Long Beach State University Athletics
Funding Secured For Additional Bohl Diamond At Blair Field Improvements
6/1/2021 1:00:00 PM | General
A significant matching gift from Marilyn Bohl along with commitments from the University and other donors will continue to transform the iconic facility.
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State's continuing efforts to improve the legendary Bohl Diamond at Blair Field will take another significant step forward, with $4-6 million dollars of capital projects to be completed over the next 18-24 months.
Phase One of the latest improvements will feature the installation of new LED lights at the facility. The new lighting will enhance both nighttime playability and broadcast quality for the field as well as reduce energy usage and costs. The project is scheduled to begin on July 1 and will be completed in time for the start of the 2022 Dirtbags season.
Philanthropist Marilyn Bohl continues to play a major role in the transformation of Bohl Diamond at Blair Field. Marilyn is accelerating her major gifting for the renovations by matching dollar for dollar significant funding committed from the university for the lighting projects.
"In my mind, the need for better lighting at Bohl Diamond is real and immediate," said Bohl. "It's key to sustained improvement of our Dirtbags teams and program, and will position Long Beach State to host NCAA regional and super regional games in the future."
Phase Two of the capital projects will include a new videoboard as well as a renovated player development facility along the third base line, replacing the former city offices. Long Beach State entered into an agreement with the City of Long Beach in 2010 to take over operations of the stadium, and those offices have been vacant since that time. Construction is slated to begin in summer 2022 to convert that location into a player development facility and multi-use space.
"These projects will greatly enhance the Dirtbags baseball program," said Executive Director of Athletics Andy Fee. "These upgrades will help us continue to attract and develop the best collegiate talent in the nation. I want to thank President Jane Close Conoley and Marilyn Bohl for their leadership and continued generous support of our student-athletes and coaches. We are working, and will continue to work to secure additional funding for these projects and those beyond."
"I want to thank Marilyn Bohl for her continued support for Dirtbags baseball, Blair Field and Long Beach State," said University President Jane Close Conoley. "Marilyn has been one of the most impactful advocates of our campus and Beach Athletics in the university's history. Whether she's making it possible to improve our facilities, funding a scholarship, or cheering on our teams, Marilyn is one of The Beach's greatest supporters. Our student-athletes continue to succeed and the reputation of Dirtbags baseball is further strengthened because of her support, foresight and friendship."
"The expansion of Bohl Diamond at Blair Field is a game changer for this program and the direction we want to take it," said head coach Eric Valenzuela. "The facilities arms race is huge in so many different ways, from recruiting to hosting a regional to fan experience as a whole. The investment that has been made to the Dirtbags program is very exciting, and we are so thankful to both Marilyn Bohl and President Conoley for their continued support. This news comes at a perfect time, as it will continue to push both our players and our program to new heights moving forward! Also a huge thank you to our Athletic Director Andy Fee, who has been instrumental in streamlining these projects."
Blair Field was opened in 1958, and was named after longtime Long Beach Press-Telegram sports editor Frank T. Blair. The first game was played between a pair of local high schools, Long Beach Poly and Huntington Beach, and that legacy continues to this day. Long Beach's Moore League teams continue to hold significant games at Blair each season, giving the city's high schoolers a chance to play on the historic field.
Long Beach State played its first game at Blair Field in 1958 against Long Beach City College, and officially adopted Blair as its home field in 1993. Since then, the Dirtbags have had tremendous success building a national brand. Long Beach State has made 22 NCAA Regional appearances, reached the College World Series 4 times, and sent 51 players on to play in Major League Baseball.
It is believed that more future major leaguers have played at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field due to its consistent use across multiple levels of youth, high school and collegiate baseball than any other facility in the country.
Phase One of the latest improvements will feature the installation of new LED lights at the facility. The new lighting will enhance both nighttime playability and broadcast quality for the field as well as reduce energy usage and costs. The project is scheduled to begin on July 1 and will be completed in time for the start of the 2022 Dirtbags season.
Philanthropist Marilyn Bohl continues to play a major role in the transformation of Bohl Diamond at Blair Field. Marilyn is accelerating her major gifting for the renovations by matching dollar for dollar significant funding committed from the university for the lighting projects.
"In my mind, the need for better lighting at Bohl Diamond is real and immediate," said Bohl. "It's key to sustained improvement of our Dirtbags teams and program, and will position Long Beach State to host NCAA regional and super regional games in the future."
Phase Two of the capital projects will include a new videoboard as well as a renovated player development facility along the third base line, replacing the former city offices. Long Beach State entered into an agreement with the City of Long Beach in 2010 to take over operations of the stadium, and those offices have been vacant since that time. Construction is slated to begin in summer 2022 to convert that location into a player development facility and multi-use space.
"These projects will greatly enhance the Dirtbags baseball program," said Executive Director of Athletics Andy Fee. "These upgrades will help us continue to attract and develop the best collegiate talent in the nation. I want to thank President Jane Close Conoley and Marilyn Bohl for their leadership and continued generous support of our student-athletes and coaches. We are working, and will continue to work to secure additional funding for these projects and those beyond."
"I want to thank Marilyn Bohl for her continued support for Dirtbags baseball, Blair Field and Long Beach State," said University President Jane Close Conoley. "Marilyn has been one of the most impactful advocates of our campus and Beach Athletics in the university's history. Whether she's making it possible to improve our facilities, funding a scholarship, or cheering on our teams, Marilyn is one of The Beach's greatest supporters. Our student-athletes continue to succeed and the reputation of Dirtbags baseball is further strengthened because of her support, foresight and friendship."
"The expansion of Bohl Diamond at Blair Field is a game changer for this program and the direction we want to take it," said head coach Eric Valenzuela. "The facilities arms race is huge in so many different ways, from recruiting to hosting a regional to fan experience as a whole. The investment that has been made to the Dirtbags program is very exciting, and we are so thankful to both Marilyn Bohl and President Conoley for their continued support. This news comes at a perfect time, as it will continue to push both our players and our program to new heights moving forward! Also a huge thank you to our Athletic Director Andy Fee, who has been instrumental in streamlining these projects."
Blair Field was opened in 1958, and was named after longtime Long Beach Press-Telegram sports editor Frank T. Blair. The first game was played between a pair of local high schools, Long Beach Poly and Huntington Beach, and that legacy continues to this day. Long Beach's Moore League teams continue to hold significant games at Blair each season, giving the city's high schoolers a chance to play on the historic field.
Long Beach State played its first game at Blair Field in 1958 against Long Beach City College, and officially adopted Blair as its home field in 1993. Since then, the Dirtbags have had tremendous success building a national brand. Long Beach State has made 22 NCAA Regional appearances, reached the College World Series 4 times, and sent 51 players on to play in Major League Baseball.
It is believed that more future major leaguers have played at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field due to its consistent use across multiple levels of youth, high school and collegiate baseball than any other facility in the country.
Beach Rewind: Dirtbags Vs Hawaii - Dirtbags Take Two
Friday, March 20
Men's Volleyball Post Game Press Conference vs Jessup
Saturday, March 14
Men's Volleyball Post Game Press Conference vs Penn State
Sunday, March 08
Women's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs Hawai'i
Sunday, March 08
