SILVER CITY, N.M. – The Western New Mexico University and Executive Director of Athletics, Scott Noble, are announcing the construction of a new Mustang Softball Stadium. With approval received from the New Mexico State Board of Finance, WNMU will be issuing System Revenue Bonds not to exceed $5.6 million to fund the project and are expecting to break ground in August with completion at the end of January. The completion will be just in time for the upcoming 2023 softball season.

"This is another facility improvement that our President has supported," said Noble. "Dr. Shepard continues his commitment to improve our campus facilities, which helps us recruit and attract the best students from New Mexico, Arizona and west Texas." 

"I would like to thank Scott Noble for his leadership in this project. He has worked hard to find a state-of-the-art design to help propel us into the future of Mustang Softball,  said Head Softball Coach Ashley Hickman. There are so many other people that have dipped their hand in this project along the way. We appreciate all the hard work that it has taken in order to get us to the ground breaking ceremony."

A synthetic turf infield and outfield will replace the current dirt and natural grass. "The new synthetic field will open the facility up for a host of other events," Noble said. "Our students will certainly benefit with recreational opportunities and intramural programs. We will also work closely with local communities, school districts and the state activity association by hosting events and bringing more people to our beautiful campus."

"We are excited to have turf to play on. We know that the game of softball is changing to turf facilities and this keeps us competing with the best," said Hickman. "This will help us host evening camps and games, along with other community involved events. Our players will have great access to be able to work on their game at any time." 

A 14' x 24' state-of-the-art video board will amplify the fan experience to go along with a new sound system. This complex will also have sport lighting allowing for evening activities to include camps, practices and games. 

Both the backstop wall and outfield fence will be a padded helping to protect the players while lowering the risk of injury. Atop the backstop wall will be nylon netting running from dugout to dugout reducing the visual obstacle of looking through chain link fencing. The dugouts will be sunken, maximizing the 350 seat grandstand to also enhance spectator viewing. All public access areas throughout the stadium will be ADA accessible.

The outdoor batting cages and bullpens are getting a much-needed facelift. These areas will have the synthetic turf inside and new netting screens. Both the home and visitors side will have batting cage(s) and bullpens.

The stadium will boast a 44'l x 16'w x 24'h vertical build that will include main floor restrooms and a family room with changing accommodations. The second floor is the press box area to augment our game production. Designated areas are set for streaming and radio broadcasters, game management and public address. On top of the building is the weight-bearing roof providing additional game production areas and team videoing. The stadium also features three elevated camera platforms; one at centerfield, the first base dugout, and third base dugout helping bolster the broadcast for live video streaming and instant replay. The facility will also provide food-truck hookups to bring a variety of foods to the ballpark.

Outside the stadium there will be paved parking providing 38 spots, including four ADA accessible spaces. The outfield will host a grass berm looking over the outfield fence down onto the field. Grab your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the picnic areas along the berm or move on down to the "Wild Bunch'' space. Concessions will be also be sold in this area. 

Completion of the field scheduled for February 1, 2023.

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter & Instagram).