'Conception Phase' plans for softball stadium renovation begin
Friday, June 5, 2015 | Football, Softball, Chris Harry
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A day after Florida softball fans celebrated the program's historic second straight national championship, the University Athletic Association held its latest in a series of meetings to address the conception phase for major renovations to Pressly Stadium.
Led by Chip Howard, UF's executive association athletic director for internal affairs, the meeting focused on potential amenities that would be folded into the project to accommodate the growth of the team's fan base due to its phenomenal success under Coach Tim Walton. The committee first began its stadium renovation study four months ago.
Budget for the project is expected to be in excess of $2 million. With plans only in the conception phase, no timetable has been set to begin construction.
Among the areas expected to be addressed:
* Nearly doubling the current capacity of 1,200 by extending the bleachers into the current berm areas, plus the addition of more ADA seating.
* Shade structure for the stands.
* More concessions and larger restrooms.
* Larger dugouts.
* Expanded press box
* Team video area in clubhouse
* Renovated bullpen areas.
Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium opened in UF's inaugural 1997 season, but in nearly two decades has outgrown the popularity of a program that has been to the Women's College World Series seven of the last eight seasons.
The Gators defeated Michigan 4-1 in Wednesday night's decisive Game 3 of the WCWS national title series to become just the third program in college softball history (joining UCLA and Arizona) to win consecutive NCAA crowns.
