Huskers Break Ground on New Ballparks

Lincoln, Neb. -- Dreams turned into reality Wednesday, April 12, as the City of Lincoln, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Lincoln Professional Baseball officially broke ground on a new $32.1 million ballpark. The complex will be located north of the Haymarket District near downtown and west of Memorial Stadium, at the corner of North Sixth and Charleston Streets.

The ceremonial ground breaking came shortly after final approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents and Lincoln City Council. The ballpark will be shared between the Husker softball and baseball teams and Lincoln Professional Baseball, which has been awarded a new Northern League franchise and will begin play in the spring of 2001. The baseball stadium will seat 4,500, with a capacity near 6,000, while the softball stadium will seat 2,000 to 2,500. The baseball stadium should be completed next spring, while the softball stadium should be finished in fall of 2001.

The ballpark is being designed by the DLR Group of Omaha, Sinclair Hille and Associates of Lincoln, and Olsson Associates of Lincoln. The construction manager is Sampson Construction.

The new baseball stadium will give Nebraska baseball one of the nicest facilities in the nation after playing more than 20 seasons at Buck Beltzer Stadium. It also will mark the return of professional baseball to Lincoln for the first time since 1961.

Project Quick Facts:
* The baseball stadium's playing field will feature the latest technology in field maintenance, with an air-heated underground system, allowing groundskeepers to grow grass year-round.
* The baseball stadium will have 16 skybox suites, giving a luxurious view for baseball during Nebraska and Northern League games.
* Fans outside will also a fantastic view and will be able to watch baseball games in any part of the stadium, including upper-deck club seats, bleacher seating or even grass-bermed seating.
* Media representatives will cover the game from one of the top press facilities in college or minor league baseball. The press box will have more than 75 seats for working media, including three radio/television booths. It can also be converted to a club lounge to entertain guests for special events.
* The complex will feature laundry facilities, large locker rooms, training and weight rooms, and players' lounge.
* Players will use big-league style, heated dugouts, complete with bat and helmet racks, a storage room and restroom.

Quotes:
Lincoln Mayor Don Wesely
"This is a great. I am very excited. First of all, I would like to thank Jim Abel. This facility is going to make a huge difference to the city of Lincoln. I would also like to thank University President Dennis Smith and Chancellor James Moeser. It has been great partnering with you in this. We are going to be providing great facilities. The city has been waiting for 40 years for this day. When we get this done, this is going to be a beautiful facility."

University of Nebraska Chancellor James Moeser
"Thanks to the City of Lincoln, the Board of Regents, Jim Abel and Nebco. I am pleased to announce that no tax dollars or student fees will be used in the building of this facility. It is all through private money and athletic department revenues. I just can't wait until this is completed."