When fans first file into Foley Field on Feb. 20, it will not be the same place they last saw in June.
The $45 million renovation, which began in 2023, is on track for completion by the start of the season. The renovations include new pitching labs and hitting tunnels, coaches’ offices and a new weight room, which the team is already utilizing.
“We got our first lift in today,” said infielder Kolby Branch. “We’ve got our nice weight room in there.”
The team is already getting to work in the labs, an update that Tre Phelps is using to his full advantage.
“It’s beautiful,” the outfielder said. “We had one cage and a weight room in one room. Now, there are three different components of all the buildings.”
Fans and spectators can expect a more crowded ballpark, with capacity increasing from 3,291 to 3,633. New standing-room areas have been added to the stands and a new concrete seating area near the general admission gates. The new seating has players eager to welcome more fans to the ballpark and elevate the game-day atmosphere.
“I’m most excited for fans to feel like they’re on top of us,” Phelps said. “Last year was a little spread out, and I think the other teams are going to feel it really fast.”
In a change for both the Dawgs and visiting teams, the home dugout will now be on the third-base line, while the visitors will occupy the first-base side.
Fans can get a glimpse at the new renovations when the Bulldogs face University of Illinois-Chicago in a four-game series starting Feb. 20.
