Jan. 23, 2006

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Last Saturday, Smith Field, the newest LMU Athletics facility was officially opened with a private dedication ceremony. The Smith Family celebrated the new facility alongside members of the LMU softball team and the LMU community.

The day started with a softball game on the new field, with members of the Smith Family and the current softball team participating. The highlight of the game was a Mike Smith home run, and he was greeted at home plate with the traditional LMU home run celebration.

Following the game, LMU President Fr. Robert B. Lawton, S.J., LMU Head Coach Gary Ferrin, and LMU senior Brittany Bassett all spoke to those in attendance to express their gratitude towards the Smith Family and explain how the new field will be a benefit to the entire LMU community, as well as the athletic department and softball team. Mike and Patty Smith concluded the ceremony with their thoughts on helping the university and the program with the beautiful new facility.

"It was a great day to be a Lion softball player. Thanks to the generosity of Patty and Mike Smith, our softball team has a home they can be proud of, and that future recruits will love to play on," said LMU Athletic Director Bill Husak.

Following the festivities on the field, a dinner was held in the Founder's Room to wrap up the great day of celebration.

For more information on Smith Field, click here.

For photos of Smith Field, click here.

The Lions open their season on February 9th in Hawaii, and play their first home games on Sunday, February 19th. LMU hosts UC Riverside in a doubleheader starting at noon for the first games on the new field.

- GO LIONS! -