PHOTO GALLERY: Baseball Stadium Renderings | Give to the project

RADFORD, Va. – Radford University Baseball Field is in the process of a significant expansion phase, including the installation of lights and stadium seating, set to be completed in time for Big South conference home games in 2011.

In addition to the transformation, the project is a historic one for Radford University athletics: all funds for the upgrades are being privately raised, a first in the department's history.

The expansion project will give the Highlanders a stadium that is capable of hosting high-level competition, including the Big South Tournament.

“The Radford University baseball program has come a long way in three short years,” head coach Joe Raccuia says. “ We have made tremendous strides in all facets of the program, but adding lights and a stadium put a stamp on our development. As an alumnus and head coach of the program I am filled with excitement about the newest facility upgrades.”

“We are extremely excited about our new baseball facility,” Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg says. “Bringing this to fruition has been a true team effort and we are so excited about this project and what it means to our student-athletes, coaches, alumni and fans.”

Using structural elements of the current facility, a 700-seat grandstand is being constructed. Spectators will be moved closer to the action, with the first row of red, chair-backed seats beginning three feet from the current backstop. Sight lines in the grandstand will be directed at the center of the field of play. A spacious main concourse level will be positioned at the top of the grandstand. In addition, a new pressbox and sound system is going to be a part of the complex.

For the first time, the Highlanders will have the capability to host night games. The stadium features lighting standards that meet the requirements of NCAA Regional Tournament host sites. Radford's first scheduled night affair is Wednesday, March 30, when the Highlanders host Longwood at 6 p.m.

“This facility will allow us to continue to recruit the top athletes and get us another step closer to a championship,” Raccuia says. “Being able to have night games in a stadium will provide a great baseball atmosphere to Radford University, the City of Radford and the New River Valley.”

Prior to the start of the 2010 season, upgrades were made to the playing surface and dugouts, marking the first significant changes to Radford University Baseball Field since it opened in 1986. Carolina Green Corp. Athletic Field Construction was in charge of the project that included a new sod, laser-graded surface of sand-based Tuckahoe bluegrass, and a new irrigation and drainage system underneath the field. New dugouts were also built to fit the changing needs of the program. Both dugouts are 74 feet long, include a deeper bench area with steps up to the field, restrooms, and expanded storage space.

“I'd like to thank President Penelope Kyle, Robert Lineburg, Randy Butt [Executive Associate Athletics Director], Kelly Underwood, Roy Saville [RU Director of Facility Planning & Construction], Brad Epperley [Director of Athletic Facilities], Thompson & Litton and everyone else who has supported this project to make it become a reality,” Raccuia says.

Radford University Baseball Field's expansion project is part of a fundraising campaign spearheaded by the Radford Athletics Club (RAC) and its director, Kelly Underwood.

“The support of a select group of alumni, friends, and parents have made the beginning of this project a reality, but we still need the participation of all constituents to realize our dream of a wholly private support-funded capital project,” Underwood says. “Significant funds have been raised to date, but more support is needed. We have structured naming opportunities at all contribution levels so that everyone can leave their mark on this momentous upgrade and significant naming rights remain available for major elements of the facility. Join the excitement with a contribution to this historic campaign.”

For the latest on the improvements to Radford University Baseball Field, visit RadfordAthletics.com, which will have ongoing progress reports on the construction.

ABOUT THE RADFORD ATHLETICS CLUB: The Radford University Athletics Club (RAC) is the fundraising arm of the RU Athletic Department. Through its efforts, the RAC provides necessary financial support for the operation of our programs and seeks to deliver an unmatched personal relationship for our fans. Charitable donations to the Radford University Athletics Club by alumni, friends, businesses, and fans are vital to the long-term growth and success of RU Athletics. Donations are a major resource to fund the operational expenses of the 19-sport athletic programs at Radford University. As a state supported school, the maintenance of the program and ultimately our success depends on private financial support.

For more on the RAC and giving to the project, visit the RAC Website