FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
BUIES CREEK, N.C.-Campbell’s new baseball stadium at Taylor Field began phase one of construction this week, beginning the overhaul project that will give the Camels a new and improved home. Construction of the facility, which will be carried out in two phases wrapped around the 2011 season, will be completed prior to opening day, 2012.
“This is a tremendous day for our program with the start of our stadium project,” said CU head coach Greg Goff. “I’m very thankful for the huge commitment from our administration and appreciate all they have done to make this day happen.”
The process began on Monday morning with the demolition of existing bathrooms, entrance, storage facility, and exterior fencing. Upgrades during the initial phase will include a new entrance gate and ticket booth, restroom and concession facility, exterior wrought iron fencing and improved exterior landscaping. Phase one is scheduled to be completed in early February, 2011.
Phase two is slated to begin in June 2011 with the demolition of the existing Taylor Field grandstand, press box and concession stand. A new grandstand will then be added with seating for 1,985 fans, including nearly 600 chair-backs, plus a new pressbox, new brick exterior for the stadium, dugouts and increased picnic and pavilion seating down the foul lines.
“With this project, Campbell Baseball, its fans and alumni will have one of the finest facilities on the East Coast to enjoy a game,” added Goff. “With these upgrades, the sky is the limit to where we can take this program from here.”
In 2010, Campbell’s third year under head coach Greg Goff, the Camels enjoyed another record-breaking season, producing their highest wins total (28) in nearly a decade, and registering back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2001 by posting a 28-27 overall record. Those victories included triumphs over North Carolina State and East Carolina, and ran CU’s mark against in-state rivals to 22-7 over the past two seasons.
Over the past three years, Campbell has set 43 school records, including 19 during the 2010 campaign. For the third-straight season, CU set a new school mark for stolen bases (119). In fact, only one A-Sun school (Lipscomb) attempted as many steals as Coach Goff’s squad swiped during 2010.
For more information on how you may assist in the construction of the new facility at Taylor Field, contact the Campbell University Athletics Department at (910) 893-1328.
