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 "A primary focus during the stadium design phase was to have a
stadium of sufficient size with proper fan and media amenities to
allow us to host postseason baseball, and we certainly accomplished
that goal," said Larry Lyons, Illinois State's executive associate athletic
director.
"The stadium is very fan-friendly, and the media will work in a
first-class press box. With the new artificial surface on the
infield and new sod in the outfield in line to be installed for the
2013 season, Duffy Bass Field will have a playing surface that is
also championship caliber.
"We are thankful the Valley has chosen us to host the 2013 State
Farm Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Championship, and we look forward to
being in the rotation in future years."
The 2013 State Farm Valley Championship will be played May 21-25,
and the champion of the tournament will receive an automatic bid to
the NCAA tournament. All eight teams will be featured in the 2013 MVC
Baseball Championship.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for our program, school and
community," said ISU baseball head coach Mark Kingston. "Bloomington-Normal
loves baseball, and this will bring all the teams from one of the nation's elite
conferences to our town. The commitment level from many schools has allowed this
tournament to be held in a variety of places. I appreciate that Illinois State
and its administration is willing to put its best foot forward to host this
great event."
Duffy Bass Field features a gated complex with seating for over
1,500 spectators, concessions, restrooms, team dugouts and a
state-of-the-art press box, making it one of college baseball's
premier Midwest venues.
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In 2008, the facility underwent a $3.2 million renovation, and
in 2010, a new LED scoreboard was installed beyond the right-field wall. An artificial turf infield will be installed before
the beginning of next season, with natural grass remaining in
the outfield, along with a dirt pitcher's mound.
Located in the northwest corner of Illinois State's athletics
complex, Duffy Bass Field was dedicated on May 9, 2009, in honor
of legendary ISU baseball coach Duffy Bass. Bass guided the 1969
Redbirds to the college division national championship.
Illinois State was awarded the 2013 State Farm MVC Championship
on a bid basis. The university will also play host to the 2012
State Farm MVC Cross Country Championship, which will be run
Oct. 27 at the Weibring Golf Course on ISU's
campus.
[Text from
news release received from John Twork, graduate assistant, athletics
communications, Illinois State University]
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