March 19, 2012

MERION STATION, Pa. - After 21 seasons of playing home games away from campus, the Saint Joseph's softball team will play the first game at its new ballpark on Wednesday, March 21. The Hawks, who last played on campus in 1990, will take up residence on the James J. Maguire '58 Campus beginning with Wednesday's doubleheader against the Rider Broncs. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m.

Audio and video of the game will be streamed live and free of charge via Hawks All-Access, beginning at 2:45 p.m.

Watch Game 1 vs. Rider, March 21, 2012

Live Stats Game 1 vs. Rider, March 21, 2012

Watch Game 2 vs. Rider, March 21, 2012

Live Stats Game 2 vs. Rider, March 21, 2012

Listen Live Games 1 & 2 vs. Rider, March 21, 2012

"There is a certain pride in this program, and I really believe that great things are going to come from this field. It's very exciting," said assistant coach Ron Shoemaker.

Prior to the game, there will be a ceremonial first pitch, as well as a blessing of the field.

The new field will feature an industry-standard, state-of-the-art AstroTurf 3D GameDay Grass surface, the same synthetic surface in use at Major League stadiums such as Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario.

Fans will be able to sit in bleachers behind home plate, or they can take in the action along the foul lines or on the grass beyond the outfield wall.

An official dedication ceremony for both the baseball and softball facilities will be held on Saturday, May 5; the baseball team plays host to George Washington at 1:00 p.m., while the softball team will play its regular season finale against St. Bonaventure at noon.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING FOR THE SAINT JOSEPH'S SOFTBALL FIELD
Due to limited parking availability on the Maguire Campus, we ask that fans attending games at Saint Joseph's park in the Hawks' Landing parking facility on 54th Street. A shuttle service will be provided, but walking directions to the ballpark are included below.

From the North: N.J. Turnpike to Exit 6 (Pa. Turnpike connector). Follow Pa. Turnpike to Exit 20 (I-476). Follow 476 South to I-76 East, towards Philadelphia. Follow I-76 East to Exit 339 (US-1 South, City Avenue). Turn left onto 54th Street. Turn into the first driveway on the left, then make a right into the Hawks' Landing parking facility. From there, exit the parking garage and turn right along 54th Street. Cross City Avenue at the light (in front of Starbucks), then head left up City Avenue. Upon reaching the Maguire Campus, follow the walking path alongside Ellen Ryan Field, between the Campus Commons and Merion Hall, and to the left of the O'Pake Recreation Center. The softball field will be up the hill to the left.

From the East: Take either the Ben Franklin Bridge (via Rt. 676) or the Walt Whitman Bridge: Follow I-76 West to Exit 339 (US-1 South, City Avenue). Turn left onto 54th Street. Turn into the first driveway on the left, then make a right into the Hawks' Landing parking facility. From there, exit the parking garage and turn right along 54th Street. Cross City Avenue at the light (in front of Starbucks), then head left up City Avenue. Upon reaching the Maguire Campus, follow the walking path alongside Ellen Ryan Field, between the Campus Commons and Merion Hall, and to the left of the O'Pake Recreation Center. The softball field will be up the hill to the left.

From the South: I-95 North to I-476 North. Follow I-476 North to I-76 East, towards Philadelphia. Follow I-76 East to Exit 339 (US-1 South, City Avenue). Turn left onto 54th Street. Turn into the first driveway on the left, then make a right into the Hawks' Landing parking facility. From there, exit the parking garage and turn right along 54th Street. Cross City Avenue at the light (in front of Starbucks), then head left up City Avenue. Upon reaching the Maguire Campus, follow the walking path alongside Ellen Ryan Field, between the Campus Commons and Merion Hall, and to the left of the O'Pake Recreation Center. The softball field will be up the hill to the left.