Watch live, the progress of English Field at Union Park

A newly-installed webcam gives viewers the ability to see the construction from anywhere

January 25, 2017

BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech Athletics Department recently installed a webcam on the side of the James C. Weaver Baseball Center that points from the foul territory in left field, past the terrace seating, toward the direction of home plate. The purpose of this webcam is to give fans the opportunity to view the progress of the major upgrade and improvement project scheduled for English Field at Union Park.

In August of 2016, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors approved the athletics department's plans for the project with an estimated cost of $18 million and completion set for the 2018 season, the 125th season of baseball at Virginia Tech. A major gift of $3.5 million from Union Bank & Trust, announced last March, got the fund-raising effort off to a start. Financing includes a combination of donations and some debt service.

The webcam, CLICK HERE to go to the site, takes a picture and uploads it to the site once every minute. The site will then archive those images and a viewer to the site will be able to see the current image and (when available) will be able to watch two different time-lapse videos – one of the current day updated each hour and the other video will be of the previous day’s action.

The timing of the webcam and site is perfect most of the mobilization and permitting process has been accomplished and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is ready to start the exterior work. Demolition of the current press box and seating behind home plate begins this spring, while construction of the new grandstand area will follow.

Fans will be able to see how the athletics department will temporarily operate this season while the preparations and construction of the new facility is completed. The project calls for the following:

• A new press box tower structure that features improvements to accommodate fans, the media, and athletics staff.
• A ground level that includes enhanced concessions, marketing, and restroom facilities.
• A dramatic arch, reminiscent of Torgersen Bridge on the Alumni Mall, marks a striking entrance to the park and will allow patrons to follow the game while in line at the concession stand.
• The second floor will house a working press box, ample television and radio broadcast facilities, and game operations space, along with four suites.
• The suites will be available for purchase and will feature many of the same amenities as the suites in Lane Stadium and courtside at Cassell Coliseum.
• A social area down the right field line for functions in conjunction with games.
• A new video scoreboard will replace the current scoreboard in right field to further the enhancements.

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