GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The University of North Dakota Athletic Department has announced that the grand opening of Albrecht Field will take place on Saturday, September 21. Doors will open to the public for the first time at 6 p.m. as the Pride of the North and UND Spirit Squads will lead the Fighting Hawks Softball team into the stadium in advance of a 7 p.m. first pitch between UND and Northwest Missouri State. Admission is free and parking will be available at Memorial Union.

"We are extremely excited to officially open up Albrecht Field," stated UND Softball head coach Jordan Stevens. "It is unbelievable to me how this idea of a new field was thrown out not too long ago and just how fast this project was completed. That is a testament to the huge amount of support shown by Dr. Armacost and the University administration, our athletics administration led by Bill Chaves, our city-mayor and council, the Memorial Village Development Team, our fans, our players and alums, and the generosity, passion and excitement for UND softball of Dave, Alexa and the entire Albrecht Family.  Without their lead, this dream would not have come to fruition."

The celebration features several free activities and promotions throughout the evening, including glitter tattoos (6-7:30 p.m.) in the stadium's main concourse, green light-up bracelets, a UND photo booth, Fighting Hawk cookies and a 50/50 raffle in addition to a commemorative giveaway. Cookies and promotional items are available while supplies last.

"We are thrilled to help bring this special field to campus as the new home of University of North Dakota softball," remarked Dave Albrecht. "The state-of-the-art design provides players a first-class experience and fans a venue to enjoy softball like no other. The details we have integrated into the design of the field allow fans to watch from nearly every angle, and tie in UND's rich aviation history with a multi-level aviation themed deck in left field. This one is for the girls… for the women of UND softball, the youth of Grand Forks, and girls across North Dakota, this field is for you."

Special donors to the project and UND dignitaries will be on hand for ceremonial first pitches. Following the on-field action between the Fighting Hawks and the NCAA Division II Bearcats, all fans are welcome to hit the playing surface for postgame base running.

"The Albrecht Softball Field stands as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships," said Craig Tweten, of Memorial Village Development Team. "Through the collaborative efforts of the University of North Dakota, the City of Grand Forks, and the generous support of Dave and Alexa Albrecht, Memorial Village Development Group, and many others, we have created an exceptional facility that enhances both our campus and community. This project exemplifies how a shared vision and investment can yield extraordinary results."

UND Athletics encourages all alumni softball players as well as any current middle school and high school softball players to wear their team jersey to the event.

Stevens noted, "There is a lot of planning going on for this event to make it special for everyone. Much like our field, this day will be top notch and quite an event."

Albrecht concluded, "The grand opener will be a memorable evening, and the dawn of a new era for softball at North Dakota."

Fans can follow North Dakota Athletics on social media @UNDsports for future announcements and more information regarding the event in the coming weeks.

ABOUT ALBRECHT FIELD

Albrecht Field is part of Memorial Village II, located directly across 2nd Ave. N from the soon-to-be completed Memorial Village, which provides commercial space and mixed-living opportunities for the community of Grand Forks thanks to the public-private partnership of UND Athletics, UND Alumni Association & Foundation, the City of Grand Forks, the Memorial Village Development Group and a generous gift from lead donors Alexa and Dave Albrecht.

The stadium, which allows UND Softball to host games on campus for the first time in program history, features over 500 spectator seats, a special party deck in left field, an LED videoboard and is pet friendly.

Large dugouts, a dual-purpose batting cage/bullpen and a state-of-the-art turf playing surface are just a few of the amenities that UND softball student-athletes will enjoy. The stadium will be located across the street from the Frederick D. Pollard Athletic Center and soon-to-be constructed Nodak Insurance Company Sports Performance Center, which will feature new locker rooms, weight room and sports medicine area for the softball program.

For more information on North Dakota Softball, follow on social media @UNDsoftball or visit FightingHawks.com.

-- UND --