Campus Life

Regents Approve Track & Field, Softball Construction Projects

The two projects will be funded by donor gifts to the 12th Man Foundation and through the Texas A&M Athletics Department.
May 2, 2016

track and field
Track & Field

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents today approved new stadium projects for Texas A&M University’s softball and track & field teams, reinforcing the Aggies’ commitment to competing for both conference and national championships in all sports. The two projects will be funded by donor gifts to the 12th Man Foundation and through the Texas A&M Athletics Department.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation from the Regents, Chancellor Sharp, President Young and the Texas A&M administration as we move forward with these important projects,” Director of Athletics Scott Woodward said. “This is a sincere commitment by our institution and our donors to both softball and track & field. Both of these programs have waited for quite some time for these new facilities, and I know our coaches and student-athletes are extremely excited.”

Softball Diamond
Softball Diamond

Texas A&M’s softball diamond will move west from its current location at the corner of Olsen Road and Tom Chandler Drive to the corner of Tom Chandler Road and Penberthy Road. At a cost of $28.6 million, the new stadium will seat 2,000 fans and include premium club seats, staff offices, locker rooms for home and visitors as well as an umpires locker room, press box, full broadcast capabilities and service areas. Additionally, the softball complex will include a 6,750-square-foot indoor hitting facility. The facility will be similar in appearance and function to baseball’s Blue Bell Park.

“Coach Jo Evans and our student-athletes have been competing in the same stadium for the past 20 years while stringing together 14 straight NCAA Tournament appearances,” Woodward said. “The softball team truly needs a stadium that is up to par with others in the SEC, which is vital for recruiting and our ability to compete for championships. We have a loyal fan following in the sport of softball, and this stadium will include all of the modern conveniences that the 12th Man should have.”

The outdoor track & field project calls for a comprehensive 52,000-square-foot complex, which will house areas for skill development, medical care, locker rooms, coach’s offices, and a lobby celebrating Texas A&M’s historical success in the sport. The track surface will be flanked with seating for approximately 3,000 fans initially, complete with hospitality amenities, press box, full broadcast capabilities and service areas. Total cost of the project is $39.8 million and will be located adjacent to the current track complex.

“The fact that Coach Pat Henry and the men’s and women’s track & field teams have won eight national championships without competing at an outdoor home meet is unbelievable. Our student-athletes deserve a championship-caliber home and the opportunity to compete in front of the 12th Man and our local community,” Woodward said. “The facility will be built to host events ranging from high school, regional and collegiate meets, as well as NCAA and Olympic qualifier events. This project will have a positive impact on Bryan-College Station and the surrounding area.”

Both the softball and track & field projects will require the moving of several of Texas A&M’s existing intramural fields, which are under the purview of Rec Sports, to a new location. This separate project is expected to cost approximately $10 million and will be funded by the Athletics Department.

The last NCAA outdoor track & field meet hosted by Texas A&M was in 2004. The Frank G. Anderson Track and Field Complex opened for competitions in 1986, while the current Aggie Softball Complex was built in 1994.

Construction for all of the projects is expected to begin shortly, with a completion date in time for the 2018 seasons expected. The 12th Man Foundation is actively accepting donations for both projects.  To learn more about the new facilities or to donate, please visit

http://www.12thmanfoundation.com/facilityprojects.

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