The $21.8 million Buffalo Sports Park is visibly reshaping the north side of the West Texas A&M University.
“We are just real excited,” said Bill Craddock, director of recreational sports.
“I think that it is progressing real well. They are working long and hard to make sure that the fields will be ready to go by the start of school.”
While the concession stands, ticket stands and restrooms may not be completed by the start of the fall semester, which is Aug. 30, they are expected to be completed by the time that baseball, softball and soccer season comes to the Texas Panhandle.
The complex includes the competition David and Myrt Wilder Baseball Field with seating; a competition softball field with seating; a competition combined soccer and track and field facility with seating; two combination football and soccer practice fields; a three-field intramural and recreational softball/flag football facility with lighting; two intramural basketball courts with lighting; two intramural tennis courts with lighting; a practice field for the WTAMU marching band; a grand lawn park activity area with lighting; a jogging trail with lighting; as well as, rest room, concession and ticket facilities.
“From a recreational side, it will provide less rainouts, and it will reduce the number of canceled games,” Craddock said. “The fields are going to drain real well. The sand volleyball, outdoor basketball and tennis courts are just outstanding.
“The community will be able to use them, but it will no longer be free availability. The fields will have a reservation system that they will have to go through. They need to contact recreation sports to do that. We are excited and ready for them to be complete; mostly for our students to be able to use them.”
However, it is not just the WT administration that is excited, but the city commissioners and staff, as well.
