New Luther College baseball and softball stadiums dedicated

Luther College's baseball and softball teams have new stadiums this year that are providing great game-day experiences for both spectators and players. The community is invited to a service of dedication for the stadiums and for Betty A. Hoff Field at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Both the Luther baseball and softball teams will play home games that day. The baseball team plays Nebraska Wesleyan University in a doubleheader beginning at noon. The softball team plays Simpson College at 1:00 p.m. All games are open to the public with no charge for admission.

The dedication will include fanfares by the Luther Trumpet Ensemble, conducted by John Cord, assistant professor of music; an invocation and prayer of dedication by campus pastor Mike Blair; remarks by Luther College President Paula J. Carlson and ceremonial first pitches before each game.

"As a lifelong baseball and softball fan, I am thrilled that Luther College can now offer our students a best in the league, playing experience through these wonderful new stadiums," President Carlson said. "The new bleachers and standing areas give spectators a better view, we'll never miss a play."

Each stadium has bleacher seating for 171 and up to 88 chair back seats that were once part of the Minneapolis Metrodome, including seating for people with disabilities.

The softball field has been named for Betty Hoff in honor of her longtime service to Luther. Hoff, a 1960 Luther graduate, was a professor, coach and athletic trainer from 1961-2004. She was head softball coach from 1969-2001, with a career record of 544-343-1 and four Iowa Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women state championships. In 1992, Hoff became the first Division III coach inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

"These two stadiums are now the best in the Iowa Conference for our fans and prospective student athletes and their families to enjoy an afternoon of baseball and softball right on campus," said Luther College Athletic Director Renae Hartl. "Our current student athletes have such a special venue for practice everyday and to compete on game day. For softball specifically, it is a personal and special honor to name this field after Coach Betty."