— Story by Bill Cornwell
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The necessary money appears to be in place for construction of Marshall University’s long-sought on-campus baseball stadium.
Governor Jim Justice, a Marshall alumnus, announced Thursday that the state is contributing $13.8 million dollars to the project, with that money coming from the state’s Department of Economic Development.
Marshall University President Brad Smith indicated the state’s funding share will provide all of the money needed to begin construction on the project in hopes of having it ready for use in spring 2024.
Demolition on the stadium site located north of the current Marshall softball complex began last week.
Marshall Athletic Director Christian Spears said land clearance will continue over the next month while projects continue design work.
Marshall has not had its own baseball stadium near campus since the early 20th century. Games have been played at various Huntington locations as well as at nearby high school fields, Appalachian Power Park in Charleston and other college facilities around the state.
There has been no word regarding capacity of the new Marshall stadium as well as potential fan amenities.