Assistant AD explains why baseball renovation lacks lighting

During a game against the Morningside Mustangs on March 7, the standard run-time was exceeded due to atypical errors, runs, and pitching changes. The game ran into its tenth inning, and the winner could not be decided. Due to the increasing darkness and the lack of lighting in the stadium, the game was not completed.  

According to Jeff Melton, Assistant Athletics Director, within the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC), the bylaws dictate game times based around their goal to have student-athletes miss very few classes. Because of this, most GSAC competitors do not have the need for lights.

Melton explained that during the two-year planning stage of the baseball field renovation, there was a study on the athletic complex, which resulted in a goal of $850,000 that needed to be fundraised.  

“When the factors of on the field play, scheduling of conference games, city and noise ordinances, and the associated cost of installing and running the lighting, the university decided to move ahead with the renovations [without lighting],” Melton said. 

The renovations include a pro-style playing surface, increased draining to handle rain, a complete irrigation system revamp, tension netting, enlarged and improved dugouts, and the recreation of the spectator experience.