FB/BB Stadium Projects

[CajunCharlie]

_ I don't know if I like the idea of a turf baseball field. That to me is not baseball. _

Why not a turf outfield and a grass infield?

[rhineaux]

_ Why not a turf outfield and a grass infield? _

I too would prefer grass over turf. Turf isn't a bad thing (especially with our field situation), but the thing I really hate about it is having dirt only around the bases. So, i think it would be great if the whole thing was turf if they could still have the dirt through the base paths like it's suppose to be. They are able to do it at Tropicana Field.

[Cajun90]

Why not a turf outfield and a grass infield?

I did a little digging. It seems that the Turf is becoming more prominent for baseball and is a big consideration for any stadium being built or renovated.

One of the most common configurations also seems to be a complete Turf installation and I mean complete. Everything is turf except the pitcher's mound. The base paths are turf and even the warning track is turf. Apparently they do something to the warning track so it is obvious to a player when their feet transition to the warning track.

The nice thing about turf for baseball is the consistency. The ball is going to play the same way almost everytime. And it is also near 100% playable all the time. We get a storm right now and the field is unplayable for the rest of the day. With turf you can probably be back out on it as soon as the rain is over.

Nolan Ryan uses it on all the fields at his training camps because the field condition never becomes an issue.

Remember this stuff isn't AstroTurf and the reports are that players that have played on it really like it.

I'm okay with it but would still kind of like to see a little cloud of dust kicked up around home plate.

[Dad04]

The ball is going to play the same way almost everytime. And it is also near 100% playable all the time. We get a storm right now and the field is unplayable for the rest of the day. With turf you can probably be back out on it as soon as the rain is over.

The fact that Turf eliminates rainouts due to field conditions, is obviously an important consideration when hosting tournaments, especially post season.

[CajunAmos]

Also eliminates the maintenance budget. Right now we do no maintenance during off season as we don't have a field maintenance crew to maintain the condition of the field or stands year round. The field will look pristine at all times of the year. Imagine visitors who see us around the country who might be vacationing in the area stopping by and seeing a great looking field year round. Can you say recruiting tool. In addition, we get all our coaches on the road recruiting and coaching rather than cutting grass, painting the lines, hosing down the infield before games.

[zephyr]

The new baseball stadium is great, and the contribution from this alumnus is extremely generous. It just seems overkill since both facilities (softball and baseball) are nice. Granted, the knock on on the baseball facilities has been the media area which many say is why we haven't been able to host regionals. I know you can't tell someone who is giving that much money and wants it allocated to a specific area of athletics that you can't do it. I just wish there was more in the works for the football stadium. I'm not saying a rebuilding or anything, just a nice portion put towards a refurbishing. Has anybody heard anything different? Maybe I just missed any announcements towards the football stadium.

[CajunAlum10]

_ The new baseball stadium is great, and the contribution from this alumnus is extremely generous. It just seems overkill since both facilities (softball and baseball) are nice. Granted, the knock on on the baseball facilities has been the media area which many say is why we haven't been able to host regionals. I know you can't tell someone who is giving that much money and wants it allocated to a specific area of athletics that you can't do it. I just wish there was more in the works for the football stadium. I'm not saying a rebuilding or anything, just a nice portion put towards a refurbishing. Has anybody heard anything different? Maybe I just missed any announcements towards the football stadium. _

No offense to any of the UL football supporters.. I am one myself. However, I am much more passionate about the baseball program.. and I for one believe that it is time Baseball is rewarded for all of their success. I love the idea that Baseball will get its own renovations to improve the facilities. Not saying the football program does not, but baseball definitely deserves this. Honestly.. football needs to show everyone on this board and in this town that they can compete at a high level. Baseball can, Softball can, and Basketball has in the past. Now that we have the Ragin' Cajun Athletic Foundation.. once football proves they want it, and deserve it, they will reep the benefits. Baseball is just simply the first program to be rewarded since the Foundation has been formed. Let's enjoy it.

And by the way, football IS on its way, a brand new turf will be installed. I'd say that's a pretty good start to revamping that stadium. With succes on the new field.. more donations will flow in. Have faith.

Go Cajuns!

[rhineaux]

One of the most common configurations also seems to be a complete Turf installation and I mean complete. Everything is turf except the pitcher's mound. The base paths are turf and even the warning track is turf. Apparently they do something to the warning track so it is obvious to a player when their feet transition to the warning track.

I saw the pics from Tulane's new field, and it just looks wierd, all that brown colored grass.

Icky!

But if that's what teams are doing, and that's what we need to do to compete, then so be it. I just hope its not what teams are doing and that its not what we need to do to compete. :-)

[RaginCajun918]

_ No offense to any of the UL football supporters.. I am one myself. However, I am much more passionate about the baseball program.. and I for one believe that it is time Baseball is rewarded for all of their success. I love the idea that Baseball will get its own renovations to improve the facilities. Not saying the football program does not, but baseball definitely deserves this. Honestly.. football needs to show everyone on this board and in this town that they can compete at a high level. Baseball can, Softball can, and Basketball has in the past. Now that we have the Ragin' Cajun Athletic Foundation.. once football proves they want it, and deserve it, they will reep the benefits. Baseball is just simply the first program to be rewarded since the Foundation has been formed. Let's enjoy it.

And by the way, football IS on its way, a brand new turf will be installed. I'd say that's a pretty good start to revamping that stadium. With succes on the new field.. more donations will flow in. Have faith.

Go Cajuns! _

Well said.. Very well said..

[RedBug58]

I talked with quite a few people tonight about what was going on with the baseball stadium & quickly realized that something is going to happen for sure, but I just don't think anyone knows "for sure" what it will be. But if it was up to me, I would keep the concrete section of the Tigue behind the plate, but extend it up another 10 rows or so with a new press box & suites from end to end. Then use the same architecture and elevation to continue the concrete stadium down the first and third base lines creating approx a 6,000 seat stadium. All with a cover over the top. The metal grandstands could be disassembled and reconfigured to improve Lamson Park, increasing seating in a more symetric layout.

[Dad04]

_ Also eliminates the maintenance budget. Right now we do no maintenance during off season as we don't have a field maintenance crew to maintain the condition of the field or stands year round. The field will look pristine at all times of the year. Imagine visitors who see us around the country who might be vacationing in the area stopping by and seeing a great looking field year round. Can you say recruiting tool. In addition, we get all our coaches on the road recruiting and coaching rather than cutting grass, painting the lines, hosing down the infield before games. _

Right now players pull the tarp on and off the field every time it is moved.

[CajunAmos]

I'm pretty sure any work will include a completely new grandstand section. The present one is totally inadequate for concessions or bathrooms. The present concrete would have to go. I think it's also much more expensive to renovate an existing structure than to tear it down and rebuild.