After five national championships since 1990, numerous World Series appearances and record-breaking crowd attendance, the LSU baseball program proposed to build a new stadium to accommodate the national prominence the team has already received.
Last week, LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman proposed a plan to build a new stadium — which will keep the name of Alex Box — that will be constructed 2,000 feet south from the present stadium. Alex Box has hosted numerous tournaments, seen several championships and watched prominent players come and go — as well as coaches.
“Alex Box Stadium is a treasure and this was no easy decision,” Bertman said. “We studied a number of proposals and considered the pros and cons of renovating the Box or building a new facility. A new stadium is in the best interests of the long-term future of LSU baseball.”
The plan cannot be finalized until the LSU Board of Supervisors approve Bertman’s proposal. Upon approval, the new Alex Box stadium will begin construction in August of 2006 and aim for completion at the beginning of the 2008 season.
Alex Box has been renovated several times since the stadium was first built in the 1930s. The architects considered renovating once again but saw the project as an inconvenience to players and fans. It would also take three years to complete and cost $15 million.
“A renovation of the current stadium would not have allowed us to accomplish many of the fan amenities we will be able to provide in a new facility, and it would have restricted future expansion as our fan base grows,” Bertman said. “In addition, the time required to renovate the stadium would result in an inconvenience for our fans and would interrupt one baseball season for the LSU team.”
Head Coach Smoke Laval has not spent as many years as the role of head coach as Bertman has, but he said he still will find it hard to leave the memories of Alex Box Stadium.
“There is no greater atmosphere for college baseball than at Alex Box Stadium, and that experience will be tremendously enhanced by the new facility,” Laval said. “We cherish all of the unforgettable moments we’ve shared in Alex Box Stadium, and we’re looking forward to creating more memories in the new stadium.”
The stadium will be located at the corner of Nicholson Drive and Gourrier Lane. The only present players to step foot on the new field will be the freshmen of the upcoming season who also will experience the luxury of larger practice and dressing facilities.
“It’s going to be a great experience,” said freshman outfielder Kade Keowen. “I’m looking forward to playing at Alex Box and the new stadium will be even greater. Our facilities are starting to go down compared to other Southeastern Conference stadiums. Alex Box is second to none, but it’s time for a change.”
The new stadium will offer more comfort to fans as well. The new features will include larger concourse areas filled with concession stands and restrooms and more space for parking and seating. It also will keep the future in mind in case the need for another expansion comes along.
“This is the next logical step in building upon the success of our baseball program,” Bertman said. “LSU fans, the best baseball fans in America, deserve the best college baseball stadium in America.”
Baseball proposes new stadium
January 19, 2005