Leading up to the program’s first official game at Direct Communications Field at Miller Ranch Stadium, Idaho State University Athletics announces the ribbon cutting ceremony for the venue will take place on Monday, March 3, at 12:00 P.M.
Thanks to the support of Direct Communications, artificial turf has been the latest, and largest, upgrade the softball venue has seen over the past twelve months. Artificial turf offers a consistent playing surface regardless of weather conditions, ensuring that athletes can train and compete at the highest level year-round, something that has plagued the program for the past two seasons. So far this year the team has already logged more hours outdoors in the months of October, November, January, and February than in the previous three years combined.
This addition pushes the total investment in the ISU softball program past $1.1M over the last two years. Other capital improvements for softball include a new cement backstop adorned with branded padding, ISU-themed windscreens along the outfield fence, the installation of new protective netting behind home plate, and a Daktronics videoboard. In addition to capital improvements, the department of athletics has increased the level of financial aid to softball student-athletes through cost of attendance awards and a more robust scholarship allocation. With a newly renovated venue and increased investment in the program, the Bengals are poised to chase their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth.
Alumni, fans, and community members are invited to attend the event and hear remarks from President, Dr. Robert Wagner, Director of Athletics, Pauline Thiros, Head Softball Coach, Andrew Rich, and Direct Communications General Manager, Tim May, followed by exclusive access to the field.
For any members of the media who wish to attend the ribbon cutting event, please send a media request to Jonathan Match at: matcjona@isu.edu.