COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved construction of Texas A&M’s new softball stadium, located at the corner of Tom Chandler Road and Penberthy Road. The $28.6 million project is scheduled to begin shortly and completed in advance of the 2018 season.
“I am thrilled we are moving forward with our plans to construct a new stadium,” head coach Jo Evans said. “I appreciate the support of our past and current athletics administration, President Young, and the Board of Regents. We have waited a long time to be in a position to build a state-of-the-art facility, and I am grateful to have Director of Athletics Scott Woodward, Senior Associate AD for Facilities and Construction Kevin Hurley and Senior Associate Athletics Director, CFO and Sport Administrator Jeff Toole in support of the project and committed to building a first-class facility.”
The exterior of the new stadium will resemble Blue Bell Park, home of Texas A&M’s baseball team, as well as the new Track & Field Complex, which will be located adjacent to the softball stadium and was also approved by the Regents on April 27. The softball stadium will hold 2,000 fans and will include club level seating as well as two luxury suites. The new press box will feature two radio booths, a TV booth and a writing press area.
“This stadium will have an immediate and enormous impact on our program,” Evans added. “The immediate impact will be felt by our student-athletes, coaches, support staff, and our fans. Our fans will have the comforts of the stadiums they have grown accustomed to at Texas A&M, a stadium with chair back seating, shaded areas, club seating, indoor club area, suites, and concessions and amenities similar to Blue Bell Park. Our players will have instant access to locker room, player lounge, training room, video/media room, computer lab, and indoor hitting facility all in one location. Our coaching staff offices and locker rooms will also be located within the facility.”
The Aggies will remain in the third base dugout, which is easily accessible to the new locker room, video room and training room. The project also includes a 6,744 sq. foot indoor hitting facility with four batting cages in addition to staff offices and locker rooms. The stadium will also feature a visitor’s locker room adjacent to the first base dugout as well as locker rooms for the umpires.
“This stadium will have a huge impact on recruiting,” Evans said. “Our intention is to build the finest softball stadium in the nation, one that will draw elite recruits from around the country, and one that will make a significant statement about the commitment our donors, administration and softball alumni have made to this program. This stadium will be a showpiece to honor the tremendous accomplishments of the championship softball teams we have had at Texas A&M and the outstanding young women throughout our 40-year history who have shaped our past, present and future.”
The concourse will feature two concession stands, a team store, guest services and restrooms down the first- and third-base lines to enhance the game day experience for fans.
Texas A&M currently plays its home game at the Aggie Softball Complex, which was built in 1994.
Coach Jo Evans on new stadium
Story courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics