UFCU Disch-Falk Field

Infobox_Baseball_Stadium
stadium_name = UFCU Disch-Falk Field
nickname = "The Disch"


location = Austin, Texas
broke_ground =
opened = February 17, 1975
closed = Open
demolished = N/A
owner = University of Texas
operator = University of Texas
surface = FieldTurf
construction_cost = $21MM (2006 Renovation)
architect = DLR Group (2006 Renovation)
former_names =
tenants = Texas Longhorns (NCAA) (1975-present)
seating_capacity = 6,649
dimensions = Left field - 340 ft (103.5 m)
Center field - 400 ft (122 m)
Right field - 325 ft (99 m)

UFCU Disch-Falk Field is the baseball field of the University of Texas at Austin. It has been home to Texas Longhorns baseball since it was opened on February 17, 1975. On that day, the eventual NCAA national champion Longhorns swept a doubleheader from St. Mary's by scores of 4-0 and 11-0.

The stadium is named for former Longhorns coaches Billy Disch and Bibb Falk. Beginning August 1, 2006, the name of the stadium was changed to "UFCU Disch-Falk Field", following a sponsorship deal with a local credit union, University Federal Credit Union.

tadium facts

*Geographic coordinates: 30.280°N 97.726°W.
*Capacity: The facility seats more than 6,500 spectators, with chairbacks on more than 5,000 seats and covered seating throughout most of the stands.
*Surface: The field and warning track are AstroTurf, installed in 1999.
*Field dimensions: 340 feet down the left field line, 325 down the right field line and 400 to center field.

Changes to Disch-Falk

coreboard

During the 2005 season, the scoreboard in left-center field, which was installed in 1989 and upgraded in 1996, was completely dismantled. A new scoreboard with a full-color video screen was erected in its place.

Renovation

On July 8, 2005, the University announced an $18 million renovation project for Disch-Falk Field, to be completed in time for the 2008 season. Those plans include:

* Completely new exterior facade.
* Official seating capacity increased to approximately 8,000, which would make it the second-largest baseball stadium in the Big 12 Conference.
** Reduced foul territory down the base lines to accommodate new seating.
** Addition of club seating with elevator access.
* Dugouts moved closer to the field.
* Existing bleachers down right field line moved closer to field and raised to same height as grandstands.
* New bullpens and locker rooms.
* New lighting and sound systems.
* Renovated and expanded concourses, including new concession areas and restrooms.
* Replacement of AstroTurf surface with FieldTurf. [http://www.fieldturf.com/baseball/upAndComing.cfm]

Construction began in late 2006. The Longhorns played their 2007 season at the stadium despite the renovation, although a few early season games and the NCAA Regional Tournament were moved to the nearby Dell Diamond. Had Texas advanced to and hosted a Super Regional, it would have been held at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, Texas. DLR Group has been awarded the renovation contract.

Naming

On October 12, 2005, the University announced a $13.1 million gift from University Federal Credit Union as the major gift in the campaign to finance the renovation of the ballpark. In connection with this gift, the name of the stadium changed to UFCU Disch-Falk Field on August 1, 2006.

External links

* [http://www.texassports.com/Disch/ Texas "Step Up to the Plate" Renovation Donation Campaign]
* [http://www.texassports.com/?s=&url_channel_id=18&url_article_id=2514&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2 Disch-Falk renovation and renaming announcement at "TexasSports.com"]
* [http://www.collegebaseballdigest.com/news/2006/feb/DLR_awarded_Disch_Falk_expansion.htm DLR Group awarded expansion contract]
* [http://www.dlrgroup.com DLR Group website]