Augusta Athletics announces baseball stadium project

Augusta University Athletics has announced the construction of a new baseball stadium at Jaguar Field. The project, set to be completed in time for the 2025 season, is part of a total athletic facility overhaul.

The new stadium will feature 420 seats, including more than half with comfortable chairbacks. Additionally, the design includes dedicated handicapped seating to ensure accessibility for all.

Key highlights of the project include the construction of a state-of-the-art press box and the expansion of the current concessions stand area to improve service and convenience for fans. An enhanced Champions Walk will serve as a welcoming focal point for both the baseball and softball fields.

Some of the leaders who have contributed to this ongoing project include Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED; local entrepreneur and business school alumnus Mason McKnight III and his family, who have been longtime supporters of various AU endeavors; and Rich Henderson, president and CEO of Jani-King of Augusta, a commercial cleaning company across the Southeast.

“It’s an exciting time for Jaguar Baseball,” head baseball coach Chris Howell said. “The construction of the bleachers and scoreboard will impact our game-day experience for the players and fans. We appreciate the support from our donors and leadership at AU. The projects will catch us up to the facility curve with other institutions and push us to the next step as a program.”

The new stadium will be unveiled in conjunction with the new Electromech LED scoreboard, which will have video display capability to show various content including live video, instant replays, statistics and game information, graphics and animations, or sponsorship messaging.

Kinesiology alumnus Bryce Massey, a former outfielder for Jaguars baseball team, said during a conversation with Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher and Howell that he’s “super jealous” of the pending upgrades, noting they were bare bones back during his playing days in the late 1990s. Massey also noted the improvements can make all the difference in the world from a recruiting standpoint.

“I’m bursting with pride as a former player and supporter,” Massey said. “I’m really excited to see the growth and expansion within the program and the athletic department. It really does my heart good. A lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears have been put in out there over the years.

“You have to keep up with your rivals in order to recruit well; you have to present a great product, and that’s what they’re doing. I’m grateful for the excitement that’s going on right now with the improvements and the expansion,” Massey continued. “I’m really pumped for the current student-athletes. They’ll benefit tremendously from these projects. I can promise you’ll see me and my family taking in some games.”

To make a gift to support the new baseball stadium, you may donate directly to the Baseball and Softball Facility Fund, or by contacting Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement via email or call 706-721-4001.