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By Ray Hamill — Changes are in the air for the College of the Redwoods sports.

Earlier this month, the Corsairs held a ground breaking ceremony for a new all-weather field and track, which is the first of several upgrades planned for the local community college athletic facilities.

The new field is expected to be completed in time to host some soccer games this fall.

“We’re off and going,” CR Athletic Director Bob Brown said. “And we’re really looking forward to what the end product will look like.”

The new field will also host football games, and while there won’t be any football games played there this year the Corsairs are expected to be able to practice on their new field during the upcoming season while continuing to play home games at the Redwood Bowl for one more season.

The Corsairs are also hoping to host track and field events at the new facility next spring.

Eventually, the new facility will include new bleachers and a press box, although that is still in the design process and is likely still a couple of years away.

The athletic upgrades will also eventually include a new athletic building and a new field house, all of which has the Corsairs excited for the future.

“It is really exciting and not only with the success of our programs, but also the community connection that’s really starting to take hold,” Brown added.

And they’re not the only changes in store for the Corsairs.

The school also recently agreed with the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria to play baseball games at a new Bear River all-weather baseball field, which is also under construction.

The Corsairs are investing $300,000 to help build the new facility, in exchange for which CR will continue to play softball games at Bear River and begin playing baseball games there, as well as using both fields for their teams to practice on.

“Education and athletics are integral parts of our community,” Bear River Rancheria Chairwoman Josefina Frank said in a statement announcing the decision. “It is with these partnerships that we can continue to support our students collectively, in both their educational and athletic endeavors.”

The new baseball field will also be available for other community teams to use.

“We are extremely excited to continue to build the great partnership created these last several years with Bear River Rancheria,” Brown said. “It will significantly enhance our recruiting efforts for the baseball program and be a great resource for the community in supporting local sports.”

CR President Dr. Keith Flamer added: “I’m excited about this new phase of our partnership. It’s a game changer for our community and our students. We can’t wait to see the energy our students bring to the new facilities and the enthusiasm we expect to see reflected throughout the community.”