Tech officials break ground on English Field at Union Park project

The $18 million project calls for numerous upgrades to the Hokies' baseball facility, with the goal of make it one of the best in the ACC

October 20, 2016

By Jimmy Robertson

BLACKSBURG – It may have been a Thursday night, with the football team getting set to play in a big game, but the baseball program captured at a portion of the spotlight.

Hours before the kickoff of the Tech-Miami football affair, Virginia Tech President Dr. Timothy Sands, Director of Athletics Whit Babcock, outgoing Union Bank CEO Billy Beale and several other dignitaries participated in an official groundbreaking ceremony held at English Field at Union Park, the school’s baseball home.

Early next week, architects from Cannon Design and workers from Whiting-Turner – the same contingent that built the Hahn Hurst Basketball Practice Center – will commence with the initial phases of an already announced $18 million renovation of the facility that will take roughly a year to complete.

“The biggest thing about this is commitment,” said Virginia Tech coach Pat Mason, who also was in attendance. “I honestly think one of the biggest knocks on us prior was just the perception – not necessarily the reality – but just how much does Virginia Tech care about baseball. The facility was out of date, and a lot of schools put money into their facilities every couple of years.

“The biggest impact from a recruiting perspective is, ‘Hey, they care about baseball now.’ The facility isn’t holding anyone back and have people wondering what the future holds. It’s pretty clear that the future is a team that wants to compete for a national championship.”

English Field has been upgraded incrementally over the years – lights, a new turf playing surface, a new hitting facility adjacent to the field, terraced seating down the left-field line, etc. – but nothing on this scale.

The plans call for the press box and the permanent stands to be razed and for a new and larger seating area to be constructed – an area that moves more fans closer to home plate. Those same plans also call for the construction of premium seating, with amenities similar to those received by club seat and suite holders at both Lane Stadium and Virginia Tech Carilion Court, the Hokies’ basketball home.

In addition, the project includes the construction of a new club area behind the first-base dugout and a social area down the right-field line. The new press box structure will feature improvements to accommodate fans, the media and athletics staff. New restrooms, concession areas and marketing areas will be added as well.

Other quality features of the project include the installation of a new video scoreboard and a new locker area for the players, which will be constructed on the bottom floor of the Jim Weaver Baseball Center beyond the left-field foul pole. Plans call for a player lounge, a team room, an equipment room and a video room for players and coaches to review individual skills.

“We looked at all of our facilities when I first arrived here [in 2014], and we felt like baseball was something that needed to be addressed,” Babcock said. “I don’t know if it was the first thing. I came in and listened and evaluated it all with the help of a lot of other people, but yeah, it jumped up there on the list pretty quick.”

To make a project of this scale happen, athletics department officials ought a corporate partner to help offset the costs. Babcock, his staff and university officials wound up having discussions with Union Bank & Trust, the largest bank in Virginia.

Beale, who is retiring as the CEO of Union Bank & Trust next march, wanted to find out a little more before committing to the project.

“I was intrigued, but I wanted to know more about the vision of the program and the university before making a major financial commitment on behalf of Union Bank & Trust,” he said. “After visiting with the people here and hearing about the vision and getting a clear understanding of what Union Park could become, it became clear that it was something special and would bring people and families together and would benefit the community.”

The discussions led to a substantial gift that serves as the seed money for the project. Union Bank & Trust committed $3.5 million toward the renovations in return for naming rights.

“The university was helpful, and we had some other connections with people on their board,” Babcock said. “We were talking about finding the right corporate partner to co-brand with – and I know people use those terms all the time – but we weren’t just going to slap a corporate logo on this.

“We felt like with Union Bank, Virginia’s largest community bank, and we’re the largest university in Virginia, all about the community, all about being the best … we thought that co-branding with Union would really be solid. They have a number of Hokies that work for them, and I know they made a good business decision, but Hokies like to give back. It’s all good. We’re very pleased.”

“To see this vision come together the way that it has, it’s an exciting time,” Beale said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the first game in the spring of 2018 when the renovations are complete.”

Tech officials expect the renovations to be completed in time for the start of the 2018 season. The Hokies still will be able to use the field during the 2017 season.

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