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CHICAGO – Chicago State University announced on Wednesday (Oct. 24) the construction of a $2.5 million on-campus baseball stadium. The complex will feature an artificial turf field, lights, digital scoreboard, videoboard, heated dugouts, batting cages, expansive bleachers and a state of the art press box.
“The new baseball stadium is a clear sign of Chicago State University's renewed commitment to Division I athletics,” Chicago State University President Dr. Wayne D. Watson said. “The complex will benefit the entire student body and the surrounding communities.”
Construction, which will be handled by K.R. Miller Contractors, will start immediately. The stadium will be ready for play in March 2013 for Chicago State's baseball season. It will be located just south of the Jones Convocation Center. A walking path will allow easy access for players and fans to the JCC's amenities.
“This will be the finest collegiate baseball facility in Chicago,” Chicago State University Athletic Director Dan Schumacher said. “The new stadium will be a game changer for the baseball program in terms of recruiting, visibility and available resources. It is also another indication of Chicago State's commitment to leveling the playing field among local Division I universities.”
Chicago State University baseball head coach
Steve Joslyn echoed Schumacher's excitement for the project.
“With the bells and whistles included in this project, this is a true baseball complex,” Joslyn said. “I thank Dr. Watson and Mr. Schumacher for their hard work in making this a reality. It raises the level of student-athlete we can attract and makes us a major player in the Midwest recruiting landscape. I'm excited for the campus and the community, but mostly the student-athletes who will get to play on-campus games for the first time in their collegiate careers.”
The field will allow the Chicago State baseball program to play on-campus contests for the first time since 2004.
