New Plainsman Park upgrades ready for 2017
AUBURN, Ala. – Multiple upgrades of Auburn’s Plainsman Park are complete and ready for the 2017 season to begin Friday at 2 pm against George Washington.
Auburn athletics completed multiple upgrades of Samford Stadium-Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park over the last few months and Auburn baseball’s home since 1950 is ready for its 68th year of action in 2017.
The most recent upgrades were completed with the goal of continuing to improve fan experience. The most notable addition is one of the largest video boards in the country measuring 24'0" x 62'4". A new state-of-the-art sound system was also installed at the same time along with a MUSCO TLC for LED Total Light Control system. Additionally, 3,800 chair back seats throughout the ballpark were replaced and plans to replace the remaining 200-plus seats are in place prior to 2018.
Auburn baseball also partnered with TrackMan to implement a data analytic system that brings the Tigers to the forefront nationally in next-level player development. TrackMan incorporates video and uses 3D Doppler radar to measure extension, spin rate, speed, exit velocity and more. TrackMan allows the coaching staff to dive deeper and help Auburn players take the next step to develop and strengthen their identities on the field.
“The upgrades we’ve made to Plainsman Park have been tremendous,” Auburn head coach Butch Thompson said. “We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful, timeless ballpark. The new video board and sound system have just taken things to another level. Not to mention the lights, which are really something else. I think it will really be a treat for our fans this season and in the future.
“TrackMan is going to pay huge dividends for our program going forward. While it’s not something that our fans will notice during a game, the data we gather will help us make major leaps in player development which translates to results on the field, something our players and coaches are all striving for every day.”
The protective net behind home plate that stretches down the first and third base lines has also been replaced with a new top-of-the-line netting.
Adding a final touch were the addition of new flags in the outfield representing Auburn’s SEC titles and College World Series appearances along with Auburn University, Southeastern Conference and United States of America flags.
“Auburn baseball fans have a lot to look forward to both on the field and around the park this season,” associate AD and sport administrator Jeremy Roberts said. “Plainsman Park is a great setting for college baseball and the work that has been done since last season makes it even better. All of the updates freshen up the look while maintaining the classic feel of the park.”
Concessions updates include the addition of Right Field Grill with savory items such as chicken tenders, Conecuh Sausage Hoagies with onions and peppers, BBQ Sandwiches and BBQ nachos along with fried Oreos and moon pies. MELTZ gourmet grilled cheese returns for 2017 and Pizza Taormina opens featuring flatbreads made with 100% imported Italian crust and sauce.
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Source: Auburn University