Troy University Athletics
Trojans Baseball Building Upon Success
7/19/2007 5:00:00 AM | Baseball
A new era in Troy University baseball has begun. As the Trojans wrapped up their second season in the Sun Belt Conference and competed in their second consecutive NCAA Regional, this new era is marked by the next stage of renovation to Riddle-Pace Field, which began last week.
“This is the next step in the evolution of our baseball program,” Senior Associate Athletic Director Scott Farmer said. “This renovation shows our commitment to winning in our conference and at the national level.”
The renovations include a two-story facility that will be built adjacent to the left-field line. The building will include a new dugout for the Trojans as well as new locker rooms, a training room, lounge and meeting areas on the first floor. The upper floor will house new offices for the Trojans' coaches.
Also, included in the project will be a covered practice facility that will include batting cages, a bullpen and ample space for the Trojans to practice taking infield when weather does not permit them to go onto the field.
“We are very excited to get this construction underway,” head coach Bobby Pierce said. “It will be a beautiful place to play baseball and I know our guys will like it.”
Another visible part of the facility renovation will be a new outfield wall. The wall will include a “monster” in right field and a state-of-the-art scoreboard and sound system that will be built into the wall in right-center field. The wall in left field will be lowered and decks will be constructed behind the wall, making that a fan-friendly tailgate area.
“We try to give our guys the best environment to play baseball,” Pierce said. “This new facility can help us in recruiting and it will show that we take pride in winning baseball games.”
Finally, a new playing surface will be installed at Riddle-Pace Field. The new surface will give the Trojans an opportunity to spend more time on the field, even on days when inclement weather would have, in the past, forced practice or games to be cancelled. The surface will be an artificial surface similar to what is on the football field at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium.
Construction on the project is expected to be completed late this fall and the renovated facility should be ready to open the 2008 season in March.
