Construction on CCU Baseball/Softball Complex begins

Coastal Carolina University has taken its first step toward the completion of its new, premier baseball and softball facilities, scheduled to open in 2014.

Construction fencing has been erected between Watson Stadium and the Coastal Carolina Softball Field near the Bill Nichols Tennis Center. The fence also extends around portions of the softball field; however, the field will continue to be used by the softball team for practice.

The new $10.2 million complex will feature new grandstands, locker rooms, coaches' offices, team lounges, training room facilities and concession areas for both the baseball and softball programs.

The 33,000-square-foot baseball facility will contain 2,500 permanent seats, with the potential to seat 5,000 to 6,000 fans for events such as an NCAA postseason tournament.

"I am very excited this day is here," said CCU head baseball coach Gary Gilmore. "We no longer have to talk about this project as something that will happen in the future. I am excited for what this season has to offer and the direction this program will take over the coming years."

The new complex will also feature a 9,000-square-foot softball facility that will allow for 500 seats, a 200-seat upgrade from the current softball facility.

"Seeing the construction fences go up is exciting," said CCU head softball coach Kelley Green. "It's a reminder of all the impressive facilities that will be built in the near future for our student-athletes. This is no longer a project just on paper; the construction is beginning and we are on our way to getting a phenomenal home for Chanticleer Softball."

The fencing currently blocks the walking area between the baseball and softball fields, and the parking lot between Arcadia Hall and the Boni Belle Hitting Facility is closed. Also, some Teal Lot spaces for CCU home football games will be affected. Check GoCCUSports.com in the coming days to learn new parking and foot traffic routes around the construction zone.