WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – For decades, the nationally-renowned Eastern Connecticut State University softball and baseball programs have enjoyed playing their home games at top-ranked campus facilities: formerly Howard Spector Field and most recently Clyde Washburne Field for softball and formerly Alumni Field and currently Holowaty Family Field for baseball
 
Soon enough, both programs will be hosting contests on state-of-the-art surfaces, as well, with the completion of the $2.7 million FieldTurf DoublePlay installation at the Mansfield Outdoor Complex.
 
The softball field project involves 42,000 square feet of FieldTurf and the baseball facility 130,500 square feet of the artificial surface. Groundbreaking for both facilities was initiated the first week of October and the installation of the turf is expected to be completed by late December, with the construction of new black chain-link fences (and possible installation of state-of-the-art bullpens) to follow later in the year. The goal is to have both facilities functional in time for the 2026 spring season.   
 
"The new turf fields at the athletic complex represent an exciting step forward for Eastern and our student-athletes", stated Dr. Karim Ismaili, Eastern Connecticut State University President. "This investment will enhance the experience of our baseball and softball teams—providing modern, reliable, and safe playing surfaces," added Dr. Ismaili. "Coming shortly after the naming of Holowaty Family Field, this project continues our commitment to celebrating Eastern's proud athletics tradition while strengthening our campus infrastructure to ensure that our students have access to facilities that match their talent, dedication, and competitive spirit."
 
Two of the most successful programs in the region and nation, the softball and baseball programs regularly win Little East Conference championships, have gone on to capture countless regional titles and have combined to win ten national championships since 1981.
 
Noted Director of Athletics Lori Runksmeier, "The investments Eastern is making in our athletic programs are extraordinary. Both our softball and baseball programs have a history of success, and the turf fields we are building will provide our athletes a wonderful foundation to grow that success even further."
 
On the Eastern project, FieldTurf will be partnering with excavating contractor Earth Dynamics, LLC out of Coventry. The project is being coordinated on campus by the Office of Facilities Management and Planning. According to Coordinator of University Construction James W. Fielding, the project is on schedule – or possibly a bit ahead of schedule – to be completed by the spring.
 
FieldTurf Tarkett, headquartered in Montreal with its main manufacturing facility located in Calhoun, George, is one of the most respected manufacturers of artificial surfaces in the world, having most recently installed its product at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, the University of Tennessee (baseball) and the University of Illinois (softball). Recent local projects include installation at various campus facilities at state institutions University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University and Southern Connecticut State University, as well as at Yale University, the University of New Haven, and Quinnipiac University.
 
Seven years ago, the original artificial surface at Eastern's multi-use facility for field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse at the Mansfield Complex was replaced by FieldTurf.
 
 Heading into her 25^th season, head softball coach Diana Pepin believes the turf field can "significantly boost the appeal of an athletic program, for both the athletes and the facility management, by offering high quality, reliable training and competition facilities." Pepin feels that the aesthetics of the new turf field provide the capability of giving the Warriors a sense of "home team pride".
 
Similar to the baseball program, Pepin's softball team have also played several games on turf in recent years, so she feels that the adjustment should be seamless. Pepin is also optimistic about certain research suggesting a reduction in sprains and concussions when moving from grass to turf.
 
Head baseball coach Mike Odenwaelder, entering his fourth season, believes this facility will put Eastern at "the forefront of college baseball facilities in the Northeast", putting the program on par with the best facilities throughout all divisions. The opportunity to host more games and clinics will be beneficial for years to come, according to Odenwaelder.
 
The transition from grass to turf is one that Odenwaelder is looking forward to, crediting the fact that his teams play roughly half of their road games on turf each year. Odenwaelder feels that this top-notch, synthetic turf is going to allow the Warriors to train and play at a fast pace, giving them an advantage for away games on a slower surface.
 
The head baseball coach is optimistic about the implementation of the new turf field, eyeing improvements with planning, logistics, and practicing. He hopes for advantages regarding accessibility and the opportunity for his team to get in "mid-season form" in the early stages of the season. Odenwaelder points out that the turf will give "true hops in both the infield and the outfield, allowing teams with strong technique to make more plays more often."