One of the most enjoyable aspects of attending baseball games at Jim Patterson Stadium is the scenery beyond the outfield, all the attractions behind the fence. The burgeoning University of Louisville campus, the Cardinal Stadium football complex, and, of course, the cacophonous convoy of freight trains.

The view in the near future will include a brand new indoor baseball practice facility for the UofL baseball program. Athletic Director Vince Tyra mentioned the possibility a year ago at the Leadoff Dinner for the UofL baseball team. He brought it up again, along with the artist rendering, a year later for the same event on Monday. This time, however, Tyra announced that Kroger has made a financial commitment for naming rights for the facility in the amount of $3 million.

An indoor practice facility would be a boon to a program that has often had to clear snow off the base paths and the outfield to practice during the months of January and February. 

A facelift is in the future for the entrance to Jim Patterson Stadium (Luckett & Farley photo).

Fundraising efforts may have been hindered during the past year by the Covid-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the 2020 season. But Tyra clearly sees the practice facility as a priority, signaling to alumni and other local supporters that he will be getting in touch soon.

Tyra also mentioned that he has had discussions with Jim Patterson, whose name is on the stadium, about modernizing the front entrance to the stadium.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.