Mercer trustees approve Claude Smith Field construction

The Mercer Board of Trustees approved the Claude Smith Field at OrthoGeorgia Park construction prokect Friday.

According to a release from the university, construction of a 1,500-seat facility with a new press box, concession stand, dugouts and restrooms will begin after Mercer’s home season ends.

“We are excited to begin construction on Claude Smith Field at OrthoGeorgia Park after the season,” Mercer athletics director Jim Cole said in the statement. “This new facility is a fitting home for an established baseball program and will provide a great atmosphere for our players, coaches and fans.”

OrthoGeorgia provided the lead gift for the project. The field is named after a former Mercer baseball head coach who won 405 games from 1948 to 1977.

This story was originally published April 22, 2016 at 8:39 PM with the headline "Mercer trustees approve Claude Smith Field construction."