Photo by: John Fajardo
Construction Underway As Lights To Be Installed At The LBSU Softball Complex
9/28/2022 1:44:00 PM | Softball
The project, initially approved in 2021, will be completed in time for the 2023 softball season.
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Construction is underway at the LBSU Softball Complex as light towers are being added around the field, allowing Long Beach State softball to host night games for the first time in the program's 43-year history.
When installation is completed, Long Beach State will be the fourth of 11 programs in the Big West with the capability to host night games at their primary facility. Placing lights at the field also greatly increases the amount of everyday use the field can have, from clinics and camps to additional practice time in the winter.
"Lights at our field will have a positive impact on our program in so many ways," stated 17th year head coach Kim Sowder, who has been associated with the program since leading the team to the Women's College World Series as a player while competing from 1989-92.
"We will have the opportunity to bolster our attendance with night games as well as hosting additional games throughout the season, and continue to draw top teams to our non-conference tournaments.
"It will also help greatly with our recruiting, allowing us to now host weekly evening camps and clinics, allowing us to not only see more players but also work with them to develop their skills and abilities which will help grow the game. Finally, the NCAA requires facilities to have lights in order to submit a bid to host in the postseason, which is now something that we will have the option to do.
"I'm so grateful and excited that this is happening," continued Sowder. "I would like to thank President Jane Close Conoley, Vice President Scott Apel and everyone who has assisted to make this dream a reality."
When installation is completed, Long Beach State will be the fourth of 11 programs in the Big West with the capability to host night games at their primary facility. Placing lights at the field also greatly increases the amount of everyday use the field can have, from clinics and camps to additional practice time in the winter.
"Lights at our field will have a positive impact on our program in so many ways," stated 17th year head coach Kim Sowder, who has been associated with the program since leading the team to the Women's College World Series as a player while competing from 1989-92.
"We will have the opportunity to bolster our attendance with night games as well as hosting additional games throughout the season, and continue to draw top teams to our non-conference tournaments.
"It will also help greatly with our recruiting, allowing us to now host weekly evening camps and clinics, allowing us to not only see more players but also work with them to develop their skills and abilities which will help grow the game. Finally, the NCAA requires facilities to have lights in order to submit a bid to host in the postseason, which is now something that we will have the option to do.
"I'm so grateful and excited that this is happening," continued Sowder. "I would like to thank President Jane Close Conoley, Vice President Scott Apel and everyone who has assisted to make this dream a reality."
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