UND Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Softball Stadium at Memorial Village II
The University of North Dakota (UND) recently announced that it has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art softball stadium at Memorial Village II. The university released renderings of the plans, which showcase an impressive facility that includes not only a softball stadium but also commercial spaces and mixed living opportunities.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the plans is the softball stadium itself. The facility will boast over 500 spectator seats, a party deck in left field, and a pet-friendly environment. Additionally, the stadium will feature an LED video board and offer softball players access to a dual-purpose batting cage and bullpen. With its prime location across from the under-construction Nodak Insurance Company Sports Performance Center and in proximity to other athletic facilities, the softball stadium aims to create an integrated sports hub on campus.
For UND softball coach Jordan Stevens, having the softball field on campus is the most important aspect of the plans. He expressed his excitement, stating, The details in this thing are better than many of the places, if not the best, from some of the fields that we’ve been to. But number one for us in our program is it’s on campus. Stevens emphasized that having the field conveniently located on campus will enable the team to foster a greater sense of pride and generate more support from the university community.
While the timeline for completion has shifted multiple times, Stevens revealed that he was most recently informed that the team could begin playing at the new softball stadium in the spring of 2025, with fall ball games possibly taking place there as soon as next fall. This would make the field a topic of conversation for recruiting purposes, showcasing UND’s dedication to investing in softball.
The investment in a state-of-the-art softball stadium by UND is not only significant for the athletics department but also for the community. Stevens believes that it demonstrates the growth and popularity of softball in the area. He stated, It’s gonna be a sense of pride… We get to play those games on our campus. It’s going to be a beautiful facility, and we’re going to have people that will hopefully want to come out and watch us play.
Groundbreaking for the new complex is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3. The project is made possible through a public-private partnership, with the lead donors being Alexa and Dave Albrecht. DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, expressed gratitude for their support and the collaborative efforts of all parties involved in bringing the project to fruition.
UND’s groundbreaking on the state-of-the-art softball stadium marks an exciting new chapter for the university’s athletics program. This facility not only promises to enhance the experience for the softball team but also contributes to the growth of softball as a sport in the region. With completion expected in the coming years, UND can look forward to hosting games on their own campus, fostering school spirit, and attracting fans from the university and the wider community.
