A new era is taking shape for University of Kentucky baseball, as the program expects to move into its new ballpark next month.
Kentucky has been planning a new ballpark to replace Cliff Hagan Stadium. The baseball program played its final games at Cliff Hagan Stadium this spring, and has anticipated that the 2019 season will be its first at a new on-campus ballpark that has been built near football’s Kroger Field.
Between now and next spring, the program should have plenty of time to familiarize itself with its new facility. According to the latest update from Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart, the program is scheduled move into the new ballpark in September. The facility is designed to be equipped with many of the features found in new college ballparks, including modern fan and player amenities. More from the Courier-Journal:
Kentucky is on schedule to move into the $49 million facility near Kroger Field next month, UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart said Friday.
“We hope to be in that stadium, probably mid-late September, in total,” he said. “We may move in in bits and pieces, with coaches and team and then probably be on the field in mid-to-late September. We’re hopeful of that.”…
The new stadium will feature 2,500 permanent seats and additional space to accommodate more than 7,000 for NCAA Tournament games. There will also be a team lounge, locker room, training area, indoor hitting and pitching area, coaches offices and a recruiting area.
Kentucky had played at Cliff Hagan Stadium since 1969, when it originally opened as the Bernie A. Shively Sports Center. It was later renovated at several points over the years.
Rendering courtesy University of Kentucky.
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