ACU baseball stadium’s $17.5M renovation wins regional award

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A major renovation at Abilene Christian University’s (ACU) baseball stadium has earned statewide recognition. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has selected Crutcher Scott Field at Bullock Brothers Ballpark as the Best Sports and Entertainment Construction Project in Texas and Louisiana for 2025.

The $17.5 million renovation, completed by Linbeck Group in less than a year, introduced several new features. These enhancements include an open-air pavilion roof, chair-backed seating, improved player development areas, artificial turf, LED lighting, and a contemporary press box.

University leaders say the improvements were designed with both athletes and fans in mind. “Every aspect of the design was carefully considered to meet the needs of fans and players, creating a modern venue that will benefit the ACU community for years to come,” said Kevin Campbell, senior vice president for operations.

Vice President for Athletics Zack Lassiter and Head Baseball Coach Rick McCarty collaborated with the design firm HOK to shape the vision. Their aim was to build a facility that could rival any mid-major program in the country.

The recognition also reflects the contributions of ACU graduates and students. Alumni Sam Carter and Katelyn Graham, both engineers with Linbeck, helped bring the plans to life, while current senior Jonathan Lochrie served as an intern on the project.

“It’s exciting to see our work recognized at this level,” Lochrie said. “We’re proud to represent ACU and hope to continue building projects that make an impact.”

This is the first time an ACU facility has earned the top spot in the ENR regional awards. In 2024, the university’s Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center placed second.