FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
FRESNO, Calif. – Beiden Field is home to the Fresno State baseball team and was first built in 1985. It has seen many improvements over the years and in 2010 the changes continue with a new turf halo and sound system. The new installations at Beiden Field were made possible with the help from the Dugout Club.
"Sport Clubs such as the Dugout Club have been supporting Fresno State Athletics for decades," said Fresno State Interim Associate Athletic Director for Development Coleman Barnes. "Most recently, the support of Dugout Club members has assisted with the placement of a new sound system at Beiden Field and the soon-to-be completed infield halo project. Sport Clubs are fan-based organizations overseen by the Bulldog Foundation and established to increase enthusiasm for Fresno State teams and enhance the student-athlete intercollegiate experience. Though sport clubs are not primarily fundraising driven, they may provide resources for designated projects. Sport club memberships begin at only $50, but contributions of any amount can be made directly to designated sport club projects. As always, we extend our thanks to the Dugout Club, and all of our Sport Clubs for their ongoing support of Bulldog Athletics and our 450-plus student-athletes."
At the end of the 2010 season, the speaker system at Beiden Field was completely replaced. A total of 10 speakers and two subwoofers were paid for by the Dugout Club. There are two speakers solely for the playing field and six speakers for various seating areas.
The new sound system allows volume on field to be louder than volume in stands, so the Bulldogs can listen to their favorite music during pre-game and fans in stands can still have conversations with one another at a reasonable volume.
"Our Dugout Club has stepped to the plate by teaming with our Administration in this facility improvement project," said head coach Mike Batesole, two-time National Coach of the Year. "Near the end of our 2010 season, we replaced our sound system and now we are working towards replacing our halo. It has been 20 years since Beiden Field has hosted an NCAA Regional and we have yet to host a Super Regional. These projects will move our facility towards once again being in condition to host post-season events. It is great to see our community and university work together on these projects."
The other major improvement to Beiden Field in the off season is the halo replacement. The entire apron area around the batter’s box and the warning track, roughly 15,500 sq. ft., is being replaced with FieldTurf. The turf is being donated to Fresno State by FieldTurf at no cost.
Byrom-Davey Construction out of San Diego is installing the turf. The new turf area will provide an area for the team to do drills on rainy days and not tear up the natural grass. It will also allow the `Dogs a chance to prepare for road games played on turf surfaces.
The Dugout Club funded 25% of the turf project, but both improvements would not been possible without the assistance of the Dugout Club.
"The Dugout Club continues to provide tremendous support for our baseball program," said Nate Wills, Director of Events. "Their contributions allow us to move forward with numerous projects that play a key role in the continued improvement of Beiden Field. Without their hard work and dedication, Beiden Field would not be the great college baseball venue that it is today."
The Dugout Club was founded in 1976 and has raised over $2 million to help with baseball projects like, the field, improvements and the batting cages. For more information about the Dugout Club log on to gobulldogs.com.
"The Dugout Club is once again proud to contribute to the upgrading and renovation projects at Beiden Field," said Dugout Club board member, Perry Mamigonian. "For over three decades our mission has been to provide support to maintain the quality of the baseball program and enhance the overall experience for the student-athletes and fans. None of it could be possible without the cooperation and support of our university, alumni, coaches and Dugout Club members".
The projects are expected to be completed by the end of September. The Bulldogs kickoff the 2011 season in February.
