Covered grandstands, athletics facility planned for the future

Following its move from downtown to northwest Austin five years ago, Concordia University Texas, 11400 Concordia University Drive, is poised to see its first expansion at the new campus located off RR 620.

Dallas-based contractor The Beck Group will build a $2.6 million NCAA regulation softball field adjacent to the school's Tornado Baseball Field, Communications Director Melinda Brasher said. The project has been in the design phase for the past year and is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2014, in time for the Lady Tornados to begin their spring 2015 season, she said. Construction is set to start this summer, she said.

Brasher said the initial project will include the field, dugouts for home and visiting teams and additional parking.

"Long term, the university hopes to raise an additional $4 million to build covered grandstands and a 12,000-square-foot athletic facility that will include locker rooms, training facilities, offices and a weight room," she said.

Brasher said the team currently plays softball at nearby fields, and under NCAA guidelines, colleges need to provide equal opportunity for women and men.

The school hired coach Rachel Reekstin, formerly of Wellesley College and Concordia University Irvine, on Aug. 12 to head up the Lady Tornados softball program, Brasher said. The Lady Tornados placed second in the ASC Conference in 2013 with a 25-15 record, she said.

Future plans for expansion

Melinda Brasher, Concordia University Texas communications director, said the school's 30-year master plan includes the following additional athletic facilities:

• Field houses
• Soccer fields
• Covered grandstands
• Athletics training facility with locker rooms, a weight room and offices