March 15, 2007
FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University will host its first-ever Night Baseball Game at Lancer Stadium in Farmville on Friday night, March 23, against visiting Princeton University beginning at 7 p.m.. The night game against the members of the prestigious Ivy League will be played under the new lights recently installed at the facility by ICON Sign & Lighting of Farmville. The Lancers and Tigers will also play another night game on Saturday (3/24) at 7 p.m. before completing their three-game weekend series on Sunday (3/25) at 1 p.m.. Admission is FREE to all Longwood baseball games at Lancer Stadium.
“We are simply exhilarated to have a new state of the art lighting system for our stadium,” said 29th-year head coach Charles ‘Buddy’ Bolding (774-394-3). “It has long been a dream of mine to bring night baseball to Farmville, so now, with our 100-foot poles and Pro-Level illumination capacity, area baseball fans can see top-notch baseball without having to drive to Richmond or Lynchburg after work hours.
“We anticipate building a family-oriented venue where we host the highest tier of Division I baseball teams. Someday, Longwood University and Farmville will join hands in hosting NCAA conference and post-season championships. Longwood’s rich baseball tradition will only be strengthened by this grand addition. The lighted night baseball sky has never shone so bright. Play Ball!!”
The new lights are part of a renovation project that will include a complete drainage system to be installed at Lancer Stadium this summer, along with a new clubhouse/locker-room facility that will feature additional luxury seating on the top level. Longwood enters this upcoming weekend of action at the facility against Fairleigh Dickinson (March 17-18) with an overall record of 248-83 (.749) in Lancer Stadium, including a record of 13-4 this year.
“Night games intensify the moment,” added interim Director of Athletics Troy Austin. “Similar to an actor on Broadway, once the lights turn-on, you get the sense that you are part of something big. I am excited for the student-athletes on the baseball team as they have an opportunity to compete during ‘Primetime’.”
