FLORENCE, Ala. (February 1, 2023) – Some eye-catching renovations are taking place on the corner of Chisholm Road and Cox Creek Parkway, as the University of North Alabama softball program is adding a turf surface to the Hilda B. Anderson Softball Stadium.
 
The infield will remain as natural dirt, but the outfield, backstop, and foul apron will be converted to state-of-the-art FieldTurf. The previous turf halo surrounding home plate will also be replaced with FieldTurf, which is in addition to renovated fencing and new foul poles surrounding the playing surface. The outfield walls will feature slight alterations to their field dimensions to better align with the existing bleacher seating in center field and the viewing decks in right and left field. UNA's primary Lion logo will be showcased within the center field turf.
 
Field renovations began in November 2023 and were led by generous donations from the Anderson Family in support of the softball program. UNA's softball complex was renamed Hilda B. Anderson Stadium in 2019 to recognize Mrs. Anderson's impact on the growth of the program.
 
The turf project is scheduled to be completed in time to host UNA's home tournament March 8, 2024. The team is conducting winter practices at the Florence Sportsplex during construction.
 
"What an exciting time for our program," said UNA head coach Ashley Cozart. "The way our facilities have transformed over the years has been so inspiring to see. We are so honored and blessed to play in such a beautiful complex that will now be one of the best in the ASUN Conference. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of the Andersons and the Morgans. I tell others all the time what a special place UNA is, and it is because of people like them who invest in us and make us feel so loved. Being part of a community like we have is all about a feeling. We are so thankful for that feeling that we will get to experience every day when we step into our beautiful complex."
 
In addition to the turf, UNA will soon begin the first phase of a patio and pavilion project along the right field line to enhance the gameday experience for fans and everyday use for UNA softball student-athletes. Gifts from Jordan Morgan and Amber Fite-Morgan spearheaded the initial stages of the project, connecting the team area between the softball clubhouse and indoor hitting facility.
 
"Hilda B. Anderson Stadium has elevated into the top-tier of Division I mid-major softball venues and is one of the premier facilities in the Atlantic Sun Conference," said UNA Director of Athletics Josh Looney. "Thanks to the loyalty and generosity of the Anderson Family, and the leadership of Coach Cozart, additional alumni and friends have been inspired to support our softball program, as well as enhance the experience for all of UNA women's athletics at the Division I level.
 
"Fresh off reaching the Atlantic Sun Championship Game in our first season as a full member of Division I, we are thrilled to continue raising the profile of our program with these facility renovations."  
 
Hilda B. Anderson Stadium has experienced several significant upgrades in recent years. In Spring 2023, an indoor facility was constructed that includes two batting cages, two pitching lanes, and a player lounge. Shortly after the move to Division I, construction was completed on the brick ticket office and main gate entrance, and padding was added around the outfield fence and backstop areas. The team's clubhouse has also undergone a recent renovation.
 
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