A ceremonial groundbreaking was held this afternoon at John P. Bobo Field, the home of the Niagara University baseball program. The baseball facility will undergo major renovations that include a full synthetic turf field, expanded seating areas, a new scoreboard and dugouts, a press box and a new backstop with netting.

Niagara University broke ground today on renovations for John P. Bobo Field, the home of the Niagara University baseball program.

“Breaking ground on renovations to a field that commemorates an American hero, United States Marine Corps Second Lieutenant John P. Bobo, ‘65, and is home to the oldest athletics team at Niagara University is truly a special moment,” Director of Athletics Simon Gray said. “I want to thank alumni and friends of the program who have invested in the bright future for Purple Eagles baseball. We are all so excited to witness the transformation of this campus landmark.”

The enhancements to the field will establish a great asset for Niagara University and the greater Western New York community. The renovations will improve the student-athlete and fan experience and help the team overcome the challenges of the Western New York climate. During much of the winter, the weather’s effect on the field moves the team’s practices inside, negatively impacting preparation for the varsity season.

Anastasi Trucking & Paving Co. from Lancaster, N.Y., will be the contractor for this state-of-the-art facility that will be a significant recruiting advantage for the program, making Bobo Field one of the premier on-campus facilities in the region. The project highlights include a full synthetic turf field, expanded seating areas, a new scoreboard and dugouts, a press box and a new backstop with netting. The renovations are scheduled to be completed during the fall semester, with the team taking the brand new field in time for the 2018 season.

The reconstructed baseball field will add to the blend of facilities on campus at Niagara University and increase the value of a Niagara education. Academic facilities like the B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences, along with the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, the Castellani Art Museum, the new Dining Commons, the Gallagher Center and the Dwyer Arena, enhance the living-learning experience for students through academics, athletics, arts and recreation.

For more information and updates, please visit www.PurpleEagles.com/PlayBall.