After years of fundraising and more than one false start, the University of Minnesota has issued an RFP for a reconstruction of the school’s on-campus baseball home, Siebert Field.
The Golden Gophers have played most of their games at the Metrodome in recent years due to the decrepit nature of the current Siebert Field. In fact, the Gophers aren’t set to play at all at Siebert in 2012: the team will play all its home games at the Metrodome save a single match at Target Field. That Siebert Field has needed replacing has been apparent, but raising money for it has been an issue: other projects, like TCF Bank Stadium, have always been ahead of the Siebert Field project in the queue.
However, the school says it has a little more than $7 million in the bank, which is enough to get things rolling. The fundraising includes a $2 million gift from the Pohlad Family Foundation, launched by the owners of the Minnesota Twins.
The first phase of construction will include a new grandstand (with concessions and restrooms), new seating and a new plaza to the south uniting the ballpark with the rest of campus. The second phase of construction, which will require a separate fundraising round, will include a new clubhouse and workout facilities.
RELATED STORIES: Gophers still short on fundraising for new ballpark; Metrodome roof to be raised
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