With a new stadium comes a new era. But LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri doesn’t want his players to forget where numerous teams in the past era ended up by the close of their seasons. That is part of the reason the large, new scoreboard that graces the left-field backdrop at new Alex Box Stadium replicates the one in the stadium where the Tigers have spent so many postseasons, winning five national championships. “Everybody misses the Intimidator down the right-field line because it always gave those left-handed hitters a target to take a whack at,” Mainieri said. “But we wanted to make this stadium as much like Rosenblatt [Stadium] as we could so that if we are fortunate enough to get to Omaha, the adjustment doesn’t seem so great.”While that scoreboard will remind players where they want to end their season, its recent completion also builds excitement for opening day tomorrow.”The week before the final week is always the hardest because guys are starting to get a little sore, and they are getting tired of practicing against one another all the time, and the season is still a week away,” Mainieri said. “When they woke up on Monday morning, they knew it was opening game week, and I’m sure their adrenaline was pumping.”The players said they are excited for opening day and the new era of LSU baseball. “Of course it’s hard to leave a place over there with all the memories, but you have to form your own memories,” said LSU senior outfielder Nicholas Pontiff.  “We are going to … try to turn this place into a dynasty like it was back over there at the old Box.”The Tigers have only practiced a few weeks on the field because of the ongoing construction in and around the stadium. Mainieri said he had a “tough decision” whether to keep practicing at the old stadium because the batting cages in the new stadium were not completed until Tuesday.”I just thought that it was important to get over [to the new stadium] and start to get used to the environment and the surroundings,” Mainieri said. But the players still feel they are already comfortable with the field. “This field is one of the best I’ve played on,” said sophomore shortstop DJ LeMahieu. Sophomore catcher Micah Gibbs said he is getting comfortable with his spot behind home plate. “I got behind home plate a little bit,” he said. “There’s no hitters eye back there right now, but it’s not too bad. Once we have that hitter’s eye there, it will be perfect.” Pontiff said no matter what the situation is, there shouldn’t be any excuses for bad play. “Everybody is real comfortable,” he said. “I don’t think there should be any excuses for anybody on any aspect. The playing surface is better than it is [at the old Box], and the amenities are 100 times better.” FORMER TIGERSThe excitement for opening day extends beyond Mainieri and his current players. Michael Hollander, a four-year starting infielder for the Tigers from 2004-2008, is happy for his old teammates to get the chance to play in the new stadium. “There’s been talk for a while now about building a new stadium,” Hollander said. “I’m excited to see not just how this team does but how the stadium looks and how the fans like it.” Former LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman and his former standouts are also ready for a new era in LSU baseball. Bertman, who coached the Tigers from 1984-2001, said he is happy the stadium construction is coming to a completion.”It’s been a well-done stadium that is fan friendly and player friendly,” Bertman said. “Although it’s not a Taj Mahal, it’s functional. It’s got all the things a coach needs and all the things a player needs and all the things that the fans and media need.” Bertman is also looking beyond opening day to the second phase of construction, which includes the amenities outside the stadium. “There are parts of it that have yet to take place — like the foliage, the skyboxes, more parking for motor homes — that I’m looking forward to,” he said.Bertman won five national championships during his time as coach in old Alex Box, and he also played a large part of getting the new stadium as LSU’s athletic director. He said he feels good about being such an integral part of both stadiums. “The old Box was venerable,” he said. “It had unbelievable great history, and we are taking that with us. There will be an Alex Box Hall of Fame in the new stadium. We expect to have the same electricity that we had at the old Alex Box.” Kurt Ainsworth, LSU starting pitcher from 1998-1999 and a member of the All-Alex Box Stadium Team “Omaha Era,” said the new stadium is well overdue. “I’m just happy that they are getting a new stadium,” he said. “We were always one of the worst stadiums in the [Southeastern Conference] condition-wise, but the fans were always the best. You put those fans in the new stadium, and it’s going to be exciting. I can’t wait to watch it as a fan now sitting in the new ballpark.” Brad Cresse, LSU catcher from 1997-2000 and a member of the All-Alex Box Stadium Team “Omaha Era,” said he is ready to start the new era in LSU baseball. “The last game last year, when we had all the celebration, it was sad because of all the great memories, but we will always have those memories,” said Cresse, a member of two national championship teams. “It’s time for the Box to be upgraded. The new stadium, driving by it down the street, it’s so impressive. It’s time to make the change.” The former players are also happy to see LSU’s baseball program back on the map. “It’s exciting to see LSU back up at the top of the rankings where LSU belongs,” Hollander said. “I know coach Mainieri has done a great job, and he has worked really hard to get that result. That’s what he came here for.”- – – -Contact Andy Schwehm at [email protected]