Dec. 19, 2007

Earl E. Wilson Infield Renovation Photo Gallery

LAS VEGAS - Infield renovations totaling close to $25,000 at Earl E. Wilson Stadium were completed this week and UNLV baseball will have a new infield when it opens its 2008 season in late February.

The old infield was removed, new infield dirt was brought in and the infield was laser-leveled and finish graded. A new infield irrigation system was installed, new infield sod was laid, as well as new grass along the edge of the outfield and the area behind home plate.

"We need to continue upgrading our facilities," UNLV Director of Athletics Mike Hamrick said. "This will only help to enhance our baseball program."

This is the first major renovation to Earl E. Wilson Stadium at Roger Barnson Field since the facility was expanded to a 3,000-seat stadium that debuted on Jan. 29, 1994. A gift of $1.2 million was used for the construction and a total contribution of $6.6 million was given from the estate of Earl and Hazel Wilson. The Rebels began playing on the original diamond on April 1, 1973 and the field was named after the late Roger Barnson, a former UNLV assistant athletic director, in 1980.

"It is the first major project we have undertaken in quite some time and it shows a major commitment to our program from our administration to provide our student-athletes the best facilities that we can," Gouldsmith said. "Our team is really excited about the project and I would like to thank everyone involved who played a part in making this happen."

UNLV opens its season on Feb. 22 at home against Central Michigan at 6:30 p.m. (PT), the first of a three-game set between the Rebels and the Chippewas. Fans can purchase tickets by calling (702) 739-FANS or by going to www.unlvrebels.com.