Oregon softball’s new stadium will open in time for the 2016 season at the same location as Howe Field, University of Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens announced Wednesday. Folllowing the 2015 season, the athletic department plans to tear down Howe Field and build the new Jane Sanders Stadium by the following spring.
Former Oregon football player Robert Sanders donated $10 million for the construction of a new softball stadium on the heels of the team’s run to the Women’s College World Series.
“The generous donation from the Sanders family has made it a uniquely exciting time for Oregon softball,” Mullens said in a press release. “We are pleased to build Jane Sanders Stadium on campus where so many memories have been made.”
Mullens also announced Wednesday that the athletic department has hired Howard S. Wright as the general contractor and Chris Harston as senior project manager. The duo has been involved in the expansion of the UO Student Recreation Center. Wright has worked on other projects such as San Diego’s Petco Park and the Timbers’ Providence Park.
In October, the athletic department announced that it had hired Portland-based architecture firm SRG to design the new ballpark. The firm had previously worked on projects such as the new Husky Ballpark at the University of Washington and UO’s Lillis Business Complex.
“We are honored that the University of Oregon has entrusted Howard S. Wright to build the new home for Ducks softball,” Harston said. “Together with the University of Oregon and our design partners, SRG, we are committed to delivering a world-class stadium to student athletes, families, and fans.”
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