GCSU’s athletic department received a $2 million donation, the largest in school history, from E.R. Snell to renovate the baseball stadium with a new building and press box.
The renovation will take place at John Kurtz Field, and upgrades are expected to enhance the overall experience for players, fans and recruits while continuing to build on the program’s success in Division II baseball.
The project will include improvements to facilities that support both gameday operations and the overall student-athlete experience. These upgrades are expected to create a modern, competitive space for the program and strengthen the connection between the team and the GCSU community, giving fans a more engaging and comfortable experience.
Head baseball coach Jeff Pelkey said the renovations will have a lasting impact on the program and the fans.
“These renovations for the program mean a lot not just for our players here now but the alumni and supporters that have backed this program for years,” Pelkey said.
Pelkey believes the upgrades will also help attract future players and strengthen recruiting efforts.
“When recruits see this new stadium, I truly believe they will be blown away and it will be a major selling point,” Pelkey said.
He said expectations for college baseball stadiums have changed a lot over time, even at the Division II level.
“Like it or not part of D2 baseball now is keeping with the Joneses when it comes to facilities,” Pelkey said. “Recruits and players want to play in nice ballparks and stadiums. It will just add to the positive experience of GCSU baseball.”
Pelkey said he is looking forward to the reaction from those connected to the program once the renovations are complete.
“What I am most excited about is seeing the joy in alumni, parents, supporters and players’ faces once they see it done,” Pelkey said. “It will be one of the most impressive stadiums in D2 baseball and I can’t wait for the next chapter of GCSU Bobcat baseball.”
GCSU’s baseball and softball teams have written a lot of history over at the Peeler Athletic Complex, which hosts John Kurtz Field, the Bobcat Softball Field and the Bobcat Soccer Field, and Athletic Director Wendell Staton always enjoys hosting events to commemorate the athletes of GCSU history.
Saturday, April 18, GCSU hosted Return of the Champions Alumni Day, allowing some of the most accomplished players in Bobcat history to return to the fields and view the current state of John Kurtz Field one last time before renovations.
“The vision is to make Kurtz Field a destination,” Pelkey said in an interview with the GCSU Athletic Department.
The renovations are not only expected to improve the quality of life for coaches, players and fans, but also improve the ability to host commemorations for more and more historic Bobcats as the years go on.
According to a release from GCSU athletics, the Snell family’s gift will enhance the overall stadium experience and support the program long term. E.R. Snell, in a statement provided to GCSU Athletics, said the goal of the donation is to support student-athletes and continue the growth of Bobcat baseball.
The Snell family has strong ties to the program, including former Bobcat Chandler Snell, who contributed to the Bobcats’ 2010 Peach Belt Conference championship and NCAA Division II Southeast Regional title, adding a personal connection to the impact of the donation. The Snell family continues to have a strong connection to the program.
The renovations also reflect the continued support from donors and the community, showing confidence in the direction of GCSU Athletics. Investments like this help strengthen the program’s visibility and competitiveness within the Peach Belt Conference.
The project is part of a larger investment in GCSU Athletics as the department continues to grow. With renovations underway, the baseball program continues to build on its tradition while improving the overall player experience.
As construction moves forward, students, alumni and fans should follow the project and support GCSU baseball as it enters a new chapter by attending games and staying engaged with the team.