The second phase of renovations for CPP’s baseball stadium, Scolinos Field, has been completed as part of an ongoing, multi-year process to modernize and revamp the facility. The process, funded by private donations, is expected to cost a total of $7 million to $8 million, according to the athletics department.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Brian Swanson explained that the renovations to the ball field are divided into four phases.
The recently completed phase two changes saw a significant aesthetic renovation to the field. Gone are the dull, drab colors that once engulfed the stadium from years of play. The field now displays vibrant colors that show off CPP’s athletic logo behind home plate as well as improvements to its netting, backstop area and turf.
The first phase of renovations began in late 2015. These efforts added new lighting to the field, allowing for the Broncos to play night games for the first time, as well as a brand-new scoreboard. According to the athletics website, this first phase was funded by two private donations totaling $1.1 million.
Fifth-year senior outfielder Nick Peifer and the rest of his teammates are hungry and ready to contend for a national championship on the renovated field.
“Being here for so long, I have seen the field change in so many ways,” Peifer said. “To finally see what it has turned into is crazy. I know all the guys on the team are stoked to see it. We are really grateful to be playing on the best surface out there.”
The project’s progress and advancement to subsequent phases is dictated by the athletics department ability to secure gifts such as these, according to Swanson.
The renovations by the athletics department is not exclusive to the baseball facility, rather they are just part of Swanson’s ultimate goal of larger modernizations across the university’s athletics facilities.
“We have a very successful athletic program as a whole,” Swanson said. “One of my priorities I’ve had since I arrived 16 years ago was to modernize all Bronco athletic facilities.”
In recognition of student-athletes’ hard work, Swanson sees these enhancements as a way to make their college careers an enjoyable experience.
Of course, the renovations to Scolinos Field, named after the recently inducted College Baseball Hall of Fame coach John Scolinos, will be most personally felt by the Broncos baseball team.
Before the abrupt end to their season last spring, the baseball team held a winning record of 13-8. Randy Betten was in his 11th year as the CPP head baseball coach. When Betten arrived on campus over a decade ago, he saw a field that was outdated and run down. Seeing the renovations come to fruition gives Betten and his players the opportunity to practice and compete in a setting that allows them to continue their winning culture.
“When I got to Cal Poly, I knew what I was getting into,” Betten said. “I knew what it was academically, and I saw what it could be athletically. I knew it was going to be baby steps when it came to renovations, but Brian had a vision of what he wanted for the program and the facility.”
Looking ahead, the CPP athletic department will be transitioning to the third phase. Swanson anticipated the start of this phase to begin this upcoming academic year. Changes would include the installment of permanent bathrooms and permanent seating at the field, complemented by a press box and a makeover to the two dugouts.
In upcoming years, they hope to refurbish their seating and add a clubhouse for the players and coaches as part of phase four.
“It is a point of pride for the university to have modern facilities that people can come to and enjoy the competition,” Swanson said. “We have been very intentional about our process. Phase one and two have been extremely successful. I am looking forward to the final outcome of Scolinos Field, a place we are really proud of.”
