What is the Ultiplex?

It's what you get when ultimate players decide they need to have their own set of fields, ie, "ultimate field complex" telescopes into "ultiplex." The Triangle Flying Disc Association is seeking to create an Ultiplex comprising at least 12 fields, parking, a playground, and a clubhouse with bathrooms.

How did the idea come about?

The growing need for TFDA-owned fields has been obvious to all Triangle players who have been forced to trek long distances to TFDA-sponsored events and adjust to last-minute changes due to conditions imposed by field rentors. Even local college players have lamented the lack of field space at their schools and have deplored their inability to host local sectional or regional (or other) tourneys.

Where will it be?

The Ultiplex Committee has been searching for land convenient to all three major Triangle cities, in both northeastern Chatham and Durham counties. While the committee hasn't yet purchased land, it did make an offer on a parcel in Durham, which was subsequently refused. Further negotiations are going on with this property, as it turns out that other buyers' offers were also refused.

In the coming months the Ultiplex Committee will be targeting property owners in the desired areas with mailings that ask them to consider selling, long-term leasing (with or without first option to buy), possible greenspace arrangements, or even charitable giving.

What will it look like?

Click here to see a proposal that was made for a piece of property located early on in the search. This property was only 18 acres, and thus could not be expanded to include the full minimum 12 fields the committee is currently planning for. Ideally the fields will have shade, as indicated, and can be located in pairs, also as indicated, so that they can be rented as full-sized soccer fields. Note that the very rough terrain on the east border of the land was sculpted for a disc golf course. An alternative plan for such "undevelopable" land is a mountain bike course.

A final plan, of course, will depend on the land that is purchased.

How much will it cost?

Current land prices for the 20 to 30 acres the Ultiplex Committee is seeking are in the $300,000 to $500,000 range. A down payment of $100,000 is in the ballpark for the downpayment required by most banks and/or sellers.

Initially preparing four fields, TFDA can run its current Winter and Summer League programs, using revenues to both pay down the mortgage and continue new field development. The Ultiplex Committee anticipates that fundraising will be needed for at least the first year after purchase, if not the second, in order meet costs. Once there are at least eight usuable fields, with at least two of them lit, the Ultiplex should be self-sustaining, drawing revenue from its usual sources, plus those generated by additional ultimate programs, more tournaments (both club and college), and by field rentals (probably to soccer players). Additionally, it's expected that the county or city P&R will be willing to partner to run programs.

How much have we raised?

Our up-to-the-minute total is: $111327

When will we be able to play?

The sooner we achieve our initial downpayment goal of $100,000 (with additional reserves, if possible), the sooner the Ultiplex Committee can convince a landowner that TFDA is a credible buyer. At this point, the Ultiplex Committee is looking to a fundraising push in September and October to fulfill the minimum funding goal of $100,000.

Finding land remains a priority, and the committee continues to search. Once a property is identified, an offer will be made. Currently, as mentioned before, there is a property on which an offer has been made.

Ideally, the Ultiplex land will be purchased in 2005 and will have at a minimum four fields for use during the 2005-6 Winter League season.

How can I donate?

Giving is quick, secure, and easy. Just use our secure server to donate by credit card. You also may send a check (made out to "TFDA") to the Ultiplex Committee chair, Chris Roessler, at

TFDA Ultiplex Campaign
c/o Chris Roessler
1204 N. Gregson St.
Durham, NC 27701

Whether giving online or by check, your donation is tax-deductible and will be acknowledged with a receipt that you can use when filing your state and federal taxes.

To show appreciation, there are plans to name fields after the most generous givers, while all givers towards the initial purchase will be recognized by name on a large commemorative plaque to be mounted at the Ultiplex field house.