Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Funding for Abe Martin Field renovation surpasses $1 million
10/04/2012 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
Oct. 4, 2012
By Scott Gierman
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Saluki Athletics has announced today that funding for the Continuing the Legacy project for the renovation of Abe Martin Field has surpassed $1 million in cash and pledges.
The plans to upgrade the home of Saluki Baseball include a renovation of the seating bowl, press box and dugouts as well as the addition of stadium lights, a synthetic grass playing surface with a new drainage system and a security fence around the facility.
"This is a big milestone," Director of Athletics Mario Moccia said. "We're thankful for all of our alumni and fans who are helping to make this project a reality as we continue the ongoing fundraising and planning to build the facilities that will allow us to compete at a high level."
The project, which is being funded exclusively by private gifts, is scheduled to be completed for the start of the 2014 season. Once the design is finalized, construction is scheduled to start immediately following the 2013 season.
"This project is very important to the future success of Saluki Baseball and would not be possible without the generosity and loyalty of our alumni and the many friends of the program," Head Coach Ken Henderson said. "We obviously still have a ways to go but this is a monumental step in the fundraising effort, and we are extremely thankful to those who have pledged their support."
Abe Martin Field was built in 1964, and much of the original structure still stands today. The last major changes to the facility were the addition of a clubhouse in 1988 and a batting cage complex in 2000.
Anyone interested in making a gift to the Continuing the Legacy project can do so by calling or e-mailing Casey Hale at 618-453-5625 or chale@siu.edu.
