Major softball stadium renovations on way
USC's athletics department will move forward with nearly $10 million in renovations to its current softball field and football practice field.
The board of trustees gave preliminary approval for $8 million in renovations to the softball stadium. The facility is currently sub-standard and doesn't meet federal requirements, according to Tom Quasney, USC's associate vice president for facilities.
"If it rains, the water just sits there," Quasney said. "It's not modern at all. It's a simple design."
The current bleachers will be demolished and replaced with modern bleachers that hold 1,350 people. The stadium's current capacity is 700.
Renovations will also include new restrooms and concession stands, a larger press box, batting cages for the team, new dugouts and a team support room.
USC athletics officials haven't decided whether they'll keep the current field. The project will be funded with athletic operating funds and faces state approval in the upcoming months.
The trustees also gave preliminary approval to $1.5 million in renovations for the football practice field across from Williams-Brice Stadium.
The project will install new goal posts, new turf and three new filming towers at the field. It will also fund a new drainage and irrigation system for the field and improve lighting at the facility, according to Quasney.
"Conditions currently hamper our ability to practice outside," Quasney said.
Renovations will be funded with athletic operating funds and face state approval in the upcoming months.