Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh announces plans for baseball facility upgrades
12/3/2013 4:44:00 PM | Baseball, Tickets
Baseball Complex Plans
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh Athletics has announced plans to upgrade the baseball field on Goodman Campus beginning in the summer of 2014, pending successful completion of a currently ongoing capital fundraising campaign. The expectation is that the facility will be ready for use in time for the spring 2015 baseball season.
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The current setting for baseball on the Goodman Campus is visually extraordinary with views of South Mountain and the other Lehigh Athletics facilities and fields. However, the orientation of the complex makes it difficult to reach on foot, and the complex lacks the amenities that would enhance the spectator viewing experience as well as opportunities for media coverage and multimedia production.
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The addition of modern stands, a functional press box, larger and enhanced dugouts, replacement of back stop wire screens with a modern cable and netting system, and ultimately, the construction a fan support facility that includes rest rooms and concessions, will combine to enhance the experience for all.
Â
Perhaps more important, however, are enhancements to the playing field. The range of options under consideration include a totally refurbished grass infield and outfield, with improved drainage systems, to a synthetic surface complex where maintenance costs are reduced and use of the field after inclement weather can be accelerated considerably, without the need for extensive management of tarps.
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"The announcement of plans for a new baseball complex has generated a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for everyone associated with our program," explained head baseball coach Sean Leary '93. "Lehigh University and the baseball program already have so much to offer and with the addition of this first class complex, it truly makes it an amazing time for those connected to Lehigh baseball. I want to thank our alumni, parents and friends who have contributed already, and hope that others will join in to make this project a reality."Â
Leary concluded, "This facility upgrade will make Lehigh a distinctive option for future prospects while also serving as a wonderful home for our current players and alumni."
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Six options for field renovations are possible depending upon the total funds we are able to raise and the timeline on which commitments are received. There are two field orientation options: the current orientation or one with home plate in what is now the left field corner that would enable easier access for fans and less costly connection to utility services which run along the road between the tennis courts and the baseball complex. With each of these orientations there are three field options: (a) an all grass (and infield mix) field, (b) a field with a synthetic infield and a natural grass outfield, or (c) a full synthetic field.Â
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Pending finalization of funding, the projected timeline for this project is to begin construction not later than June 1, 2014 so that the complex will be available for use sometime in the Fall of 2014, and the Spring 2015 baseball season. Financial commitments need to be finalized before January 1, 2014 to enable final design work.
Â
The baseball facility renovation is one of three projects that have been labeled as priorities for quite some time, along with the relocation of Lehigh's softball game field and an addition to Lehigh's Cundey Varsity House primarily for additional multi-purpose training space and video capable meeting rooms.Â
Â
More information on the baseball facility renovation can be found here: http://lehighsports.com/sports/2013/11/14/baseball_project.aspx
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh Athletics has announced plans to upgrade the baseball field on Goodman Campus beginning in the summer of 2014, pending successful completion of a currently ongoing capital fundraising campaign. The expectation is that the facility will be ready for use in time for the spring 2015 baseball season.
Â
The current setting for baseball on the Goodman Campus is visually extraordinary with views of South Mountain and the other Lehigh Athletics facilities and fields. However, the orientation of the complex makes it difficult to reach on foot, and the complex lacks the amenities that would enhance the spectator viewing experience as well as opportunities for media coverage and multimedia production.
Â
The addition of modern stands, a functional press box, larger and enhanced dugouts, replacement of back stop wire screens with a modern cable and netting system, and ultimately, the construction a fan support facility that includes rest rooms and concessions, will combine to enhance the experience for all.
Â
Perhaps more important, however, are enhancements to the playing field. The range of options under consideration include a totally refurbished grass infield and outfield, with improved drainage systems, to a synthetic surface complex where maintenance costs are reduced and use of the field after inclement weather can be accelerated considerably, without the need for extensive management of tarps.
Â
"The announcement of plans for a new baseball complex has generated a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for everyone associated with our program," explained head baseball coach Sean Leary '93. "Lehigh University and the baseball program already have so much to offer and with the addition of this first class complex, it truly makes it an amazing time for those connected to Lehigh baseball. I want to thank our alumni, parents and friends who have contributed already, and hope that others will join in to make this project a reality."Â
Leary concluded, "This facility upgrade will make Lehigh a distinctive option for future prospects while also serving as a wonderful home for our current players and alumni."
Â
Six options for field renovations are possible depending upon the total funds we are able to raise and the timeline on which commitments are received. There are two field orientation options: the current orientation or one with home plate in what is now the left field corner that would enable easier access for fans and less costly connection to utility services which run along the road between the tennis courts and the baseball complex. With each of these orientations there are three field options: (a) an all grass (and infield mix) field, (b) a field with a synthetic infield and a natural grass outfield, or (c) a full synthetic field.Â
Â
Pending finalization of funding, the projected timeline for this project is to begin construction not later than June 1, 2014 so that the complex will be available for use sometime in the Fall of 2014, and the Spring 2015 baseball season. Financial commitments need to be finalized before January 1, 2014 to enable final design work.
Â
The baseball facility renovation is one of three projects that have been labeled as priorities for quite some time, along with the relocation of Lehigh's softball game field and an addition to Lehigh's Cundey Varsity House primarily for additional multi-purpose training space and video capable meeting rooms.Â
Â
More information on the baseball facility renovation can be found here: http://lehighsports.com/sports/2013/11/14/baseball_project.aspx
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