A $7-million gift from executives at Blue Bell Creameries is leading the way for a renovation of Texas A&M‘s Olsen Field; as a result, the expanded ballpark will be known as Blue Bell Park.
The gift comes from former Texas A&M students Ed. and Howard Kruse of Brenham, whose father started the Brenham Creamery Company in 1907, along with Blue Bell Creameries. (The name of Brenham Creamery was changed to the present Blue Bell name in 1930.)
The naming, which is expeted to be approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents at its December 2 meeting, will rename the renovations Blue Bell Park, and the official name of the baseball facility will be changed to C.E. “Pat” Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.
The total cost of the renovations is budgeted now at $24 million. The $16-million first phase of that plan includes the construction of a two-story student-athlete center housing a new locker room, player’s lounge, coaches’ offices, training and weight facilities as well as club seating, widening of the concourse, and new concession stands and restrooms.
A secondary $8 million phase includes a dramatic new exterior façade of the facility, removal of metal bleachers and construction of grassy berm seating areas on both the first base and third base sides. Additionally, construction of suites along the top of the ballpark and numerous fan and family amenities throughout the ballpark will be added.
Construction will begin in February 2011.
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