the college’s men’s and women’s soccer teams, ushering in a new era of college athletics in northwestern Arizona.
The ceremony, which took place at 7 a.m., was attended by numerous elected officials, business leaders, and community partners. It represents the culmination of extensive collaboration between MCC, the MCC Bighorns Booster Club, and the City of Bullhead City to upgrade the field and construct new facilities for the teams.
MCC President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that made the project possible. “A lot of people spent a lot of time on this field helping provide labor, funds, and everything else it took to build this field,” he said. Dr. Klippenstein also highlighted the significant contributions of the MCC Booster Club, Bullhead City, and the BHHS Legacy Foundation.
The BHHS Legacy Foundation played a crucial role in funding the project, with Chairman Daniel Oehler presenting a $300,000 check during the ceremony. This substantial contribution underscores the community’s commitment to supporting college athletics and student opportunities.
Athletic Director and Men’s Head Coach Camilo Valencia shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “What a great opportunity we are together providing our youth in the community but also players coming from far places that will join this community, and help it grow and become even better.”
The first pre-season match on the newly unveiled field is scheduled for August 7, with the men’s team hosting Rio FC. Regular-season home games for both teams will commence on August 30, marking the beginning of MCC’s inaugural soccer season.
Booster Club President Mehdi Azarmi emphasized the significance of this development for the region. “We are thrilled to bring college athletics to our community. This is an exciting opportunity for our students and the entire region,” Azarmi said. The Booster Club is actively seeking a sponsor for the field’s naming rights and exploring other sponsorship opportunities.
This event not only celebrates the arrival of college athletics to northwestern Arizona but also underscores MCC’s commitment to enriching the community and providing diverse opportunities for students. The college continues to enroll students for the fall semester, which begins on August 19, encouraging new and returning students to be part of this exciting new chapter in MCC’s history.
For more information on the event, upcoming soccer seasons, or enrollment opportunities, community members are encouraged to visit MCC’s official website at www.mohave.edu or contact the MCC Bighorns Booster Club at mccbooster@gmail.com.
— Jeremy Webb
