Major upgrades are taking place at Fairfield University, where Alumni Diamond is being renovated to the tune of $750,000.
As can be seen from the above photo, the work is fairly extensive. New seats are being installed, while the dugouts and backstop are both being improved. Much of the renovation cost was raised by the Friends of Baseball group, which include parents of students, alumni, and other supporters.
“I think the stadium project is great for our current players to compete in a place that we are very proud to call our home,” said Head Coach Bill Currier, the 2016 MAAC Coach of the Year. “I think it’s going to be awesome for our alumni to have a facility they can come back to and be proud to see our team play in. The donations from Friends and alumni show the ground swell of interest behind the baseball program and the success that we had this year and the ability to continue it in the future.”
The renovation features a new backstop with a total seating capacity of 350 including 80 chair-back seats behind home plate and a modern backstop netting system for improved sightlines.
Each dugout will be renovated and expanded to include a modern field level look as well as a tiered seating system for players and coaches. To enhance the game day experience, a press box and sound system will overlook the field from behind home plate, allowing game day staff to create an exciting and fan-friendly atmosphere for Stags’ fans. Additionally, new fencing and enhancements to the scoreboard will be added and will include new branding elements for Fairfield Baseball. Bullpen locations will also be relocated to cater to the dugout renovations.
When fans first walk into the new Alumni Diamond this fall, they will enter the facility from an impressive entryway behind the first base dugout. In addition to the enhancements to Alumni Diamond, the Stags will introduce a renovated state-of-the-art locker room this fall. Between the renovations to Alumni Diamond and the Stags locker room, Fairfield Baseball will have some of the best facilities in the northeast region among Division I institutions.
“Every student-athlete is aware of the impact of facilities, and I think this shows the support behind our program,” Coach Currier said. “A new locker room and stadium are two major improvements that will positively impact our program moving forward.”
Progress on the project will be made throughout the summer with an expected completion date of September 2016. Additional photos will be posted as a featured item on the baseball home page of FairfieldStags.com as the project continues.
Image courtesy of Fairfield University.