The Bruins host Milwaukie in Sept. 8 game

The Barlow football team won't have to take a bus to their first home game this season, as the Bruins will celebrate their new artificial turf field by opening its home schedule on campus at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, against Milwaukie.

'It's a chance to show off the new field and give back to the community,' Barlow Athletic Director Terry Hansen said. 'Plus, it gives people a glimpse into the future of what it would be like to have our varsity field here.'

Barlow is hopeful that the next school bond will provide funds to build a stadium at the site. In the meantime, varsity football will continue to be held at Mt. Hood Community College. The on-campus field will host the school's soccer programs and its sub-varsity football games.

Admission to the home-opener is free, and fans are encouraged to arrive early due to limited parking space. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Barlow will hold a dedication ceremony during halftime.

'I'm excited, especially for our seniors,' Bruins' coach Terry Summerfield said. 'A lot of people really came through to make this project happen. I can't express the pride I have for the alumni - it's remarkable.'

The football team started its daily doubles practices on the new field this week, and Summerfield is looking forward to having a solid practice surface for those late-season practices. In recent years, the team has traveled to Gresham's field to run drills during the playoff weeks.

'The wind starts blowing sideways and the rain comes down - it just clogs the drains in the locker room and you have mud every where,' Summerfield said. 'Now, if it rains the ball might get a little wet. The water drains right through the field, so we can utilize our time much better.'