TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona softball will debut a renovated Hillenbrand Stadium tonight in its home opener against New Mexico.
The construction over the winter is the Wildcats biggest since the stadium was first built in 1993.
"At the time, it was the Taj Mahal, the very best in the country," said head coach Mike Candrea. "It was the first stadium of its kind in softball."
It gave Candrea's Wildcats an edge in recruiting. What followed was seven Women's World Series Championships. For two decades, an annual trip to Oklahoma City was almost a given.
But, as the Wildcats touched home plate, time touched their facility. Opposing teams caught up, and Rita Hillenbrand Stadium needed a face lift.
Eight millon dollars worth of renovations produced a shaded structure, premium seating areas, pole-less netting, an alumni plaza, and a new concourse with better bathrooms and concessions.
"It met all expectations," said Candrea. "It's reathtaking."
"It's just more modernized," said senior pitcher Taylor McQuillan. "It's larger. It's going to create more of an electric atmosphere that you would see at the College World Series but you'll see here at Arizona."
"There is a lot of pride," added Candrea. "There is a lot of excitement for our players, for our fans walking in for the first time taking a look at this and going wow."
"We're really excited," said McQuillan. "We're excited for the fans. We're excited for our coach, and we're excited for the school because everyone here deserves it."
