The College will shortly begin a project to replace the seating and press box at Frank Bailey Field, and build four restrooms and a concession area for the facility, it was announced by President Roger Hull.

The project will replace the wooden bleachers with seating for 1,500. An enclosed press box with seating for 50 will replace the scaffolding-supported press box that has been in place since 1984. There will be 30 seats for those who are physically challenged.

Plans are to begin the project this spring, and have it completed for the fall 2002 season. The cost is about $1.7 million, which is being supported by donations from alumni, parents, friends and corporations.

"The renovation at Frank Bailey Field addresses a facilities need that we have faced for a long time," said Hull. "The project is an important element in our Plan for Union to make our facilities - academic, residential and athletic - among the finest of the nation's liberal arts colleges. I thank the donors for their contributions to this project."

Frank Bailey Field, named for the long-time trustee and treasurer of the College, is used for intercollegiate contests by the College's football, field hockey, lacrosse and track teams. A number of other teams and intramural programs use the all-weather facility for training and games, respectively.