Fundraising for UofL baseball expansion going well

Card Game has learned that fundraising is moving right along, and there’s a unique opportunity for fans to get involved.

The planned expansion of the University of Louisville’s baseball stadium is anticipated to begin at the conclusion of the current season, says Michael Dudas, Director of Development for the Cardinal Athletic Fund.

Between $2.5 million and $2.7 million have been contributed for the project which would expand permanent seating from 1,500 to 3,000 for Jim Patterson Stadium. That includes another $1 million gift from Jim Patterson who made the current stadium possible.

Contributions from fans will include permanent recognition on a 9-foot by 10-foot Cardinal sculpture, consisting of about 1,500 baseballs, which will be displayed in the stadium concourse. The baseballs will include the donor’s name with contribution levels of $300 and $1,000 for an additional $500,000 toward the project.

The expansion will include a terrace area above the seating area similar to the Norton Healthcare Terrace that is so popular at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, as well as two-tiered ground level terraces beyond the dugouts along the first-base and third-base lines.

Another feature will be a locker room for visiting baseball teams, a nice plus when it comes to attracting NCAA regionals and super regionals. Many college baseball stadiums, including U of L’s, don’t include such facilities.

Jim Patterson is a local businessman and former U of L baseball player. He was named the school’s Alumnus of the Year in 2007.