Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Cass Davis
Troy University Breaks Ground on Softball Facility Upgrade
9/7/2013 11:46:00 AM | Softball
Troy Softball Releases Fall Schedule
TROY, Ala. – Troy University broke ground on its new softball facility Saturday morning, marking the beginning of construction for the new $3 million facility.
"It's another step of maturation for our athletics program," Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr., said. "We, by any measure, had the best Division II program in the country, then more than 20 years ago we made a commitment to step up to Division I. Division I athletics requires that we be the best that we can be. A big part of that would be facilities. We've made great progress with all of our facilities and I think that this will be one of those points that we'll remember as a final step in phase one of developing a Division I university in terms of athletics."
The complex will undergo a major renovation, as the outfield will be replaced with artificial grass, while the field itself and the dugouts will be lowered to improve on the sight lines for fans. The upgrades will also add an 8000-square foot training facility that includes a locker room, player lounge, batting cages, hitting area, pitching area and training room. The press box will also be updated to included offices, a media area with press box and an expanded concessions area, as well as new officials locker rooms.
"When this facility is completed next spring, our softball facility is going to be on par with any complex in the country, not just seating wise, but certainly with the day-to-day home of our softball program," said John Hartwell, Troy Director of Athletics. "Certainly with facilities the "wow" factor is huge in recruiting. When recruits come to see this facility it will have the "wow" factor. We're very excited about the future of our softball program."
"I don't even have the words to say what this means in terms of what it means to me as a person and as a member of the Troy University family," said head coach Melanie Davis. "The fact that the chancellor is committing the University resources along with our donor dollars to elevate our facility to the highest and the best in the Sun Belt Conference and better than almost any facility in the region, it speaks volumes to his commitment to our program. Troy University is a big part of my family. It's more than just a university, it's more than just a job. We are family."
Troy has secured the services of architect Walter McKee and Whaley Construction. The facility is expected to be opened in the spring of 2014.
Fans can keep up with all the action by following Troy softball on Twitter at @TroySBall.
For more information on all of Troy Athletics, fans can find the Trojans on Twitter and Instagram at @TroyAthletics, or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.
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