Stories

Clemson University Scores a Double Play with its First Softball Facility and New Team

Clemson University President, Athletic Director, Softball Head Coach, Alumni and several members of the Softball Team gathered for the ribbon cutting. Courtesy of DPR Construction

The playing field is set for Clemson University softball’s inaugural season as the university recently celebrated the opening of its first softball facility. DPR Construction completed construction of the 50,000-sq.-ft. stadium in time for the team’s February 12 home opener.

As DPR built the facility from the ground up, Clemson did the same with its team.

“The opportunity to be part of building the new softball facility for Clemson was extremely exciting,” said DPR’s Brett Pittman, a senior superintendent. “Even more gratifying was playing a part in developing an entirely new athletic program that Clemson has never had before. Being a part of building something so important to the community is one of the best things about working for DPR,” said Pittman.

The facility includes an NCAA standard sized playing field. Courtesy of Edward Badham

The $13 million, 1,000-seat state-of-the-art facility features a team lounge, locker room, sports medicine room, equipment room and an indoor player development batting cage that spans over 6,000-sq.-ft. Athletes, officials and staff will have more than 12,000-sq.-ft. of player and administrative operations space including:

  • Coaches’ offices
  • Press box with three broadcast booths
  • Conference rooms
  • Locker rooms for umpires and visiting team and coaches
Team locker room. Courtesy of Edward Badham

Spectators will have a first-class experience, as well,access to amenities such as restrooms, a family nursing room, expansive parking and two concession stands.

“I knew we needed a facility where we could develop players without any obstacles. A facility that would attract recruits, and one where fans could be right on top of the action and really enjoy the game-day experience. I can truly say we accomplished all three,” said Clemson Softball Head Coach John Rittman.

DPR worked closely with Clemson University Athletics from start to finish.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with DPR Construction throughout the entire process of building our stadium,” said Coach Rittman. “Their team atmosphere has been on full display by their employees every step of the way.”

DPR Construction made its building debut on Clemson University’s campus in 2008. As the university’s building landscape continues to flourish and expand, DPR’s project construction completion footprint at the university includes:

Posted on February 11, 2020
Last Updated August 23, 2022