James D. Ball Athletic Complex

Carroll County Government: $2.4 million

Carroll Community College Foundation: $3.2 million

Total project investment: $5.6 million

Why It Matters

• Provides a dedicated home venue for Carroll Athletics.
• Enhances the student-athlete experience and supports student engagement, pride, and belonging.
• Expands the College’s capacity to host competitions, special events, and community programming.
• Creates opportunities for recreation, tournaments, and regional events.
• Demonstrates the impact of government, philanthropic, corporate, and community partnership.

The project supports Carroll’s institutional priorities by:

• Building Bridges to Success: investing in modern, high-quality learning and activity environments
• Putting People First: promoting student well-being, belonging, leadership, and engagement
• Fostering a Connected Community: bringing together students, employees, alumni, families, partners, and residents

1. What is being celebrated on September 17?

   Carroll Community College is celebrating the opening of the James D. Ball Athletic Complex and the 2026 home soccer season. While some final elements of the athletic complex project are still being completed, the facility is ready to host intercollegiate competition.

   The public kickoff celebration will take place from 3 to 4 p.m., followed by a men’s soccer game at 4 p.m. and a women’s soccer game at 6 p.m.

2. Who will Carroll play?

   The Carroll Lynx men’s and women’s soccer teams will host Allegany College of Maryland. The official Carroll Athletics schedule confirms the men’s match at 4 p.m. and the women’s match at 6 p.m.

3. What does the new complex include?

   The complex includes a FieldTurf synthetic playing surface, a Beynon 400-meter eight-lane running track, track-and-field event areas, spectator seating, Musco sports lighting, storage, and related infrastructure.

4. Why was the facility developed?

   The facility was developed to strengthen Carroll Athletics, provide a consistent competition and practice environment, enhance student engagement, and expand opportunities for community recreation and sports and regional events. It is intended to serve as both an athletic venue and a community gathering place.

5. How was the project funded?

   The publicly announced project investment is $5.6 million, including $2.4 million from Carroll County Government and $3.2 million from the Carroll Community College Foundation.

6. Why is the complex named after Dr. James D. Ball?

   The facility was named in honor of Carroll Community College President Emeritus Dr. James D. Ball. The College recognizes his leadership in shaping the vision for expanded athletics, student development, and community engagement.

7. Will the complex be used only by Carroll Community College?

   No. The facility is intended to support College athletics, academic and College-sponsored activities, and scheduled community use. College activities will receive scheduling priority, with community use managed around those commitments.

   Following the College’s September 17 opening celebration, portions of the project will continue through the fall. As a result, the facility will be used for College activities until it is fully operational, with community and outside organization use anticipated to begin in Spring 2027, subject to facility readiness.

8. Who will coordinate community rentals?

   The plan is for Carroll County Recreation & Parks to coordinate. However, the College and County are still finalizing the operational agreement, rental procedures, access hours, and scheduling guidelines.

9. Will the track always be open to the public?

   There will be limited access to the track. We are expecting a high volume of use by the College and community organizations; therefore, access will be managed around athletics, academic programs, practices, competitions, College events, and community reservations.

   When the facility is ready for full use in 2027, we will post updated availability. Specific public and employee access hours have not yet been confirmed.