Softball facility receives seat renovation
By Brad Crawford
Sports Editor
The metal bleachers behind home plate at LRA Field have been replaced with black and gold-trimmed chairback seats. After the Braves finished last season with a school-record 46 wins, 100 new seats were constructed in July. The renovation also includes a parking facility with additional landscaping around the field. Permanent lights are currently being planned and will be added to the complex prior to the start of the 2009 season.
The 2006 NFCA/Turface Athletics field of the year, LRA Field hosted the NCAA II South Atlantic Regional in May.
An upgraded press area was also added above the seats, for UNCP Sports Information services and opposing team media. “The chairback seating, enhanced landscaping and paved parking have upgraded LRA Field tremendously,” said UNCP athletic director Dan Kenney. “We were committed to this upgrade to improve accessibility to the field itself and also to boost UNCP’s profile with recruits.”
The Black & Gold recorded a 28-4 mark at LRA Field this year with an attendance total of more than 3,000 spectators over the course of the 2008 season.
The Braves will be led by new head coach, Lacinda Norman-Melanson this season, as they attempt the unthinkable and eclipse the 50-win plateau.
In addition to LRA Field’s recent upgrades, Grace P. Johnson Stadium and Varsity Grounds have also been cosmetically altered.
Grace P. Johnson Stadium, stomping grounds of the Black and Gold football team, is expected to open the new $2.2 million First Bank Chancellor’s Box in Sept., while Varsity Grounds, home of UNCP’s men’s and women’s soccer teams, added a pair of 30’ team banners to the fence surrounding the field.
 |
The print edition of The Pine Needle is published 14 times a year during the fall and spring semesters. Updated: June 18, 2008 © The University of North Carolina at Pembroke |
The Pine Needle PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372-1510 Phone: 910.521.6204 Fax: 910.522-5795 Email: pineneedle@uncp.edu |