Gadsden State breaks ground for $10 million sports complex
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College broke ground for a new baseball-softball complex in the Gadsden Sports Park today. The $10 million facility will be funded with a bond approved in November by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.
"We believe this complex is a tremendous recruitment tool for us," said Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State. "We recruit the athletes, who, in turn, encourage friends and family to attend Gadsden State. Expanding sports is beneficial for the College as it promotes school spirit and unity."
Complex highlights include the following:
- Entry concourse between fields
- Full synthetic turf and bullpens, state-of-the-art LED lighting systems, new scoreboards and protective netting systems at both fields
- Locker rooms and restrooms in the home dugout for the players and coaches
- Concessions building with serving windows on both sides to accommodate both fields
- Multi-stall restrooms for spectators
- Elevated bleachers that seat 150
- Press boxes
- Chairback seating sections behind home plate for each field
- A covered hitting facility with three synthetic turf hitting and pitching lanes
The City of Gadsden has committed to picking up a portion of the tab for new parking lots and a pedestrian bridge that spans 135 feet over the existing culvert to connect a remote parking lot.
"I love the cooperation we are seeing between the City of Gadsden and Gadsden State," said Tim McCartney, a Gadsden native and member of the ACCS Board of Trustees. "I am proud that I voted in favor of the bond issue. We want to do everything we can to make sure this community and this College continue to grow and prosper."
Craig Ford, mayor of Gadsden, said he values the relationship with Gadsden State and the commitment to athletics and academic excellence.
"This facility is about the community," he said. "This is not just about Gadsden. This is about all five counties that Gadsden State serves. This is phenomenal for all of us."
The baseball and softball teams at Gadsden State disbanded in 2011 and 2016, respectively. An announcement was made on April 18, 2022, that Gadsden State will field the teams again. Blake Lewis was hired as the athletic director and head baseball coach on June 1, 2022, and Ryan Clark was named the head softball coach on Aug. 1, 2023.
Lewis said he was profoundly thankful to those who are making the dream of having a state-of-the-art complex a reality.
"Beyond the athletic arena, this complex will also serve as a gathering place for our community – a place where families can come together to cheer on their loved ones, where friendships are forged and where memories are made," he said. "It will be a beacon of pride for Gadsden State and a testament to our dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus culture."
Clark agreed that athletics is a valuable aspect of the collegiate experience.
"The complex will give our athletes and our students the best experience possible, and we will forever be grateful," he said. "Seeing this come to fruition proves that we are all working together in the same direction. I'm so proud to be the softball coach at Gadsden State."
Aidan Bee, a pitcher on the Gadsden State baseball team, spoke on behalf of his team.
"I want to thank everyone who has played a role in bringing this complex to Gadsden State," he said. "It represents a significant investment in our program and in our future. It shows your commitment to excellence and your belief that athletics is a vital part of the college experience."
Chloe Gattis represented the softball team, on which she plays catcher.
"I'm beyond excited about our new baseball-softball complex," she said. "It's not just about the nice, new, state-of-the-art facilities. It's about what it means for our entire student body. This complex isn't just a place to play. It's a hub for student life."
Lathan Architects is the architect company for the project. Kyser Construction is the contractor. The project is expected to be completed in early-2025.
