ELON, N.C. – Elon University and the softball program will host a dedication ceremony for the opening of Hunt Softball Park and BB&T Field, today, Feb. 28. The reception will honor and celebrate the donors of the park, Sam and Vicky Hunt, and is scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. prior to Elon’s game against Virginia Tech.
 
The dedication will honor lead donors Sam and Vicky Hunt of Burlington, N.C., who gave gifts of more than $1.25 million for the project. Vicky Hunt is an Elon trustee and Sam is a local business leader and a Phoenix softball fan.
 
Other donors of the project that will be recognized are Elon trustees Zac and Dot Walker while Bill Gomory and other representatives from the BB&T Corporation will be in attendance.
 
Members of the community are encouraged to arrive early for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the front of the entrance gates of the stadium. Elon University President Leo M. Lambert, Director of Athletics Dave Blank, Phoenix head softball coach Kathy Bocock and others will offer words to the public and give recognition to the donors.
 
At 4:30 p.m., everyone will be invited to enter the stadium where refreshments and souvenir softballs will be available. At 5 p.m., the Hunts, the Walkers and the BB&T representatives will throw out the first pitches.
 
Hunt Softball Park and BB&T Field are the newest additions to Elon's North Athletics Complex. The park includes brick grandstands with seating for 311 fans, a spacious press box, concourse and concessions area, two batting cages and a bullpen on the home side and a batting cage and bullpen on the visitor’s side.
 
BB&T Field features natural turf outfield, a synthetic turf infield apron and a high-tech clay infield with optimal drainage, allowing games to be played within minutes of a rainstorm. This is the same system in place at Elon's Latham Park for baseball.
 
Elon will look for its sixth straight win tonight against the Hokies (11-1). The Phoenix has posted a record 5-1 record at Hunt Softball Park since opening its new home last Wednesday, Feb. 20.