Tiger Stadium
Constructed: 1999
Seating capacity: 500
Infield: Oklahoma Red Clay
Outfield: Fescue Grass
Tiger Stadium is home to the Fort Hays State University softball team. Groundbreaking for the stadium occurred in January of 1998 and was ready for action by February of 1999. The stadium’s official dedication came on April 15, 1999, at a home game versus Mesa State College.
Tiger Stadium is on the south side of Gross Memorial Coliseum/Cunningham Hall. The park features concession facilities and seating for 500 Tiger fans.
Both dugouts were built above ground with a six foot high protection fence in front. A large press box sits behind the stands which houses the public address announcer, scoreboard operator, official scorer, and working media.
Park dimensions are 200 feet down the left and right field lines, 210 feet to the power alleys and 220 feet to center field. The chainlink outfield fence stands eight feet high.
Upgrades to the park were made before the 2007 season with the installation of a new Oklahoma red clay infield surface. The surface is excellent for the Kansas wind and has a high moisture content ratio, providing the ability to withstand spring storms, particularly in the absence of field tarp. Drought resistent fescue grass is the surface in the outfield and foul territory.
Additional upgrades to the field prior to 2007 included the installation of protective piping and a green windscreen along the outfield fence. The additions help enclose the field and give the facility more of a ballpark feel. In the summer of 2007, a new net-style backstop replaced the old chain link backstop behind home plate. Most recently in 2008, a new scoreboard with LED lighting was installed beyond the outfield wall.
Behind the center field portion of the fence sits three flagpoles which hold the American, State of Kansas and FHSU flags. The chainlink fence alongside foul territory contains billboards of Tiger supporters.
The stadium also features two bullpens and two batting tunnels. They are located outside the playing area down the right and left field lines. Lights were installed during the summer of 2003 to aid in hosting tournaments and night contests. The lights are positioned behind each dugout and to each side of right and left field.