Mississippi State yesterday "unveiled the Dudy Noble Field Master Plan," a $40M renovation project for the university's ballpark that would be overseen by K.C.-based Populous and Jackson-based design team Wier Boerner Allin Architecture, according to Michael Bonner of the Jackson CLARION-LEDGER. A timetable for the project is "based on the Bulldog Club reaching" its $20M private fundraising goal. The plan "calls for a new double-tiered grandstand with chairback seating, an elevated concourse that encircles the playing field and allows a constant view of the game action, entry plazas, spacious restrooms, concessions, a kids' play area, berm seating, upgraded field lighting, HD video board, digital ribbon signage, team areas (clubhouse, training room, equipment room, coaches' offices, etc.) and dramatically improved aesthetics." The ballpark will "feature approximately 50 skyboxes (25 in the main grandstand, 25 in the outfield) and club and loge seating." The outfield suites will "feature two bedrooms, a bath, kitchen and living space and will be available for use year-round." The park's Left Field Lounge will "continue but with a change," as spots will be "built permanently into place." MSU said that the idea is for "current passholders to be given an opportunity to help customize their location" (Jackson CLARION-LEDGER, 8/13). In Mississippi, John Galatas notes although the capacity of the ballpark has "not been set," the plan allows MSU to "continue to host some of the largest crowds in college baseball." MSU "holds all top 10 records for on-campus crowds in NCAA history." MSU AD Scott Stricklin said that the expansion will "provide the opportunity to set higher records" (Biloxi SUN HERALD, 8/13).
TOP NOTCH: Oklahoma State baseball coach Josh Holliday said the school has designed a new ballpark to replace the 33-year-old Allie P. Reynolds Stadium, and the new venue is "beautiful." Holliday: "We continue to work to raise the money necessary to get a shovel in the ground. That’s been an ongoing process for the last couple years … The more support we get, it happens faster." He added, "It’s a pretty substantial facility, so it’s obviously something that’s going to be when it’s all said and done pretty grand in terms of encompassing luxury seating, the seating bowl itself, the design itself. ... We think it will put us at the top of college baseball" (OKLAHOMAN, 8/12).
