Oregon State's 117-year-old Goss Stadium is starting the new season mid-transformation.
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Oregon State's 117-year-old Goss Stadium is starting the new season mid-transformation.
The fir trees in center field have disappeared, a new batter’s eye has been assembled and a construction crew has taken over the area beyond the fence to build the newest addition: a state-of-the-art hitting facility.
The $6.5 million facility will feature nearly 10,000 square feet of space and include four hitting bays, a meeting room and an area for weightlifting and cardio work.
There will be an enclosed mezzanine level, creating an elevated viewing area from above the new batter’s eye, and the facility will be littered with all kinds of technology, including a video camera system, multiple pitching machines and modern hitting software.
The project is expected to be completed later this year.
In Huntington, W.V., the new home of Marshall University baseball will have its first game.
On Friday, Jack Cook Field becomes reality as Marshall Athletics christens the new field. 
Courtesy of Marshall Athletics
The state-of-the-art facility features artificial turf throughout and has a standing room capacity of 5,000 fans. Dimensions are 300 feet to left and right field and 400 feet to center field. It is 375 feet to left-center field and 365 feet to right-center field.
In addition to the field itself, the Alex Lawrence Clubhouse behind the left-field fence will serve as the permanent home to the baseball team, fit with locker room space, meeting rooms, a player's lounge, an indoor batting cage and coaches' offices.
The Victoria Farley Softball Facility also has been built down the first-base side, which will not only serve as a home for Marshall softball but will also be the ticket office and information center for both sports.
More:
- The groundbreaking of the new $2.2 billion Nissan Stadium for the Tennessee Titans was held Thursday for the facility scheduled to open in 2027. The 1.8-million-square-foot Nissan Stadium will feature a circular-shaped, high-tech ETFE translucent roof and sight lines to the field 38 percent closer than the current stadium, offering spectators an exceptional view from any seat in the house. Exterior terraces and porches will provide panoramic views of the city and serve as a social space during event and non-event days. The facility will also feature a 12,000-square-foot community space available for use year round. The $2.2 billion price tag will be paid by the Titans, the state and revenue bonds. Country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were also at the event Thursday.
- A stadium in Columbus, Ga., is getting some needed upgrades. A.J. McClung memorial stadium is already approved for a $900,000 state grant for new lights.
This week the city's council has approved $1.6 million in renovations to make the upgrades needed to relocate the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves there.
The Daily Digs from Athletic Business' AB Today e-newsletter is a weekday spotlight on new or announced athletics facilities projects.
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