Abilene Christian University’s Crutcher Scott Field Honored for Excellence

News Summary

Abilene Christian University celebrates its achievement as Crutcher Scott Field receives the award for Best Sports and Entertainment Construction Project in Texas and Louisiana. The $17 million renovation, completed in about nine months, enhances fan experiences and player performance with modern features such as chairback seating, artificial turf, and upgraded facilities. The project, designed by HOK, highlights community involvement from alumni engineers and aims to create a premier destination for college baseball.

Abilene Christian University’s Crutcher Scott Field Wins Award for Best Sports Construction Project in Texas and Louisiana

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is celebrating a significant achievement this week as the renovated Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Ballpark has been recognized as the Best Sports and Entertainment Construction Project in Texas and Louisiana for 2025. This prestigious award was presented by Engineering News-Record, underscoring the impact and quality of the facility’s recent upgrades.

The renovation project, which cost over $17 million, took approximately nine months to complete, concluding in the academic year 2024-25. The transformation aimed to enhance the fan experience while also improving athletic performance for the players.

Key Features of the Renovation

Among the many upgrades made to the facility, several key features stand out:

• Chairback seating to improve comfort for fans during games.
• An open-air pavilion roof that allows for shade while maintaining a sense of openness.
• A completely new press box to facilitate media coverage and analysis of the games.
• The installation of artificial turf for improved playability.
• LED lighting to enhance visibility and showcase games in a vibrant manner.
• Upgraded player development facilities to support the athletic training and wellness of the university’s student-athletes.

The architectural design of the project was led by the firm HOK, a notable player in the sports architecture industry. ACU’s own Vice President for Athletics and head baseball coach were actively involved in the planning and execution phases, ensuring that the designs met the needs of both the fans and athletes.

The Vision Behind the Renovation

The primary goals of the renovation were clear: to create an environment that not only excites fans but also nurtures players in their spiritual, academic, and athletic growth. The changes have positioned Crutcher Scott Field as a premier destination for college baseball in the region, aiming to foster a spirit of community and teamwork among fans and players alike.

Community and Alumni Involvement

Integral to the success of the renovation were ACU alumni engineers who collaborated with the Linbeck Group, a firm known for its construction expertise. The talents of alumni such as Sam Carter and Katelyn Graham were pivotal in steering the project towards successful completion. Additionally, Jonathan Lochrie, a senior engineering major at ACU, contributed as an intern, gaining invaluable experience and taking pride in the recognition the facility received.

Conclusion

This award marks a momentous milestone for ACU, as it is the first time a facility at the university has clinched the top spot in the ENR regional awards. The university had previously garnered attention when the Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center placed second in 2024. As alumni, students, and the larger community celebrate this achievement, it is evident that the Crutcher Scott Field renovation not only enriches the campus but also serves as a strong symbol of ACU’s commitment to excellence in athletics and community engagement.

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Additional Resources

• Reporter News: ACU Ballpark’s New Design Wins Major Award
• My Fox Zone: ACU Baseball Stadium Hits a Homerun
• Big Country Homepage: ACU Baseball Stadium’s $17.5M Renovation Wins Regional Award
• KTXS: ACU Ballpark Honored as Region’s Top Sports Project
• ACU Sports: ACU Baseball Grand Opening with Promos for a Weekend to Remember