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Monday, Feb 20 2012 11:47 PM

CSUB launches effort to upgrade Hardt Field

By BY jeff evans Californian staff writer jevans@bakersfield.com

CSU Bakersfield is set to begin a  $2 million fundraiser to upgrade Hardt Field for the Roadrunner baseball program.

The upgrade could be done in three segments, athletic director Jeff Konya said.

The initial phase is $1.1 million, the estimated cost for 1,200 permanent seats, an enclosed press box and two suites.
Another $600,000 is slated for an artificial playing surface for the infield and areas in foul territory.

“We spend about $80,000 annually to maintain our playing surface,” Konya said, explaining why artificial turf is part of the upgrade. “This will cut down on that cost significantly.”

Another $300,000 would be used on a video board.

Konya said the permanent seating and press box is the first priority.

“That’s something we need as we go into the WAC,” Konya said, referring to the baseball program’s move to the Western

Athletic Conference for the 2013 season. “It’s something we need if we’re going to compete favorably in Division I.”

The costs are estimates provided by Southern Bleacher Company from Graham, Texas, which drew up plans for the upgrade.

The job will be put up for bid, as per state law, Konya said.

Konya said if the funds are raised by April 1, the work could be completed before the start of next season.

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