In a major milestone for the program, the University of New Mexico has unveiled new clubhouses for the upcoming baseball season.
The University of New Mexico Lobos will now utilize a $2.4 clubhouse space. The 6,000 square foot structure will house other amenities as well, including offices and a deck that overlooks the playing field.
In the past, the Lobos have not had their own locker space. Santa Ana Star Field did not have adequate facilities for a clubhouse, forcing the team to use locker rooms at the basketball arena.
Therefore, the new clubhouse represents a major step forward for the program, and head coach Ray Birmingham believes that the Lobos will capitalize on the upgrades. More from the Albuquerque Journal:
“This is one of the top 20 baseball clubhouses in the country, no question,” Birmingham said. “This puts us closer to Omaha (site of the annual College World Series), and Omaha’s coming soon.”
Birmingham has pushed hard for the clubhouse facility since UNM opted to move its home games from Isotopes Park to then-Lobo Field midway through the 2013 season. At that time the facility did not have bathrooms or stadium lights, which have since been installed.
“It’s been a process to get this done,” UNM athletic director Paul Krebs said, “but our plan (in 2013) was not to play games here. We were always planning to use Isotopes Park until that kind of went sideways. All things considered, I think this facility is a huge accomplishment, and I think it will make a difference. Ray’s done a marvelous job.”
Santa Ana Star Field has undergone renovations in recent years, including enhancements to fan and player amenities. The new clubhouse has been named the R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard Clubhouse, after the Hubbard family donated to the project.