Led by the efforts and contributions of both the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Student Association (OSA) and AT&T, UW Oshkosh has begun renovation of its women’s softball facility at the Oshkosh Sports Complex, 450 Josslyn St.
Ganther Construction of Oshkosh designed the $400,000 project, which was made possible through generous monetary gifts from OSA and AT&T Advertising Solutions. Support also came from the UW Oshkosh Foundation.
The refurbished facility will be called YP.com Softball Park. The project, which is expected to be completed by the start of the 2010-11 school year, includes the addition of restrooms, a concessions stand, a ticket booth, and area for offices and storage. There will be a raised grandstand behind home plate with 100 seats for spectators.
“AT&T Advertising Solutions is proud of its relationship with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and we’re excited that construction is underway at the new YP.com Softball Park,” said Stephanie Byrnes, area marketing manager for AT&T Advertising Solutions. “We have a long, proud tradition of supporting the communities in which we — and our customers — live and work. This is an excellent way to continue that tradition.”
The current facility already has a first-class playing surface, permanent dugouts and practice cages for both hitting and pitching. The Titans have been playing softball at the Oshkosh Sports Complex since 1997.
“UW Oshkosh brings an exciting brand of softball to the field as it battles for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (WIAC) title,” said Robyn Gruner, regional director at AT&T Wisconsin. “This beautiful new stadium, an excellent addition to the sports complex, will certainly enhance that experience for the team and all its fans.”
Improvements to the softball venue have been designed with future expansion in mind. The facility hosted the WIAC Softball Tournament this past season, and these renovations will allow the University to host additional events.
“I’m pleased to take part in the YP.com Softball Park unveiling,” said State Representative Gordon Hintz. “The high participation of student-athletes at UW Oshkosh makes college athletics a big part of the college experience. YP.com Softball Park will be another great addition to the Oshkosh Sports Complex and represents a great partnership between the state, community and corporate sponsors like AT&T.”
The women’s softball program at UW Oshkosh began in 1971. The Titans have captured eight WIAC titles, with the most recent coming in 2007. UW Oshkosh has made six trips to the NCAA Division III postseason tournament, with appearances in 1985, 1987, 1988, 1997, 2007 and 2008. The 2008 season featured the Titans posting a 32-11 record and coming within one victory of advancing to the finals of the NCAA Division III Championship.
“This is an exciting time for our women’s softball program,” said UW Oshkosh Director of Athletics Allen Ackerman. “Our mission is to provide the best possible experience for our student-athletes and the generous contributions of both AT&T and the UW Oshkosh Student Association will allow us to do that.”