Glennen Field at Trusler Sports Complex is getting a makeover just in time for the 2009 Emporia State baseball season.
The infield of the diamond is going to be replaced with RamTurf artificial playing surface. Glennen Field and Turnbull Field, home of the ESU softball team, will also have new scoreboards installed before the season.
The new additions continue a renovations to Trusler that began in 2006 with construction of the Hanna Family Clubhouse. Most of the improvements are being funded by three donors.
“We are very grateful that people continue to support our athletic programs with these very generous gifts. This project will be completed entirely with private funds, donated specifically for this project,” ESU athletic director Kent Weiser said. “Not only will these improvements maintain the Trusler Sports Complex as one of the top baseball/softball complexes in the nation, ESU will be able to save money in reduced maintenance costs.”
The scoreboards will be state of the art Daktronics wireless scoreboards and will replace the scoreboards that have the current boards that have been in place since 1994.
Installation of the new turf began on Jan. 5 with the removal of the old dirt and grass infield. The turf is expected to be completed by the start of the 2009 season. The scoreboards will be put in place at some point during the season by Coffelt Signs.
The ESU baseball team is scheduled to open the 2009 season on Feb. 10 at Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford, Okla. The first game on the new turf is scheduled for Feb. 24 against Newman. Hornet softball is set to open on Feb. 7 at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo. The first home action for the softball team will be the ESU Spring Tournament March 13-15.