Dedication of Lights at Schoonover Stadium Set for Wednesday

A Dedication of Lights ceremony at Schoonover Stadium is set to take place Wednesday, April 17, prior to Kent State University’s baseball game versus Niagara at 5 p.m.   The ceremony will recognize and thank those who made the addition of lights to Kent State’s baseball facility possible. Kent State President Lester A. Lefton, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Gregg Floyd and Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning and Operations Tom Euclide will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitches. Athletic Director Joel Nielson, head coach Scott Stricklin and Michael Bruder, director of design and construction in the Office of the University Architect, will also be a part of the ceremony.   The facility upgrade is part of the university’s Foundations of Excellence: Building the Future initiative. This campus transformation involves the construction of new buildings, facility upgrades and the establishment of dynamic, new spaces. The university has embarked on a major, multifaceted initiative to make each of Kent State’s eight campuses everything a world-class, 21st century campus should be, for the sake of the students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater community enriched by the institution.   Changes to the Kent Campus are mirrored in the incredible renaissance of downtown Kent, strengthening the town-gown relationship and creating the enriching experience of a rising college town.   The new lights are part of continuing upgrades to the Kent State baseball facilities at Schoonover Stadium. In 2005, a field turf surface was installed, along with an underground drainage system, new dugouts, bullpens, backstop and outfield fencing. For the 2007 season, a home locker room, players’ lounge, restrooms and concession stand were added. The updated scoreboard in right field was installed in 2008. Future projects will include a parking area and indoor and outdoor hitting facilities, made possible by both public and private funding.   The Dedication of Lights ceremony is scheduled to take place 10 minutes prior to the game’s first pitch at 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Kent State students, faculty and staff receive free admission. Tickets may be purchased the day of the game only.