This Week in History: Hayes Stadium Dedication

On October 19, 2007, Tom and Lib Phillips Field was formally introduced as the new Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium at Phillips Field after a nearly $6 million transformation. The initial setup of metal bleachers with a small metal press box at the top gave way for a completely new experience to 49ers baseball. The renovation project affected all aspects of the program except the playing field which eventually follows. The concession stand and bathrooms across the street were no more. The overhaul features new lower and upper level seating in a stadium bowl setting, a press box complete with radio/TV booths and the Erik Walker hospitality suite, concession stands and restrooms inside the facility. A new scoreboard, synthetic turf field, fieldhouse, and indoor facility all follow in the years to come. During the start of construction, the Niners were forced to practice at local high school facilities with a majority of the 2007 season being played at Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium in Kannapolis.

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