Officials at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke announced the grand opening of the Outdoor Sports Complex on Friday afternoon.
The complex features a turf field for campus recreation and upgrades to both the baseball and softball areas.
"It is always a proud day when you can upgrade the amenities and resources for a student's experience to match the level of effort that they and their coaches put in daily," said Director of Athletics Dick Christy in a press release. "This has been a long time coming, and we are so excited to share it with our community."
At Friday's events, members of the Lumbee Tribe, the UNC Pembroke Board of Trustees, university officials, faculty, staff, donors, students, and community members participated.
Both the baseball and softball complexes now have chairback-style stadium seating throughout the whole complex and a new press box. As part of the project, the teams also have indoor hitting and pitching facilities and received upgrades to their sound systems. Softball received a new plaza complete with bathrooms and a concessions stand, with the entire project enclosed by black iron and brick pillars.
"This Complex represents years of vision, planning, and generosity, and we are proud to celebrate its opening as a milestone that enhances both campus recreation and Braves Athletics," said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings in a press release. "With enrollment growth, new academic programs taking shape, and the addition of this project, it marks an exciting start to the fall semester and reflects UNCP's commitment to excellence in every aspect of the student experience."
Thanks to the generous gift of supporters, five locations were celebrated on Friday with new distinguished names.
Willoughby Softball Field – Made possible by the generous donation from Patricia and Paul Willoughby
Campbell-O'Neil Concourse Plaza – Made possible by the generous donation from Mac and Sylvia Campbell
Robinette Baseball Press Box – Made possible by the generous donation from Kenneth and Claudia Robinette
Greg and Gail Allen Baseball Bullpen – Made possible by the generous donation from Brad and Twilla Allen
Ayden Sampson Baseball Hitting Bay – Made possible by the generous donation from Jarette Sampson and Carrie Dial-Sampson
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