Time to put up, guys. No free lunch.
The final fundraising push is under way for expansion of Jim Patterson Stadium, with work tentatively scheduled to begin after the current season.
What remains to be seen, however, is the level of involvement of fans. You know, the ones who take advantage of free admission to watch University of Louisville baseball. The ones who like to boast that most of the new facilities are privately funded.
U of L is providing an easy way to get involved, but many fans still need to follow through on good intentions.
A permanent Cardinal Bird sculpture, consisting of baseballs, will recognize people supporting the project. The sculpture will consist of a red section for $300 contributors and a gold section for $1,000 gifts, baseballs complete with the contributor’s autograph. The goal is to raise $400,000 from from the baseballs of the projected $3.5 million expansion.
Thus far, about 200 out 1,000 baseballs have been claimed. A $300 contribution, like the observer’s, can be put on a credit card and spread out for only $12.50 over 24 months. A $1,000 gift is $42 a month over the same period. Gifts are tax deducible, of course.
Step up to the plate. Time to expand Jim Patterson Stadium.