Creighton celebrates groundbreaking for new baseball and softball fields

Creighton hosted a special groundbreaking event to celebrate the announcement of a new baseball practice field and a softball competition field.

Standing near what will soon be the right-field line of the baseball field, the group of honored guests, Creighton student-athletes and coaches, and University leaders together placed their baseball-bat-themed shovels into the dirt for the ceremonial first dig.

The field's first pitches won't come until 2026, when construction is completed, but the excitement and anticipation were evident as attendees celebrated the public-private collaboration that made the project possible.

"Thanks to the support of the College World Series of Omaha, Inc., the State of Nebraska’s Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery and Investment Act, Gov. Jim Pillen's leadership, and other partners, we're breaking ground today on a new athletic complex that will serve our students. It will also strengthen our community," said Creighton President the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD.

In addition to being the home base for Creighton baseball practice, the all-turf field will serve as the principal location for teams preparing to compete in the NCAA Men’s College World Series, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in Omaha this summer. Creighton has served as the host institution for the CWS since 1950, providing sites, amenities and thousands of hours of University staff time to support the event.

The new softball competition field, also featuring an all-turf playing surface, will open this fall. It will feature bigger dugouts, separate bullpens for home and visiting teams, and a first-class video board.

• Learn more about the new baseball and softball fields
• Read about how the softball program will benefit from a new stadium
• See drone footage of the fields under construction
   

QUOTES and PHOTOS from the groundbreaking event

Creighton President the Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD

"In just the past few years, we’ve been able to do many of these groundbreaking ceremonies right here in Omaha’s urban core. They represent momentum. They represent innovation. They represent investment. They are all so special. Today is particularly meaningful as we mark another step forward for Creighton University, for the city of Omaha, and for the state of Nebraska during the diamond anniversary of a treasured local tradition, the College World Series."

Creighton McCormick Endowed Athletic Director Marcus Blossom

"This is an exciting moment for Omaha and our University as we celebrate the future home of Creighton Softball and Creighton Baseball. … To everyone who made today possible, we want to share our sincere gratitude. Thank you."

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen

"Us humble Nebraskans, we think we’re normal. Please remember, we are not normal. We are extraordinary people. … We do extraordinary work together. I think that is the message today. This all comes about because of extraordinary collaboration and us working together. I am privileged to be here."

Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr.

"My vision is for Omaha to continue thriving as a city, defined by opportunity, collaboration and innovation. That future is taking shape with Creighton’s new baseball and softball fields. These spaces will bring people together, support youth and community sports, and carry forward the spirit of the Road to Omaha."

Jack Diesing Jr., chairman and president of the board of the College World Series of Omaha, Inc.

"On behalf of the College World Series of Omaha, Inc., I want to express our deepest gratitude to Creighton, its leaders, its athletic department, generous supporters who are here, and the state of Nebraska for making this vision a reality. You are not only enhancing your own student-athletes, but you are helping us sustain and elevate the national tradition of the Men’s College World Series."
 

Additional EVENT photos

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