READY FOR TURF … Golden Bear Stadium in Bryan is ready for the new turf field to be installed. The field will be ready for the home and season opener on August 18 against Van Wert. (PHOTO BY RICH HARDING / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
By: Nate Calvin
BRYAN – It might be summer but there has been plenty of activity in and around Golden Bear Stadium as work is ongoing for Phase 1 of the Community Athletics Capital Improvement Project.
“This is by far one of the most aggressive projects the Bryan Athletic Boosters have undertaken since the Mose Isaac Field House in 1999”, said Dave Batt, booster member and project manager.
“I guess you can call me the “old timer” of the group, as I officially started with the booster’s back in 1988 when we built Golden Bear Stadium, was Project Manager back in 1993 with Bryan Times Editor Tom Voigt on the Baseball 93 Project which was an improvement to Sumpter Field, then in 99, project manager for the Mose Isaac Field House”, added Batt.
The project has four primary goals according to the Bryan Athletic Boosters. Those include remaining one of the areas great attractions to current and future residents, improving local property values and quality of life, have the best athletic facilities in the area, and to provide an opportunity to give back.
Phase 1 of the project features extensive work at Golden Bear Stadium with the installation of a multiuse synthetic turf field with padding to replace the original field from 1987.
Also happening will be replacing the original track, long jump, and pole vault areas, upgrading the lighting, replacing the scoreboard, and resurfacing and grading existing practice fields on campus.
NEW SCOREBOARD … The installation of a new scoreboard is among the improvements to be seen at Golden Bear Stadium. The new scoreboard will provide the ability to spotlight students, recognize players, recognize teams, recognize patrons and sponsors, display records, show videos, and show movies. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
Included in the project will be new goalposts, replacing original fencing with black vinyl coated to match tennis courts, upgrade the sound system, purchase timing software for track competitions, and purchase football training equipment and soccer goals for the synthetic field.
This phase of the project will cost $2 million dollars with Bryan City Schools allocating $800,000 and the rest to be funded through corporate and private donations. No tax revenue will be used to pay for any of the work being done in any of the phases.
Phase 2 has an expected price tag of $500,000 and will include renovating and upgrading the baseball, soccer, and softball facilities.
The project will consist of an all-weather turf playing surface, new seating area, and relocation of dugouts at Field 4 in Recreation Park.
A new softball field will be built on the former Washington School property and upgrades will be made to soccer facilities on the property.
The upgrade will create three graded areas that will be capable of different field configurations.
The third phase of the project is slated to make additions and improvements to indoor facilities utilized by Bryan City Schools and their student athletes. The fundraising goal and investment cost of Phase 3 is yet to be determined.
The grand opening and dedication of Phase 1 will occur on Friday, August 18 ahead of Bryan’s season opening football game versus Van Wert.
There are many levels of donation and partnerships available to contribute to the project. Anyone wishing to donate or get more details on the projects and its benefits can go to www.bryanathleticboosters.com
Nate can be reached at sports@thevillagereporter.com
