Complete with stadium lights and running water, the new athletic complex will provide the ISU softball team with much-needed improvements.

“Our current field is great, playing-wise. The new field will be more fan-friendly,” said ISU softball coach Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler. “Everything about it is neat. We will now have more hitting cages and game-day locker rooms at the field.”

Currently at the Southwest Athletic Complex, the stadium lacks many of the amenities of rival facilities. The corner of Knapp and Sheldon has been home to the softball team for 30 years, but the deterioration over that time has led to the desire to create an updated facility near the Towers residence halls.

Conceptualized by ISU athletic director Jamie Pollard, the facility will be completed in the fall of 2012 and contain many of the necessary implements missing at the Southwest Complex.

Efficiency and play will be immensely impacted. More cameras are expected to be installed so the coaches and players can assess technique and performance. The addition of lights will allow for a broader range of game times. The improved plumbing as well as locker rooms and training rooms will make the facility more convenient.

“We are very excited about it. Comparing ours to many of the others in the Big 12, ours wasn’t as nice. We will have better stands and hopefully be able to draw more fans,” said sophomore infielder Erica Miller.

The current sophomore class will be the first to have access to the stadium. Though many of the current players will not be around by the end of construction, it will be a great tool in attracting young players.

“It is definitely going to be a recruiting advantage. It shows that we care about the sport and want more support,” said sophomore catcher and infielder Amandine Habben.

Gemeinhardt-Cesler echoed the sentiment of her players. The Cyclone softball coach said the aesthetic appeal of the multimillion-dollar project will help them on the recruiting trail and continue to develop the ISU softball program.