New Softball Stadium Impresses in Opening Weekend
March 01, 2011 | Softball
TAMPA- The University of South Florida softball team unveiled their new home over the weekend at the USF Faifield Inn and Suites Tampa North Tournament, and it did not disappoint.
To view a photo album of the new stadium, click HERE.
The Bulls welcomed in six different teams throughout the weekend, and each of which were impressed with the facility and all that it offered.
Remarkably, construction of the new stadium has reached near-completion in less than nine months. While there are still exciting elements to be finished over the next three weeks, including state-of-the-art scoreboards at both fields, a comprehensive graphics package and tributes to the generous donors that helped make this project possible, the new USF softball stadium offers a one-of-a-kind design, sure to make the fan experience one of the best in athletics, collegiate or professional.
Here is what some of the USF opponents had to say about the one-of-a-kind stadium:
University of South Florida Softball
Team reactions to the New USF Softball Stadium
Feb. 27, 2010
Alabama Head Coach Patrick Murphy
“It was a long time coming and it turned out great. The new facility will be great for college softball. It says a lot about a school when you can see a first class baseball stadium and turn right around and see a just as special softball facility. I am really happy for the program.”
Missouri Head Coach Ehren Earleywine
“It's beautiful, I want one just like it back at home. I thought that the thing that really stood out to me was the top deck up there. It was a really neat idea. My administration has been talking about us upgrading our field, so I am picking out things on this field that I like. I'll take those things home and put them on my wish list. It's really neat. Ken Eriksen has done such a good job with the program down here. If you couple his ability with a good stadium and warm weather, surely you'll get good recruits and continue on.”
Missouri Sophomore Nicole Hudson
“It's pretty awesome. I really like the field. It's just a really pretty place to play. You know, we are coming from snow back home, so to come to this lovely weather and play in this nice ballpark is just a great way to begin our season.”
Temple Head Coach Joe DiPietro
“I talked to Kenny [Eriksen] beforehand and obviously this is going to help him with recruiting. It's always nice when it's brand new, but obviously it's built to wear well. It's a great place to play a game and the way it's set up, it will be great from the fan's perspective as well. It's going to be bad news for the rest of the BIG EAST Conference recruiting wise. It's absolutely gorgeous.”
Temple sophomore Ali Robinson
“I think the stadium is beautiful. It's probably the nicest one I've seen so far to be honest. It's great, the dirt is soft and the grass is level. The warning track has a good amount of distance. The dugouts are also legit. It's just a very nice complex.
Illinois State Head Coach Melinda Fischer
“I think it's just a beautiful stadium. It's so much different than the previous playing facility. I would call it a state-of-the-art facility. I think it's only going to develop into a better field as USF figures out what things they want to do differently but I just think it's very impressive.”
Illinois State freshman Sara Bradley
“I love the field. It has nice hops in the infield and I can't say anything about the outfield, but I've heard the grass is really nice.”
Central Connecticut State Head Coach Jeff Franquet
“Well first of all, I'm happy for Coach Eriksen. It's certainly well deserved; he's been here a long time so he deserves something to be proud of and somewhere he can call home. For the University of South Florida, what a commitment they have made to college athletics and the softball and baseball programs here. I'm real proud for South Florida. The people here are great; the coaching staff here is phenomenal, the administration and help has been terrific. I just think that this has brought a sense of pride and loyalty to USF and you guys have something to be proud of. It's a beautiful place and by far one of the best places to play softball in the country.”
Central Connecticut State senior Elizabeth Montemurro
“Well, coming from a turf field, it's really nice to see the difference between the dirt and the grass. The grass is amazing, it's nice and easy to run on. The bounces are clean and crisp. Throwing off the dirt feels good under the sun. Overall the facility is just really incredible.”
