On Thursday morning, BGSU athletics publicly announced a campaign to raise funds to support enhancements at Steller Field.

The university is seeking donations through the Steller Field Improvement Fund, with the goal of installing a new synthetic turf playing surface and perimeter fencing.

“This project has been a critical mission to our baseball team, supporters, alumni, and fans the last couple of years,” Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe said. “BGSU baseball head coach Kyle Hallock has taken steps to comprehensively improve all aspects of our program and to position it for success. This project is another critical step in helping this program to thrive in intercollegiate baseball.”

The estimated cost of the first phase of the project is $2.3 million. BGSU is aiming to meet fundraising benchmarks to start the project after the 2025 season. 

Board of Trustees member Paul J. Hooker, a 1995 graduate of BGSU, has agreed to match donations up to $500,000 between now and Jan. 31, 2025.

BGSU baseball has already secured pledged donations and verbal commitments from numerous alumni and supporters of the program. 

“The next step for the BGSU baseball program is to enhance our facility in a manner that matches the level of play our athletes are producing on the field,” Hallock said. “These upgrades will reflect our alumni, friends of the program, athletic department and university’s commitment to Falcon baseball. Thank you to everyone, from coast to coast, who continues supporting our players and our program. Your assistance in helping us reach our recent project goals is a direct contribution to our past, current, and future successes.” 

Those interested in donating to the Steller Field Improvement Fund can do so here.