In time, the appearance and amenities of Fortress Field in Obetz will reflect its moniker. The first U.S. stadium designed with a professional lacrosse team as its primary tenant will have all the trappings, complete with a three-story, castle-like structure leading into the eastward-facing, 6,500-capacity grandstand topped with a press box.

For now, the basic outline has been laid on the former site of the Columbus Motor Speedway for Saturday’s official unveiling as the Ohio Machine hosts Rochester in its Major League Lacrosse home opener. The stands are in place, the synthetic turf field and locker rooms have been installed and four light towers loom over the facility.

The full vision will be realized as the season progresses. And as it does, the hope is that a planned world-class product will come to fruition both on and off the field.

In the eyes of team president Ryan Chenault, this is just the beginning.

“I think when people show up and see it, they’re going to be blown away with what it is and the experience they have there,” he said. “The sightlines, being so close to the action … it’s going to be huge.”

Announced in November, the development of the facility was essentially a two-year project that the Machine has compressed as much as possible into less than six months. No significant contingency plans were made other than to have the stadium ready for the first game, although Chenault described it as a “soft opening.”

Food trucks will be brought in until the concession stands are ready. As of early this week, the nearest parking lot that primarily services the Obetz Athletic Club wasn’t completely lined, and a gravel path wound to the stadium past dirt piles and construction vehicles at the south end.

That didn’t stop coach Bear Davis, whose team started 2-0 on the road, from describing today’s game as “Christmas morning” for a franchise now with a permanent home after having played games first at Ohio Wesleyan and then Ohio Dominican during its five-year history.

“It’s something that not just lacrosse people, but Columbus sports people in general, can be proud of, to have the first stadium of its kind,” he said. “It’s first-class, the whole fan experience, from the parking to the food to restroom facilities. If there’s ever a line at the restroom, I will give someone $100.”

Chenault said ticket sales, which averaged around 1,900 fans per game last season, are up around 65 percent compared to the same point last year. Season-ticket sales are up, he said, but declined to give specific figures.

Each week going forward will see new sections being completed, and fans that attend the next home game — May 20 against Charlotte — will see a vastly improved experience. That game has been more the focus of the ticket-selling initiatives than the opener, which is not expected to be a sellout.

It’s a starting point for what is hoped to be a seminal moment for lacrosse in central Ohio.

“Now we have a home that we can build on and build out from,” Chenault said. “That says we’re not planning on going anywhere. There’s a lot of optimism around where we are.”

ajardy@dispatch.com

@AdamJardy