Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Baseball Unveils Major Upgrades to Oestrike Stadium
7/15/2025 3:37:00 PM | Baseball
A full turf playing surface is coming this summer
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University baseball program is getting a major facilities boost, as construction is now underway on a full synthetic turf playing surface at Oestrike Stadium. The new field is expected to be completed ahead of the team's 2025 fall practices, ensuring the Eagles can hit the ground running when classes resume.
The all-turf surface will encompass the entire field — including the infield, outfield, pitcher's mound, and batter's boxes — marking a significant evolution for one of the Mid-American Conference's most historic venues. Center field will prominently feature the iconic Eastern Michigan script "E," tying the modern upgrade to the program's tradition.
"These upgrades represent a major step forward for EMU Baseball and demonstrate our continued investment in the student-athlete experience," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "By improving field conditions and reducing weather-related disruptions, we're providing our team and the community with a top-tier playing environment."
EMU becomes the fourth NCAA Division I program in Michigan to transition to a fully synthetic surface and is now the eighth stadium in the MAC to do so. This enhancement follows previous turf renovations in the infield in 2007 and again in 2017. The synthetic surface will also benefit the many high school and youth teams that compete at Oestrike Stadium throughout the spring and summer.
"Anything of significance requires a compelling vision, creativity, collaboration, and unprecedented commitment," added Head Coach Robbie Britt. "This project is the next step in our program's progress, and it reflects all of those elements coming together. We are so grateful for the commitment of so many — from University leadership to generous supporters — who believe in what Eastern Michigan Baseball is building. These upgrades not only benefit our players, but elevate the experience for the fans, families, and community members who make Oestrike such a special place."
In addition to the turf, the project includes new wall padding in the outfield and the batting cages receiving new turf and netting.
These improvements are the latest in a series of facility investments made in recent years to elevate EMU Baseball:
- TrackMan Stadium V3 installation for advanced tracking of pitch and hit data.
- AWRE six-camera system to assist with player development and support instant replay.
-Expanded press box with dedicated home and visiting radio spaces, along with fiber-optic connections to integrate with EMU's ESPN+ control room and future videoboard plans.
- Graded and repaved concourse, including trimmed trees and a redesigned ballpark entryway to improve fan experience.
The stadium upgrades follow a season of progress for the Eagles on the diamond:
- A seven-win improvement over 2024.
- First road win over a Power 4 opponent since 2018.
- First postseason win and appearance since 2017 and 2018, respectively.
- Double the number of All-MAC selections and Player of the Week honors compared to last season.
- First All-MAC Tournament Team selection since 2017
The all-turf surface will encompass the entire field — including the infield, outfield, pitcher's mound, and batter's boxes — marking a significant evolution for one of the Mid-American Conference's most historic venues. Center field will prominently feature the iconic Eastern Michigan script "E," tying the modern upgrade to the program's tradition.
"These upgrades represent a major step forward for EMU Baseball and demonstrate our continued investment in the student-athlete experience," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "By improving field conditions and reducing weather-related disruptions, we're providing our team and the community with a top-tier playing environment."
EMU becomes the fourth NCAA Division I program in Michigan to transition to a fully synthetic surface and is now the eighth stadium in the MAC to do so. This enhancement follows previous turf renovations in the infield in 2007 and again in 2017. The synthetic surface will also benefit the many high school and youth teams that compete at Oestrike Stadium throughout the spring and summer.
"Anything of significance requires a compelling vision, creativity, collaboration, and unprecedented commitment," added Head Coach Robbie Britt. "This project is the next step in our program's progress, and it reflects all of those elements coming together. We are so grateful for the commitment of so many — from University leadership to generous supporters — who believe in what Eastern Michigan Baseball is building. These upgrades not only benefit our players, but elevate the experience for the fans, families, and community members who make Oestrike such a special place."
In addition to the turf, the project includes new wall padding in the outfield and the batting cages receiving new turf and netting.
These improvements are the latest in a series of facility investments made in recent years to elevate EMU Baseball:
- TrackMan Stadium V3 installation for advanced tracking of pitch and hit data.
- AWRE six-camera system to assist with player development and support instant replay.
-Expanded press box with dedicated home and visiting radio spaces, along with fiber-optic connections to integrate with EMU's ESPN+ control room and future videoboard plans.
- Graded and repaved concourse, including trimmed trees and a redesigned ballpark entryway to improve fan experience.
The stadium upgrades follow a season of progress for the Eagles on the diamond:
- A seven-win improvement over 2024.
- First road win over a Power 4 opponent since 2018.
- First postseason win and appearance since 2017 and 2018, respectively.
- Double the number of All-MAC selections and Player of the Week honors compared to last season.
- First All-MAC Tournament Team selection since 2017
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