By CHRISTOPHER MOORE
BYU’s field of dreams became a reality Jan. 18 with the announcement that a mirrored-image softball/baseball complex has been given approval by the Board of Trustees.
In a press conference given at the Cougar Club room in the bowels of the football stadium, K. Fred Skousen, advancement Vice President, said that the groundbreaking and field design will be “symbolic to pull together the BYU commitment to women’s and men’s athletics and put them on equal footing.”
Skousen said that the first intercollegiate athletic event held in Utah was a baseball game in 1895 between Brigham Young Academy and the University of Utah. With the construction of the facility, the future baseball and softball teams and their fans will have something to look forward to for the next 105 years.
In a statement issued by the University athletic department, BYU President Merrill J. Bateman commented on the new field.
“We are committed to excellence in all aspects of our athletic programs at BYU. This new facility will clearly elevate the baseball and softball programs to another level,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for our women athletes,” said Elaine Michaelis, BYU women’s athletic director. “We just added softball, and now the participants will have a chance to compete in one of the premier facilities in college athletics.”
“The announcement and building of this facility will greatly enhance our chances of winning championships by being able to host tournaments and attract blue-chip recruits,” said new baseball coach Vance Law.
“Our players are extremely grateful,” said softball coach Mary Kay Amicone. “No softball complex in the state of Utah can equal this facility. We greatly appreciate the efforts of those who started this.”
Valentiner, Crane Architects of Salt Lake City designed the blueprints for the new facility. They also designed Franklin Covey Field, home of the Salt Lake Buzz.
Groundbreaking for the complex will begin at the end of the baseball season. It will be built on the existing site across the street from the Marriott Center.
Seating capacity will be 4,000, including 2,000 permanent, stadium-style seats for the baseball side and 2,000 for the softball field. A tensile roof made of teflon fabric and pulled taut will cover the course, said Val Hale, men’s athletic director.
Hale also said the facility will have lights for night games and participation in Mountain West Conference and NCAA events.
An elevator will be provided for access to the concourse. The stadium will contain concession stands; a shared press box for print, radio and TV broadcasts; and four separate locker rooms shaped as home plates, Hale said.
The total price tag for the project is $7 million, of which more than $2 million has been pledged. Fundraising efforts are under way and the help of fans, alumni, and friends of the athletic program are being asked to contribute materials, labor or money, Hale said.
“We have been in need of a facility like this for a long time and it is exciting to be part of today’s announcement,” Hale said. “Now we need the support of our softball and baseball fans. … We have a lot of work to do in a very short time.”
