South Alabama to install artificial turf at Stanky Field for 2025 baseball season - al.com

South Alabama will install artificial turf at Stanky Field in time for the 2025 baseball season, it was announced Monday. (Mike Kittrell/AL.com)Mike Kittrell/AL.com

South Alabama baseball will install artificial turf over the entire playing surface at Stanky Field beginning this week, the school announced Monday.

The $2 million project, which is already funded, is set to begin Tuesday and expected to be completed in time for the 2025 season. In addition to new drainage and sub-surface work, the FieldTurf DoublePlay surface will be installed not just in the Stanky Field outfield and in foul territory but on the warning track and in the infield, on the pitcher’s mound and in both bullpens.

In addition, Jaguar Field — South Alabama’s softball facility — will receive turf in foul territory. That project will begin in November.

“I think it’s a very good thing for both the baseball and softball programs,” South Alabama athletics director Joel Erdmann said. “It’s something that is needed and has been needed for a while.”

FieldTurf DoublePlay is in use at numerous college baseball stadiums, including Tennessee and Texas in the SEC and Southern Miss, Louisiana-Monroe, Texas State and James Madison in the Sun Belt Conference. According to the company’s website, the surface was designed with the goal of creating “an artificial turf baseball system that replicates the best ballparks in America.”

Mobile is one of the wettest cities in America, with an average rainfall of more than 5 inches per month during the college baseball season. The Jaguars have often in the past had to postpone home games due to poor field conditions even on days when it is not raining.

“I know this is bittersweet for many, me included,” South Alabama baseball coach Mark Calvi said. “Stanky Field has been home to legendary coaches, teams, and players. With that being said, our current players will benefit from less weather-altered field and practice conditions, very few, if any, rainouts, fewer doubleheaders, longer lasting balls and other vital equipment. Not to mention a much cleaner look aesthetically.”

Jaguar Athletics is proud to introduce the newest era in South Alabama Baseball and Softball. Stanky Field will be fully turfed for the 2025 season, with Jaguar Field receiving turf in foul territory.For more information visit https://t.co/NgM0aNPsdn#OurCity | #PlayForTheJ pic.twitter.com/VtPQPFqYin

Both of the facilities will also install permanent logos and other “wordmarks” on the turf. Jaguar Field will keep its red clay infield, natural grass outfield and crushed brick warning track.

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“I’m grateful for an administration that is committed to facility upgrades knowing those upgrades will improve our current student-athlete’s experience while also helping recruit the best talent,” softball coach Becky Clark said. “Jaguar Field is one of the best softball facilities in the southeast and the work being done this Fall will only continue to build on that fact.”

Stanky Field, named for legendary Jaguars coach and former MLB player and manager Eddie Stanky, opened in 1980. The facility underwent a major renovation in 2004 and currently seats 3,775.

Jaguar Field has been the home of South Alabama softball since the program’s inception in 2007. It was expanded to its current capacity of 1,050 in 2015.

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