Los Angeles, CA (Nov. 30) - The two newest additions to the Athletics' family at Loyola Marymount University are nearly done. The Thomas Higgins, S.J., Short Game Center for the men's golf program and Smith Field for the softball team are in the process of having the final touches put in place to debut in the upcoming Spring 2006 season.

Thanks to private donations to LMU Athletics and the men's golf team, the LMU golf practice facility was able to allow players begin practice on it in October of 2005 with the grounds work completed by the end of the year.

The total area of the putting green is around 5,900 square feet of synthetic turf and includes a first cut fringe and rough. The putting surface is more than 2,800 square feet of polypropylene fibers and 1.25 inches in height. The first cut fringe is around 600 square feet and will be 1.75 inches in height. The final cut of rough is more than 2,000 square feet at two inches in height. Nine different cups with pins and flags are installed into the putting surface.

As for Smith Field, it has begun to take shape over the last several weeks as the grass is nearly fully grown within the field area. Final cosmetics will take place through December, including the state-of-the-art scoreboard, final landscaping and final touches to the batting cages.

The new Smith Field will be as unique as the family's college experience as the ballpark will combine state-of-the-art with a park-like atmosphere. Smith Field will be in a similar location than the original ball field but flipped so that home plate is in the northwest corner. The field was made possible by donations from the Mike and Patty Smith Family and is named in their honor.

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