Tri-State Orthopaedics to Fund Major U of E Softball Field Renovation
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Led by a major financial commitment from Tri-State Orthopaedics, the University of Evansville formally announced a renovation to its softball facility that is set to feature close to $1 million in facility enhancements.
Through these improvements, Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at James & Dorothy Cooper Stadium will be one of the most impressive facilities in the Missouri Valley Conference while rivaling any in the entire Midwest.
“We are thrilled to solidify our continued long-term relationship with the University of Evansville through the softball branding. We support Title IX and what an opportunity to assist the University in strengthening the women’s facility,” Tri-State Orthopaedics Chief Executive Officer Phil Rawley exclaimed. “Over the years, we’ve expanded our services to meet the needs of the student athletes, coaches, and the residents of Evansville and that mission continues!”
Renovations to the facility include:
- State-of-the-art artificial turf playing surface from AstroTurf
- Regrading of the playing surface
- Reconfiguration and upgrade of the pitching and hitting areas
- Padded walls for the entire stadium
- Dugout renovations
“On behalf of the University of Evansville, our athletics department and the softball program, I want to thank Tri-State Orthopaedics for their generosity in making this dream a reality. They do so much for our student-athletes and their commitment to this project strengthens that relationship,” UE Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “ Ziggy” Siegfried said. “Enhancing the student-athlete experience while creating championship caliber facilities are two of our main goals and this checks all the boxes. Our goal with each of our programs is to win the Missouri Valley Conference and this moves us even closer to that goal.”
“Another important aspect of this project is the impact it will have on the Evansville community. The ability to host tournaments and events at our facility will bring about multiple positives for our city.”
Evansville is set to be the only on-campus facility in the Missouri Valley Conference with completely turfed infield and outfield. The hitting and pitching cages will also be turfed, providing practice and warm-up opportunities.
“I want to thank Tri-State Orthopaedics for helping make our dream of having the best facility in the Midwest a reality,” UE head softball coach Mat Mundell exclaimed. “Not only will this give us a competitive advantage in recruiting but the city of Evansville will be able to watch their Aces play more games at home.”